Mckenna Omoruyi
Staff Reporter
This Christmas season will undoubtedly be different from times in the past. Even though Christmas is a time for being around family and loved ones the ongoing pandemic makes it hard to get to see everyone. Still, there are things we all can do to make our environments a safe place for this Christmas. Experts across the country have stressed that staying home is the best option. Still, after months of isolation, economic anxiety, and pandemic fatigue, it is completely understandable that people are yearning for hugs from family members and huge amounts of carbohydrates.
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; most COVID-19 cases may result of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission. The good news: With some modifications, you can still make the most out of the “most wonderful time of the year.”
“We’re in a very difficult time, it presents a wonderful opportunity to be creative, put family and friendship first, and celebrate the good things we have. During this once-in-a-generation moment, it’s an act of love to keep your friends and families safe — for as long as it takes,” said Richard C. Wender, MD, chair of Family Medicine and Community Health in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
One good way to be creative are to do Zoom calls. If everyone can contact families and friends, they can end up with a huge Zoom call that helps to connect those who would otherwise be alone. If everyone gets some food and drinks, people can even do family dinners over Zoom. For those who are good at decorating, families can have a Christmas decorating contest where everyone posts how they decorated their house or room on social media or a group chat. It will bring individual families together, as well as keep everyone communicating.
Many people think that one can choose between social distancing and using masks when we should be doing both. Statistics have shown that we are more likely to contract the virus from a loved one than from a stranger. The strongest advice is to cut down large gatherings and continue to social distance while using masks.
Image Credit: Chad Madden on Unsplash
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