Ah. The holiday season is here, and Mariah Carey’s unmistakable “All I Want for Christmas…” is already on repeat on the slow jams stations.
In a normal year, stressful questions would arise around the holidays ‒ which side of the family to join; where to escape to for an actual vacation after seeing everyone and what sparkly dress to wear for another promising-but-likely-lackluster New Year’s Eve. This year, add the complicated issues of whether it’s safe to fly, who might be compromised by our visits and if we can even afford to travel this year.
2020, with all its mask-wearing, spiky-ball-virus glory, has canceled events and travel plans for one reason or another. It’s also left us longing for those family gatherings explaining ever so gently to Aunt Sally that no, we aren’t married yet, and yes, we know we’re not getting any younger. Who knew it’d take a pandemic to truly appreciate the opportunity and freedom we had to casually jump to just about anywhere in the world without a second thought? And that we’d (gasp!) miss those dinners-turned-lectures about how Grandpa Tom used to go to school uphill both ways in the snow (in my family’s case, this snowy, showless, sojourn happened in Vietnam, mind you) and how “we kids” don’t even know how easy we have it.
It’s a hard choice either way, whether to spend the holidays away from those you love or to potentially risk their and your own health with air travel. While everyone must ultimately decide what’s best for his/her physical, mental and emotional well-being, there are a few safety tips (from the CDC) to keep in mind if and when travel is considered:
• Get your flu shot!
• Try to drive if you can instead of flying and avoid crowded places.
• Stay at least 6-feet away from people who aren’t in your household, both inside and outdoors.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when you’re in public (airports, train stations, rideshare, cruise ships, etc.).
• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or more).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, mouth or face.
• Wash your hands again. With soap. For 20 seconds.
• After travel, stay home as much as possible for at least 14 days.
• After travel, avoid close contact with those at higher risk to contract COVID-19 or other illnesses for at least 14 days.
• If you have symptoms similar to COVID-19, self-quarantine away from everyone and monitor conditions. Consider a COVID-19 test and contacting a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Virtual gatherings or small, in-person gatherings with people in your own household are safest. So is preparing food or goodies for contactless drop-off to loved ones. Outdoor gatherings with nearby friends and family pose a moderate risk, as does visiting outdoor public places with masks and proper social distancing. Shopping in crowded stores (RIP, Black Friday, hello, Cyber Monday) and attending crowded events with people outside your household present the highest risk for infection.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to give yourself and your family some extra grace and understanding about everything going on in this crazy year, and get yourself an extra piece of pumpkin pie. 2020’s been a doozy, and you deserve a second helping of anything that brings you comfort and joy.
