The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends that you might not have seen in a while. However, it is important to remember your health and the health of those around you. It’s important to consider modifying holiday plans to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 epidemic is worsening, and larger family gatherings are an important contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. The reality is that hosting large parties, traveling to see friends and family, and brushing off masks and social distancing can have serious consequences that extend far outside of your own circle.

The good news: With some modifications, you can still make the most out of the “most wonderful time of the year.”

If you are not in a high-risk group it is not entirely crazy to meet a few people in the safest way possible, but the holidays won’t be able to be celebrated in the traditional way, so try to think about how you can be flexible.

The safest gathering is one that is a small, stable group that meets outdoors for a short duration and uses face coverings, distance and other safety measures. It is important to remember that any events that have people outside of your immediate family will increase chances of exposure to the virus.

If meeting with a small, stable group of your family is important for your holiday plans, it is recommended that you avoid activities like getting a haircut or attending indoor events in order to reduce your chances of exposure.

Here are some very easy and simple ways to keep yourself and your family safe during this holiday season:

Gather outside and follow safety regulations

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 is higher in closed spaces than open spaces. This is why it is important to remember that holding bigger family gatherings may be safer outside. Remember that while it may be hard, it’s safer for everyone to follow social distancing guidelines.

Keep gatherings small by limiting them to less than three households.

When people from different households are together at the same time in the same space, the risk of spreading COVID-19 goes up. We understand seeing family is important but limit the numbers to keep each other safe.

Keep a limit on the time

The longer people gather together, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading. That’s why gathering for longer than two hours is not recommended. The amount of time you spend indoors makes a difference to the build-up of viruses in the air. From a contact-tracing perspective 15 minutes of sitting within 6 feet of someone indoors is the definition of “close contact”. Shorter visits are therefore better than longer visits. Keep this in mind while planning any festive activities.

Do not participate in multiple meetings with different people

The more people come into contact with others outside their household, the higher the risk of spreading COVID-19. That’s why participating in multiple gatherings with different households is strongly discouraged. If you attend several gatherings over the holidays, keep it to the same group of people.

Be aware of how you and your loved ones are feeling

Take your temperature before you gather. If you are running a fever or feel ill, stay home. If your guests aren’t feeling well, tell them to stay home. If anyone in your planned gathering thinks they might have been exposed to the virus, stay home.

The CDC suggests self-quarantine for at least five days before going to spend time with your family. This way asymptomatic transmission would go down. Even though five days isn’t enough for complete safety, any time away from the public proves to be beneficial in stopping the rate of transmission.

COVID-secure your home.

There are many ways of reducing the risk of transmission indoors, including disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, wearing a mask, maintaining a 6-foot distance from others, and using separate bathrooms. Ventilation is particularly important, and in well-insulated modern homes a single open window may not be enough. Air flow is particularly important this year because that is what will limit the transmission inside closed spaces.

Learn to politely say no

You may not feel comfortable or safe with family members coming to your house or you going to visit theirs. There isn’t anything wrong with that. It can be difficult to push a loved one away if they approach you for a hug or invite you indoors. To avoid seeming rude you could think through potentially awkward situations and try to prevent them. Try to frame your saying ‘no’ as an offer, rather than a rejection. For example, don’t say, ‘don’t come near me’, but rather ‘shall I keep my distance so I don’t infect you?’ instead.

Remember your table manners

Avoid touching things that other people have touched, including shared food dishes. Ideally, guests should bring their own crockery and cutlery, and take it with them when they leave.

Think carefully about who does the washing up. It shouldn’t be the person most susceptible to catching the virus. Also remember that when the guests leave, the virus will likely remain in the house, so it’s best not to have the most vulnerable person hosting an event.

Focus on how memorable this year’s holidays will be

This holiday season is going to be different than any other we have ever witnessed. You may not remember exactly what happened at the holidays from year to year, but when something this different happens, it’ll stick out. Things that go wrong often make the best memories. This exceptional holiday season will probably be more memorable because it’s so different. We just have to find a way to make the most of it.

Remember the true meaning of the holidays

The holidays are a time of love and spending time with family and friends. However, spending time with family and friends is going to be difficult. It’s important to remember that just because you aren’t with them physically, doesn’t mean you aren’t together in spirit. This is a time of difficulty, and we need to remember that we aren’t going through this alone. Your family and friends will always just be one phone call away. Try not to worry about physically seeing them, and take the time to call and remind them you care.

Be sure to be cautious before the holidays, too. No one likes being sick during their break from school and working, and your family doesn’t want to miss your smiling face. Be sure to wear a mask and social distance in public leading up to the holidays.

We understand that this holiday season is going to be completely different than any other anyone has experienced before. It’s going to be difficult to change a routine that many families have had for years. However, for the safety of yourself, your family, and your community, consider making adjustments to a few of your holiday plans.

Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority!