As we begin to approach the holiday season, we’re bombarded by plans to attend family gatherings, Friendsgivings, shopping for presents and many more. However, this year is a little bit different; you know, because of the fact that we’re in a pandemic.
Because of this year’s risk of contracting COVID at family gatherings, experts such as Dr. Fauci, have warned citizens to limit their family gatherings or just forgo family and friend gatherings in order to stay safe. Dr. Fauci has said that you should limit the number of people at your gatherings to include only 3 households worth of people. To ensure the utmost safety and decreased risk of contracting the virus.
Here at Health Fitness Revolution, your health and safety are incredibly important to us, however, we also want to provide you with some solutions that will allow you to see and interact with your friends and family during this holiday season- after all, social health is a cornerstone of health!
Small Gatherings
Dr. Fauci has suggested that you should keep your holiday gatherings this year to a maximum of 3 households which is an average of about 12 people. However, if you’re looking to invite a few more people it should be fine, as long as you can keep the guest list to about 20 people.
In order to ensure utmost safety for you and your guests, consider taking the following precautions:
- See if everyone will agree to self-quarantine at home for 14 days beforehand
- If they can provide a negative COVID test, then that’s even better!
- Keep the guest list short
- Skip hugs, kisses and handshakes
- Have everyone wear masks when they aren’t eating
- Keep people from separate households 6 feet apart
- Keep your windows open to increase air circulation
- Have everyone wash their hands often
- Put paper towels near your sinks, so people don’t dry their hands on a shared towel
- Stagger seating to keep separate households 6 feet apart during dinner
- Appoint one person to place food on everyone’s plate, so people don’t touch shared utensils
- Consider using disposable plates, utensils, napkins and tablecloths
- Consider an alcohol-free event, since drinking lowers inhibitions
While these precautions might seem excessive, it is the best way to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus to everyone that is attending the gathering.
Also, if you are traveling to someone else’s home for the holidays, consider sharing these tips with them and also following these same precautions. You can never be too careful during a time like this!
Zoom Holiday Celebrations
Zoom has become this year’s biggest meme from students making fun of the way schools are handling the pandemic, to coworkers making fun of the way online meetings are held. The majority of this year has been you seeing your peers, teachers, and coworkers through your computer screen. And although it may be annoying to not get to see your friends and family face-to-face, at least this way you can see your favorite cousins, and your grandparents and still keep everyone safe.
You can make these zoom meetings fun by:
- Having everyone place their laptops on the table, so that you can talk while eating a holiday meal
- Sharing recipes ahead of time, so everyone can eat the same food in different places
- Honoring your usual traditions if you can, like having each person say what they’re thankful for
- Connect your laptop to the TV and dine on the couch to get a larger view of everyone
- By introducing a theme and having everyone create a festive Zoom background for their respective families
- And you can play online games that can bring together the entire family!
There are so many different ways to get everyone involved and excited for the holiday season even if you can’t see each other in person.
Picnic Style Gathering
This idea can really only work if you live in an area where it’s warm during the winter months. However, consider arranging an outdoor gathering where you and your family members can enjoy the outdoor air as well as be able to see each other.
- You can set up blankets for each family that are 6 feet apart and still obey the guidelines in order to stay safe.
- Have every family make similar dishes so this way you’re not sharing foods, but can still enjoy eating the same things.
- Wear masks when sitting close together or walking around together
- Pack lots of hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes
- Sanitize your hands and the areas around you often
- Consider using disposable plates, utensils, napkins and tablecloths
- Create some fun outdoor games for the kids and adults to engage in
Picnics are also a great way to celebrate Friendsgiving! It can allow for friends to see each other, dress up, eat some good food, and just sit around and talk!
