Feature Article: COVID-19 and the Holidays — Making Special Memories This Season
Published on in Parents PACK
Published on in Parents PACK
COVID-19 has spread at family gatherings — during birthdays, family vacations and, unfortunately, funerals — so, as you think about the holidays, it is important to plan with COVID-19 in mind. Being flexible and willing to pivot is key to enjoying this holiday season.
One way to make the holidays special, despite the unique situation in which we find ourselves, is to do some advance planning and consider alternative approaches to your typical plans — maybe even start a new tradition. Read on to find out more.
Many of us have been living in a “bubble” for much of 2020. And, while we have adapted to wearing masks, social distancing, and limiting our interactions with those outside of our bubble, some may be getting tired of these measures and longing for their typical holiday plans. Unfortunately, since many holiday traditions involve activities that provide opportunities for the virus to spread, such as visiting family and friends and attending gatherings, it will be important to consider how we can celebrate while keeping ourselves and those around us safe and healthy. With some creativity and advance planning, families can still make plenty of memories this holiday season.
First, it is important to include everyone in the planning and decision-making process to ensure that they are not only comfortable with the plans but also willing to follow and adhere to them. Likewise, if disagreements arise, be sure not to create a situation in which other family members feel as though they need to choose sides. Heading into holiday planning with an understanding and acceptance of the fact that everyone is handling public health recommendations differently, and agreeing to plan separate events if needed because of these differences, will help prevent family disagreements that remain long after the pandemic.
Some of the questions that will be important to consider this year include: Who is at higher risk of complications from COVID-19? What travel and lodging is involved, and for whom? And, how can gatherings be both safe and fun?
People with chronic conditions of the lungs and heart, those who are obese, older individuals, and certain racial and ethnic groups are at increased risk of being hospitalized, or even dying, if they are infected with COVID-19. So, when planning, you will want to consider:
It has been a tough year for everyone, so leaning into empathy and understanding, regardless of personal opinions, will be important.
For many families, traveling is as much a part of the holiday season as gift giving, but traveling is likely to look different this year, so people should be prepared:
Guests who need to travel by car may need to stay at a hotel along the way. Others may typically stay at a nearby hotel or, this year, those who normally stay at your home may opt to stay at a hotel.
Considerations for those staying at a hotel include:
Considerations when guests are staying in the same home:
When people are staying in your home, you may feel less comfortable implementing special precautions or asking them to follow rules that are not typical, but one family’s experience this summer shows why it is important to set aside your discomfort and work to keep everyone safe:
Over the summer, 20 relatives from five households spent three weeks together. Fourteen of the 20 people stayed together in the house without practicing public health measures like masking and social distancing; the other six visited outside with social distancing on two separate occasions, both lasting several hours. One person, who had a known exposure but tested negative for COVID-19 before the trip, was actually infected. While none of the six who visited outside developed COVID-19, 11 of the remaining 13 people who stayed in the home ultimately developed COVID-19. One was hospitalized, and one visited an emergency department; eventually, all recovered.
While this group was lucky that everyone recovered without any significant negative consequences, we don’t have any way to know who will become severely ill. And, sadly, many families throughout the country have stories that did not end as well. For these reasons, if people from different homes are staying together over the holidays, some tips for keeping everyone safe include:
It’s important to be flexible and realize that some traditions will need to be changed to comply with public health recommendations, all while keeping the occasion special, fun and safe.
After everyone goes home, it will be important to know if anyone develops symptoms of infection. To make this easier:
Ultimately, you may decide that a virtual holiday party is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. And, short of a power outage, virtual events can go on even if the weather does not cooperate. If you decide to go this route, get creative with your virtual gathering by considering some of these options:
Although this holiday season will be unlike any other, with advance planning, proper precautions and a little bit of creativity, your holidays can be both special and safe.
Categories: Parents PACK November 2020, Feature Article
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.