2020 COVID-19 and the CDC

There is no doubt that this holiday season looks vastly different from last. A time that usually calls for travelling to see loved ones, crowded shopping malls, and big holiday parties has, like most other aspects of life, been vastly affected by COVID-19. The pandemic has forced us to experience everything we know in an unfamiliar way, and the effects of this may be particularly felt this holiday season. While it can be quite difficult and disheartening to have to spend days rooted in family tradition apart from loved ones, it is imperative to follow CDC guidelines for the sake of community safety and preservation. If we want to stop the spread of the pandemic, there is no excuse to let up on health and safety practices, even the upcoming holidays. However, there are certainly ways to celebrate the holidays and express love and gratitude to your loved ones while being COVID safe. So, rather than foregoing holiday plans all-together, we suggest modifying your traditions to make the most of 2020’s unprecedented holiday season.

Incorporating Social Distancing and Celebrating the Holidays with Family

First and foremost, if Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or religious holidays have been important to you and your loved one’s, don’t skip out on them. Rather, with the hardships we have collectively faced in the last year, human connection is more important than ever. We suggest finding safe ways to gather with family, whether that be socially distanced in-person, or using technology. With the many new and improved digital conferencing platforms available, a virtual twist to family traditions can be new, exciting, and quite meaningful. If you and your loved ones still insist on an in-person gathering, be sure to over-communicate expectations to ensure safety and limit potential spread. With varying comfort levels regarding distancing practices, this will be sure to ease tensions and preserve health. Lastly, it is more important now than ever to remember to cherish your loved ones, just as you would in the spirit of any other holiday season.