Outlook December Digital Magazine

HOW TO CELEBRATE THE
HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR
How to still enjoy the holiday season
amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The holidays are just around the corner. As the chaotic 2020
year is finally about to come to an end, many families around
the country are looking forward to hosting gatherings, traveling,
or spending time with loved ones. Over the last month, however,
the rate of COVID-19 cases has increased rapidly with many
states breaking records for the number of hospitalizations, cases,
and deaths. And public health experts predict that this winter season
will feature an even worse surge.
According to MedPage.com and a study from Miyu Moriyama
of AnualReviews.org, the coronavirus can survive longer in cold,
dry air and low humidity, as seen in common winters. Additionally,
they add: “low humidity also increases evaporation of respiratory
viral droplets into smaller aerosol particles that can linger longer in
the air, increasing the risk of airborne transmission in the winter.
It is plausible that this can also increase exposure to a higher viral
load during the winter.”
Because of this, Americans are encouraged to try their best to follow
CDC guidelines through this winter break, including wearing a
mask, social distancing, avoiding indoor spaces, and staying home
when possible. Unfortunately, this means many traditional holiday
plans might have to be adjusted. But don’t worry - there are still
plenty of alternative activities that you can incorporate into your
holiday celebration that are both safe and enjoyable.
photo courtesy of annie spratt on unsplash
2. shopping
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viraj khetan | staff writer
eileen lincoln | editorial board
1. food
While hosting a holiday dinner with friends might
sound fun, gathering in an indoor space without masks
(because you are eating) might increase the risk of
spreading COVID-19. Instead, consider celebrating
virtually or limiting the celebration to members of the
household. If you do end up hosting a gathering with
guests of other households, the CDC recommends
having the party outside to increase ventilation, to
allow for mask-wearing, and to have space to social
distance. In addition, consider the duration of the gathering,
as according to the CDC, “Gatherings that last
longer pose more risk than shorter gatherings.”
The early weeks of December pose as the stretch of
time in which holiday shopping takes place. Whether
shopping early or last-minute, many stores will
contain crowds of people within indoor spaces, posing
a threat to your health. Instead, try shopping online
or using curbside pickup. This also applies to people
creating wishlists - try to avoid asking for gifts that
are only available in stores. If you do have to shop
in-person, the CDC recommends bringing your own
reusable shopping bags, disinfecting your shopping
cart, and using touchless payment if possible.
3. tv marathons
During winter break, many kids and families utilize
their time off to go out and enjoy holiday festivals,
watch parades, attend sporting events, or be part of
a New Years’ celebration. However, these activities
contain large assemblies of people in enclosed spaces,
which can increase your chance of catching the Coronavirus.
Instead, consider watching these events on TV
instead. If it’s difficult thinking about the comparison
of the live experience rather than watching it on TV,
just acknowledge that you’re inside the warm comfort
of your own home, rather than freezing yourself numb
outdoors.
In addition to these activities, here are some other ideas that can be carried out with your family: driving around your neighborhood
to look at some Christmas lights, decorating gingerbread houses, binging Christmas movies, playing board games, or baking cookies. If
nothing else, just take some time off to relax and unwind. 2020 has been the year of the unbearable, but using the holidays to connect with
your (immediate) family can help alleviate ongoing stress so that you can start off the new year strong.