Graphic by Kylee Weber
This upcoming holiday season is giving us a reminder of what family gatherings were like before the pandemic, as 2021 will be the first time in a few years that families can safely visit with one another. Due to the high and rising numbers of positive cases last winter, very few families had the opportunity to celebrate their holidays like normal. Many family traditions went undone, gifting presents was not as special, the holiday was not the same.
However, many families can comfortably visit with one another this year and somewhat go about their normal routine. With that being said, families still need to take precautions when it comes to holiday gatherings. Here are a few items to consider before going back to our old holiday lifestyle.
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If you are feeling ill, stay home. During this time of the year, we have allergies, the flu, colds and, to top it off, we have COVID-19 to still be concerned about. If you are feeling ill, whether or not it’s just allergies or reacting to the weather changing, stay home and protect your family. Everyone wants life to go back to normal, but if you are sick, don’t infect others, especially around the holidays. It is not very holly jolly of you to do so.
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Wear a mask if necessary. If you have a large family, and members are gathering in a confined space, think about wearing a mask. This can protect yourself and others. A majority of us are used to wearing a mask daily because of school and work; wearing it at a family event won’t be any different. A simple question to ask yourself is: Would I rather wear a mask around my family or not be around them at all?
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Wash your hands as much as you can or keep hand sanitizer with you. I know this is a redundant statement you have heard the past two years. However, washing your hands is beneficial toward anyone you come in contact with, and it is also good hygiene.
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Reconsider the buffet-style dinner. Thanksgiving is, in my opinion, the best meal of the year. If your family is anything like mine, the food is displayed on one table, and you go in a line to serve yourself. Reconsider this option and possibly have one person make pre-plates, or you can wear gloves and masks for the buffet. It may seem drastic, but don’t let COVID-19 ruin the best meal of the year.
Ultimately, the holiday season is an important time to spend with family and friends. Be cautious of how you feel and who you are around. Don’t let the chaos of the holiday season influence your decisions. Have a safe and happy holiday season!