Should we host or attend our usual holiday get together this year? That is the pressing question for a lot of us during this COVID edition of the 2020 holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising caution as positive cases continue to rise. That means your family’s holiday celebrations may be smaller and more intimate this year and as a parent you may need to get a little creative to keep the spirit of the holidays fun and exciting.
Here’s a few tips to celebrate the holidays safely and help limit the spread of the coronavirus in our communities:
- Wear a mask: If spending time with anyone who does not live in your home, wear a mask, especially if there is a chance you may not be able to maintain six feet or more of distance at any given point.
- Plan social distancing in advance: Don’t let yourself or attendees of any gatherings you’re hosting be caught in an uncomfortable situation that could potentially promote the spread of COVID-19. Have a plan for how people who do not live in the same home can stay six feet apart – or more – at all times.
- Be cautious when eating: The holidays and family meals go hand in hand; however, because we cannot eat or drink with masks on, this can become a troublesome time for unknowingly transmitting COVID-19. If you must eat in a group setting, try to stagger the times attendees eat and ensure six feet or more of distance between each person. Spreading out outdoors or in a larger, more open room is preferred to a more confined space, although masking and social distancing are still recommended outside.
- Limit your numbers: The fewer people gather together; the fewer people may be exposed to the virus if an asymptomatic person is a member of the party. Per the Governor’s November 16 proclamation, “No more than 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors” are allowed at social gatherings.
- Keep your hands clean: Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds and/or use a hand sanitizer often.
- Don’t share: Viruses can live on surfaces, so it’s best to avoid touching things that may be touched by others. Opt for disposable items and label them to help lessen the risk guests may accidentally eat or drink after each other. Don’t plan games or activities that promote several people touching the same objects.
- Prepare kids: Let your kids know what your holiday plans will be and that they may be in for a different holiday experience this year.
- If you’re sick, stay home!: Even if you don’t suspect COVID-19 is the reason you feel under the weather, it’s better to play it safe and not run the risk of exposing others.
Fun alternatives, to large in person gatherings, for celebrating the holidays:
- Connect virtually. While it’s not the same as an in person visit, it’s better than getting yourself or others sick! And there’s so many fun ways you can connect – enjoy a meal together, bake together, play a game together, pray together, etc.
- Decorate for the holiday. Even if it’s just your immediate family, adding some festive touches to your celebration will help you to get into the spirit of things.
- Go on a family walk or bike ride. If we luck out and have some mild weather in Central Iowa, why not get outside and enjoy the fresh air? Break out your bicycles and take a spin around the block to look for the prettiest leaves and trees. It’s a great way to work off that holiday meal.
- Play an outdoor game. Little ones love to celebrate all day long, and playing an outdoor game is the perfect way to get them off the sofa and into the fresh air.
- Watch a holiday movie. After all of the reveling, snuggle in to watch your favorite film or holiday classic.
- Order you holiday meal to go. Many local restaurants offer holiday catering and family-size meals to-go! You’ll be supporting your local restaurants and community while saving time and the stress of preparing a large meal at home.
- Make some of your own deliveries. If you have family, friends or neighbors that you know will be at home alone this year, a great way to show them you are thinking of them, is to prepare your favorite recipes —and deliver them in a contact-free way, especially if they are high risk.
- Volunteer, virtually or in person. The holidays are a time of giving, but in the middle of a pandemic, it may be more difficult to do so in person this year. Consider donating to a food bank, and if you’re able, sign up for Meals on Wheels, an organization that delivers meals to seniors, or volunteer to go grocery shopping for people who may need help getting groceries safely this season.
- Start some new traditions. Use this year as an opportunity to find new ways to celebrate. It’s okay to be sad about things being different this year, but it’s also okay to be open to new joys and family time!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Polk County Health Department have additional resources to celebrate the holidays safely. Please visit their websites for more information.
