This holiday season is going to be unlike any other. With a background of coronavirus (COVID-19) and social distancing, difficult decisions will need to be made about what the holiday season will look like this year for your family.
Whether you’re having small family gatherings or a scaled-down Christmas, here are a few things to think about over the holidays.
Keeping numbers low
According to CDC guidelines, the safest way to celebrate the winter holidays is to celebrate at home with people who live with you. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.
What to do if you are having small gatherings
If you are having small gatherings keep the following points in mind:
- Consider the number of COVID-19 cases in your local community. A high number of cases or local outbreak means only celebrate with those you live with.
- Indoor gatherings, especially those with poor ventilation (for example, small enclosed spaces with no outside air), pose more risk than outdoor gatherings.
- Longer gatherings pose more risk than shorter ones.
- Individuals who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or those that think they might have it should not attend.
Share the burden
This holiday season might be a little different but holiday stress is still a thing. Consider the following
- Order-in some family meals instead of doing all the cooking on your own.
- Get help: Delegate tasks to family members to spread out the responsibilities.
- Add some relaxing events to the diary: Go for walks, play board games or hold zoom events with family members that aren’t able to attend in person.
Take time for yourself
Don’t forget to schedule yourself some ‘me time’. These are periods of time where you do activities specifically because you personally enjoy them.
- Whether it’s reading a book, catching up on a TV show or relaxing with yoga, do things that bring you pleasure.
- Physical activity is a great outlet for stress. Stretching or meditation can be helpful.
- Recognize when you may need more help. If stress or negative thoughts get in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row, talk to a psychologist or professional counselor. Talk to your doctor or local clinic about accessing these services which range from free to hourly-paid services.
Things you can do to stay healthy
Indulge this holiday season but do so in moderation.
- Add healthy foods to the mix. For example, add fruits and veggies to just about every meal. Foods loaded with empty calories and high in saturated fats may taste great but they tend to leave you feeling sluggish.
- Opt for water or tea in place of alcohol.
- If you are going to drink alcohol, set your limits before drinking (ie. Limit yourself to one drink with lunch and another with dinner)
- Whether it’s home exercises, walks or a jog, make it a point to do some physical activity at least 2-3 times a week
This holiday season is going to be different but that does not mean it has to be any less special. Use a low-key holiday to focus on the important things – spending time with family and staying healthy. From all of us at Care For Womens Group, we wish you and your family a healthy, happy holiday and a happy 2021.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
https://www.cdc.gov/women/caregivers-covid-19/index.html