~ by Richard Sgaglio
For the past 19 months, all of us have been adjusting to a very changed world in response to COVID-19. Although we are in a new era of vaccines and now booster shots, many of us are still wary about resuming the lives we enjoyed pre-pandemic. In fact, according to a recent USA Today article, many Americans are struggling with whether they should travel over the holidays or gather in groups locally. This is with good cause. Even though immunizations are widely available, new variants have emerged that remind us to be cautious. With the holiday season upon us once again and COVID-19 still present in our communities and around the world, you may still not be able to celebrate the holidays the same way as in the past. You may not be comfortable traveling to see extended family or gathering with large groups of friends as in the past, but you can still enjoy the holidays in a safe, secure environment.
While it’s important to continue following state and local guidelines, it’s also important to acknowledge the holiday season and do things that will maintain your happiness and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can celebrate the holidays this year while being cautious. Here are some suggestions for you to celebrate the holidays and maintain your mental health during this uncertain time:
- Take Care of Yourself. You may be feeling overwhelmed the more you stay home and away from loved ones. Make sure you take care of yourself by setting aside time for yourself. This can include reading a good book, watching an uplifting movie, going for a walk, or even keeping a journal with your thoughts.
- Check In with Family & Loved Ones. Although understandable during the pandemic, reducing your contact with others can also take its toll on your mental health. If you are still not comfortable gathering with family and friends over the holidays, that’s your prerogative and you should not feel guilty about it. If you aren’t going to gather in person, make sure to check in with others and make plans to visit with them virtually over video chat or phone calls. You can also write emails, or even reach out to friends you may not have seen or spoken to in a while.
- Connect, Engage, and Socialize in New Ways. Get creative with your virtual visits. It doesn’t just have to be a conversation anymore. You can do so much more to interact on Zoom calls or through FaceTime. Having something fun to do will keep your spirits up while still getting to socialize with your loved ones. Consider adding an activity to your online visit. You can watch a movie together virtually, play games, or even have a virtual happy hour. You are limited only by your imagination.
- Consider Health and Safety for Small Celebrations. If you do decide to have a get-together, make sure that your gathering is low-risk by having a large enough venue to make sure all your guests can social distance. Provide masks for everyone to wear while indoors. You may also consider other tips on celebrating the holidays during COVID such as having one designated server, no communal platters, and hand sanitizer available for everyone to use throughout the gathering.
- Send a Gift Basket. Send a gift basket full of the goodies to the people who cannot attend your holiday gathering. It could be food that you’re serving to those who will be in attendance, a special dessert, a unique present, or some goodies you will be giving to in-person guests. This will allow those not attending to be part of the fun and feel thought of, appreciated, and missed.
- Video Chat, Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom loved ones into your party! Virtual meetings are safe and fun. Hosting one will allow those in other areas to experience your gathering in real-time. They will also be able to visit with everyone at the same time while staying safe.
- Outdoor Reunions. These are often outdoor activities held during the holidays – neighborhood walks to see the Christmas lights, tree lighting ceremonies, and winter carnivals and farmers markets in your town or surrounding communities. Use these opportunities to meet with loved ones, neighbors, and friends. These outdoor gatherings are lower risk and can be festive during the holiday season.
Traditionally, holidays have meant visiting with family members – both near and far. COVID-19 has changed the way we view and experience holidays and get-togethers, and visiting older family members and at-risk loved ones may not be possible. Prioritize their health, but include them in your holiday plans even if those plans may need to be different than in years past.
More resources for virtual holiday gatherings and celebrations:
The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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