The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way we live and work. While we have been largely successful so far in mitigating its negative impact through health protocols and vaccination, we cannot let our guards down just yet because of the many variants of the virus still cropping up.
Especially this holiday season, it’s best that we get together and celebrate responsibly so that we don’t contribute to the further spread of the disease.
Here are just some ideas on how you can commemorate Christmas safely but still in a fun and meaningful way:
1. Keep Your Face Masks On
There’s no reason not to continue wearing masks when you meet up with family and friends over the holidays. Purchasing an antimicrobial mask through the Internet is perhaps the best favor you could do for yourself and for others.
Remember, wearing a mask not only keeps you from potentially getting infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but it also protects others as well in case you are unknowingly carrying it.
Thus, it’s just the right thing to do if you care for your community and the special people in your life.
2. Take a Jab
Another responsible thing you can do during the Christmas holidays is to make sure you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
While getting inoculated will not protect you 100% from contracting the disease, scientific studies have shown that it will almost certainly keep you from developing a severe case of infection.
Considering how many people have already suffered and died from COVID-19, this is a welcome development and a benefit you should definitely take advantage of.
3. Air It Out
Outdoor settings remain to be the safest way to celebrate amid the continued threat of COVID-19. Not only does an al fresco venue ensure good air circulation, but it also provides ample space for social distancing.
So, instead of the usual get-together at the dinner table, why not organize a pool party, a rooftop hangout or a barbecue-themed Christmas celebration instead?
These may be unorthodox ideas, but they are certainly more memorable and unique, on top of being safer for everyone attending.
4. Get Tested to Be Sure
The most ideal party set-up is where every attendee has been tested to be negative of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using the RT-PCR method. If this is not possible, at least ensure that the partygoers are from within your safe bubble of family and friends or from within the same household or neighborhood.
It would be wise to avoid meeting up with strangers, out-of-towners, or frequent travelers in the meantime as they may be unwitting carriers of the virus.
Needless to say, if any of the invitees are not feeling well, it’s best if they isolate themselves at home and skip the party.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet
Medical experts continue to remind us to keep our immune system strong because it is our first line of defense against the virus.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to avoid partying at night and well into the wee hours of the morning. Getting enough sleep is beneficial for everyone’s health, so make sure the gathering does not keep people past their usual bedtime.
This is especially beneficial for older folks and those who are in an immunocompromised state.
6. Go Easy on the Booze
Another way to keep your immunity strong is to avoid unhealthy food and vices, such as drinking and smoking. You can definitely celebrate and indulge in such treats, but remember that moderation is key.
Better yet, go for a completely healthful spread for a change. Instead of the usual party food rich in carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, incorporate more wholesome choices such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and more lean protein sources such as grilled white meat.
7. Get Creative with Gifts
The pandemic has hit a lot of people hard in terms of livelihood and income, so it’s understandable that some may not be up to celebrating at all. You can help take the financial pressure off friends and family to give lavish gifts by announcing in advance that there’s no need to bring presents.
Instead, you can have people contribute potluck food or simply be creative in terms of gift-giving, such as encouraging handmade presents.
Organizing a “white elephant” party is another great idea, where partygoers can bring an unused item from their home or recycle an unwanted gift to exchange with others.
One of the areas of daily living that COVID-19 has definitely affected is our social life, and while you may be raring to meet up and celebrate the holidays with loved ones this year, a little sacrifice can go a long way in ensuring that we don’t undo whatever wins we have achieved against the virus so far.
Hopefully, this time next year, we will be back to how we have always celebrated Christmas—warm and in close company with the people who matter to us. For now, let’s still allow ourselves some revelry but in a responsible manner.
