Fun Ideas for Enjoying the Holidays During Covid-19

Everyone loves to look forward to the holidays. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve and everything in between, celebrations mean family and friends. So how does that all work with Covid? The pandemic of 2020 has brought us countless challenges and this one requires careful thought for sure. When the one thing we all want to do is get together in person, safety guidelines must be first and foremost. Here are the best ways to plan for a safe, healthy and memorable holiday season. 

Celebrating the Holidays during Covid

Months ago, the idea of a Thanksgiving Zoom would’ve gone over like a clay pigeon. Back in the spring, many people hoped we would be “over” this steadily lingering problem of coronavirus. Warmer months made outdoor socializing easier, and even Halloween gets the benefit of crisp but not frozen temps. But when getting ready for November to January festivities, outdoors might not work for many people. Begin by mapping out your holiday season and starting the conversation with loved ones to decide what’s best for you. First, decide on where your celebrations will take place. 

Traveling During a Pandemic

If you make the decision to visit family and friends this holiday season, do so wisely. Make clear plans about who’s attending and when. Getting together in smaller groups is preferable. Also, you should know about Covid rates where you’re planning to go. Use this coronavirus checker before you make plans. Here are some other tips:

• Road trip – Best option is to travel by car. It’s all about minimizing exposure to other people, so be particularly cautious at rest stops. Gas stations, restaurants and public restrooms pose a health risk. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and wear disposable gloves (once) when possible. 
• Air travel – Flying itself is considered relatively safe. Airlines are seating people further apart and enforcing mask wearing on planes. The airports are where you have to be most careful and vigilant. 
• Stay alone – It’s best to pass up the offer to stay at loved ones’ houses, as much as it would be nice. Those who insist on staying with family should quarantine for 14 days before they travel, then get a Covid test two days before they leave. There is no way to eradicate risks, but you can minimize them this way. 

Face-to-Face Holidays during Covid

For those who want to get together in person, there are many precautions you must take. Some details seem like they should be understood at this point, but they bear repeating. Like: wear a mask, always. Stay six feet apart and wear a mask whenever you are around people other than your immediate family. 

• Take it Outside – We have substantial evidence that the coronavirus transmission is greatly reduced in open air environments. Sharing a meal with family and friends is safest in your yard, not in your home.
• Find Warmth – If you are gathering in a place like New Jersey that tends to have cold winters, invest in a heater. Those larger propane heaters you see on restaurant patios are in most people’s price range. Pick up one or two to make an outdoor meal possible.
• Use Multiple Rooms – It’s important to spread out and make the most of your space if indoors. Try breaking the party up into small eating units by household. When you take your mask off to eat you will only be exposing your housemates. Then you are free to socialize with your mask on for the rest of the evening.

Virtual Gatherings

Many people will opt for virtual celebrations this year. Families with immune-compromised members, eldery or small children, or just people who are choosing to stay on the cautious side. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and create lasting memories. Here’s how:

• Create shared experiences – Get into the spirit by doing some planning and legwork ahead of time. Agree on who will be there, then decide on ways to share an atmosphere: this could be a common playlist for background music or the same scented candles in each house. Sharing the same rituals will create a sense of unity, even if via the internet.
• Meal prep together – Children and grandparents and friends alike can connect prior to the actual holiday by baking and cooking “together.” As with all big holidays in fall and winter, it’s the spirit of the season that can bring us joy, not just one event on one day. 
• Make a gratitude bowl – For the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, ask everyone to write something they’re grateful for into a bowl. Then read aloud at the virtual table and make a toast to the good things we can find despite 2020. 
• Game on – Try out some online games you can share in a virtual experience with everyone from grandparents to young kids. Practice with everyone a couple times to get the hang of it and let the good times roll. 

New Traditions 

For a large part of our population, Covid holidays will be tough: there’s no way to deny the loss that’s been felt far and wide. As people find new ways to support each other, that also means branching out with traditions or ways of connecting. Try these creative and different ideas out this holiday season. 

• Holiday hike – Gather a socially-distanced group for a brisk hike in lieu of a meal or sitting around a tree indoors. Choose from local or day trip and enjoy the great outdoors. 
• Host a wreath party – Wreath making and decorating is a perfect outdoor holiday activity. You supply the picnic tables and your guests contribute wreath making supplies and warm beverages. Everyone leaves feeling crafty and connected. 
• Send holiday care packages – Support the post office and let loved ones know how much you care. Send or drop off local treats and holiday goodies to help guests feel part of the fun. If you can’t share the same pie this year, send mini pies to “share” virtually. Drop off homemade centerpieces to neighbors or anyone who could use a burst of sunshine on their table. 
• Do a meal “swap” – This can be done for any holiday! Plan on who will attend the outdoor swap, and what each household “rep” will bring. It can be side dishes, baked goods, beer. Check out some make ahead meals and meet up in an outdoor space the day before the big meal and swap, socially distanced. 

A Taste for Everyone

The world of virtual tastings and classes has exploded since the arrival of Covid. With so many ways to learn something new while sharing a fun experience, it’s a must for this season. Here are the best places to go for world class experiences. 

• In-home and virtual wine tastings – couch + cork offers an amazing wine tasting experience that is custom-made for their guests. It’s the perfect way to stay in but connected with loved ones through a shared experience. 
• Cocktails and an education – Check out this list of virtual distillery tours. From single malts to blended whiskeys, you can learn about the facilities from the comfort of your own home. 
• Pour me another – Virtual coffee tastings are also taking off. Begin a new family ritual that everyone can partake in this holiday season. There’s even tea tastings to give your family another virtual event. 

This season, stay healthy and be well. Getting together with family and friends won’t look the same this year, but that doesn’t mean anyone needs to be in isolation. You’ll find holiday joy with a little creativity, perspective and flexibility.