The holidays are marked by large, festive gatherings with friends and family. Many people celebrated differently last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and you might be eager to resume traditions. However, please remember that it is still important to have precautions in place to keep your loved ones safe and healthy.
Here are a few ideas for celebrating the holidays in a safe, meaningful way this year.
- Make nativity story stones to tell the story of the stable birth.
- Create a holiday season to-do list or bingo card with ideas for celebrating the holiday. Include things like bake cookies, write to Santa, sing carols, watch a holiday movie, make paper snowflakes and build a gingerbread house.
- Create a holiday playlist to share with each person’s favorite song. Also, make a list of your loved ones favorite holiday movies, and host mini movie nights with friends and family. Don’t forget the popcorn and hot cocoa!
- Host a small holiday party with family and friends. For people not able to attend in person, have them sign on to a virtual party.
- Host a small or virtual cookie or gingerbread house decorating contest. Have everyone vote on their favorite!
For in-person gathering this holiday season, guests who are eligible to be fully vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu virus should do so. Also, if eligible get your COVID-19 booster shot, get one as it is the best way to protect yourself from severe illness.
Here are some additional tips to make sure you are taking every safety precaution at this time:
- For unvaccinated guests, ask them to wear a face mask when they aren’t actively eating or drinking.
- Keep hand sanitizer or soap and water available and ask guests to wash their hands regularly.
- For all guests, ensure no one is feeling sick or has been in contact with someone who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19.
Stay updated on what Mercy Health is doing related to COVID-19.
