The holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are here. It’s a time for celebrating with family and friends; yet the gloomy cloud of Covid-19 hangs over it all like a sudden rain that spoils a lovely picnic. Some people will go forward like gangbusters, as if there were no concerns, while others will feel the need to spend their holidays solo or with only a few very close loved ones. No matter which side you lean toward, there are considerations to take into account as you determine how to plan your very own socially distant holidays this year.

Travel Restrictions: Some states are beginning to implement restrictions. For example, there may be a requirement to quarantine for 14 days after arriving to a state. Or you may need to show a negative Coronavirus test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Some states allow for traveling through by car, but they require certain protocols if it is a destination. Before making travel plans, hop online and check to avoid any issues.

Health Risks:  If your immune system is compromised in any way or you have one of the listed conditions, you may want to take whatever precautions are necessary to limit your exposure. You’ll need to decide for yourself if attending large family gatherings or events over the holidays is a risk you want to take. You’ve probably heard this list before, and you know if you’re at risk. But make sure you’re not putting any family members or friends at risk. Some of the highest-risk existing conditions, according to the data:  diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, kidney or heart disease, and cancer. There are others, though. Check before you visit.

Quarantine and Isolation: For those in isolation, this holiday season will be especially difficult. Perhaps an aging parent or family member is in a hospital or nursing home. Or they might quarantined to their house for a period of time due to illness or testing positive for coronavirus. You can make their holiday brighter by arranging a “gathering” over video conferencing. You can send cards, gifts, and most important will be telephone calls to let them know your heart and thoughts are with them. It certainly doesn’t take the place of hugs and visiting face to face, which is all the more reason to stay connected even if only by electronic means.

If you’ve checked and decided to make the trip, here are some tips to follow to keep everyone healthy.  Make sure everyone knows what the house rules are beforehand.

Ideas and Tips for Gathering

1.  Sanitize your kitchen and ensure your food preparation area is clean. Keep your hair tied back and wash hands frequently.
2. Minimize the number of people preparing the meals. Avoid a crowded kitchen. You might even consider having your holiday get-together catered.
3.  If the weather is good, take the party outdoors. Have your guests bring their own lawn chairs. Enjoy a cookout with smoked turkey and grilled vegetables. Start a new tradition.
4. Have one or two people serving the food rather than letting everyone serve themselves buffet style. Use disposable utensils, plates, and cups.
5. Be sure to have hand sanitizer, liquid soap, paper towels, and trash cans accessible in every room used for visiting. Encourage guests to use paper towels to dry their hands after washing them, instead of using cloth.
6. Keep your house or apartment well ventilated. Open windows and doors if weather permits. Fresh air does wonders!
7. Consider hosting an open house event! Instead of having a set time for family and friends to gather, spread it out over the days. Invite guests to drop by during the morning, afternoon, or early evening over two or three days. This will ensure there won’t be a large number of people congregating all at the same time.
8. Overall, cultivate an atmosphere of respect. It isn’t anything that we haven’t been taught as children: cover our mouths when coughing or sneezing, wash our hands before meals and after using the bathroom, be considerate of the needs of others.
9. Don’t judge. Some people will wear a masks, and others don’t. We can only control ourselves, not others. If you don’t feel someone is going to practice safe behavior, they can wait til next year. (This isn’t the only Thanksgiving we’ll have together as long as we stay well.)
10. Don’t go out in public or to someone’s home if you’re not feeling well. Stay home and rest until all symptoms of illness have gone away. These are courtesies that should always be in place regardless of the coronavirus.

This year, 2020, has been difficult for everyone around the world. We’ve had to make adjustments and lifestyle changes. Yet, this doesn’t mean we have to toss our traditions, stop celebrating special events, and hunker down; it just means we must learn to roll with the punches and adapt. We can still share love and laughter, practice gratefulness, and stay connected. The word of the season is A-D-A-P-T. If we do that, we’ll continue to have a lot to be grateful for!

Decorate, dress up, celebrate and rejoice! And remember to raise a toast this holiday season! If you need support, check out my other blogs on family communication, or contact me if you’d like to discuss coaching.