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As we prepare to enter the holiday season, feelings of excitement, love, and joy arise. However, this year some other emotions may also appear because of COVID-19: stress and worry. Many of us look forward to gathering with our family and friends, but this year the holidays may look a little different. How can you navigate the holidays during COVID-19?
Please note that this article is for general information only and does not count as medical advice. If you have any questions about COVID-19, viruses, or illnesses, please consult your doctor. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.
As we prepare to enter the holiday season, feelings of excitement, love, and joy arise. However, this year some other emotions may also appear because of COVID-19: stress and worry. Many of us look forward to gathering with our family and friends, but this year the holidays may look a little different. How can you navigate the holidays during COVID-19?
Please note that this article is for general information only and does not count as medical advice. If you have any questions about COVID-19, viruses, or illnesses, please consult your doctor. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.
It’s important that we acknowledge that our holiday season will look different this year. Upon accepting this reality, you may experience as myriad of emotions such as anger, frustration, and grief. Know that you are not alone when experiencing these emotions.
Since we know that our holidays will look different from last year, think about what you can do to plan ahead to make this season enjoyable. For instance, instead of having a large family feast, consider only having your immediate family around. The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household pose low risk for spread. In-person gatherings pose varying levels of risk. Event organizers and attendees should consider the risk of virus spread based on event size and use of mitigation strategies.”
If you typically go to malls for gift shopping, consider ordering your gifts online this year. If your family and friends host a gift exchange, make a plan for mailing gifts and suggest a virtual gift exchange.
If your loved one lives in a senior living community, contact the senior living community and ask if holiday visits are being offered—if they are, inquire about the visiting policies. The senior living community has likely started thinking about what holiday visiting will look like and will have an outline of policies and procedures that ensures everyone has a safe visit.
In 2019, an estimated 115 million Americans traveled during the holiday season. If you’re considering traveling for the holiday season, make sure to plan in advance. Decide if you’re going to travel by plane, take a road trip, or travel via bus or train. Each type of travel offers varying risks factors.
Consider the following recommendations from the CDC:
The holiday season is also a prime time for other viruses, such as influenza, to reign supreme. Remember to wash your hands frequently, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, avoid getting close to people who are sick, and keep a healthy lifestyle, including getting plenty of rest and eating balanced meals.
At Provision Living, we’re making the pivots to ensure our residents and their loved ones can safely connect with each other during the holiday season. The safety of our residents, team members, and their families are always our top priority.
Image credit: istockphoto.com
