COVID Christmas | How to Celebrate the 2020 Holidays
Christmas During COVID
In a year of the unexpected, one thing has come to be expected: CHANGE.
As Covid-19 case numbers rise and fall in your area, it’s best to check the CDC’s website and local guidelines for the most accurate Christmas COVID information. Assessing current case levels in your community can help you best make the right call for how to celebrate Christmas during COVID, whether that’s canceling entirely or limiting the number of guests you’re inviting. In addition to community levels of COVID-19, consider:
Party location
Party duration
Number of guests
Where your guests are traveling from
Stay organized with a COVID Christmas to-do list
When setting up your budget, factor in extra cleaning supplies and sanitizers. Make your list and shop early to avoid the holiday rush on essentials like these:
Hand sanitizer: Set up 60% alcohol hand sanitizer stations at all entrances or exits, in the kitchen, and in bathrooms. Especially when hosting outside where access to running water is limited.
Paper towels: Swap regular hand towels for single-use disposable paper hand towels.
Disposable tableware: While not as eco-friendly, 2020 is the exception to our rule to avoid single-use tableware.
Face masks: Ask guests to BYO face mask, but have extras on hand if anyone forgets.
Make it easy for guests to social distance
Along with hosting outdoors or avoiding overnights, there are other ways to minimize exposure and social distance while you’re together.
Skip welcome hugs: Fight the urge to hug friends and family, and go for elbow bumps instead. If you must hug, wear your mask to limit exposure.
Limit surface exposure: Limit how many surfaces guests have to touch. Wipe down tables. Disinfect surfaces throughout the event.
Separate personal items: Skip the giant pile of coats on your bed this year. Keep coats, bags, and personal items separate when possible.
Wash linens: Wash any reusable linens after each meal, or use hassle-free disposable napkins.
Think about food safety
Food safety is one of the most important parts of how to prepare for Christmas this year.
Instead of a pretty cocktail party punch…try single-serving options like cans or bottles.
Instead of family-style, buffet-style, and potlucks…designate one person to handle and serve food for each meal.
Instead of passing around condiments…provide single-use options for spices, dressings, or salt and pepper.
Instead of abundant cheese boards…make small snack boards for each immediate family or individual. The same goes for bowls of nuts or candy.
Instead of going straight for the appetizers…encourage everyone to wash their hands before and after they eat
Covid Christmas travel plans
If you’re traveling to visit family this year for Christmas, assess the risks and benefits before booking your trip (such as your family members’ age and health conditions). While traveling, take precautions to limit the spread of Covid-19 while you’re together and on your return.
Quarantine before travel: If your job or family situation allows, consider quarantining before your trip. Avoid contact with people outside of your household for two weeks before you’re set to leave.
Get a Covid test: To put friends and family at ease, get a Covid test before traveling so you can be sure you won’t be putting anyone at risk for getting sick.
Be safe while you travel: If driving is an option, choose it over flying or taking public transportation to minimize contact with others. If flying, all airlines will require you to wear a mask on board, but look for airlines that are blocking the middle seat between travelers. Be sure to eat something before you board to avoid having to take your mask off while on the plane.
Article Reference: Paperless Post