We are still not safe from Covid-19 because the virus is still out there. Doctors are worried about the surge of cases as safety protocols are being loosened and people are so excited to go out for the holidays. Let’s not take safety for granted. Here are some tips on how we can celebrate safely this Christmas because spending the holidays safely is a must.
Note: Special thanks to Kristin Tirante for the image manipulation of our featured photo. <3
Spending the Holidays Safely Should Be Our Utmost Concern
In these difficult times, safety should be our concern. Covid-19 is still very real and the costs of treatment and rehabilitation can be very steep, depending pre-existing health conditions.
Remember this: The government is relaxing its safety measures for the sake of economy—not because the virus is gone.
With that said, I think that it is rather careless to gather big crowds for a party in an enclosed area when we know that it can endanger everyone. Let’s not let our guards down so if you can, please avoid “unnecessary” gatherings.
It is our social responsibility.
Reasons Why Holding and Attending a Party is Risky
Why are parties risky? Here are the reasons why:
Since it’s a party, we let our guard down. We come in face masks and face shields, but we have to take them off to eat.
We are in a festive mood, so hugs and kisses are usually exchanged.
It has been a long time since we have spent time with other people, so we would tend to linger. The stories can be very long-winding.
There have been many news stories of people getting infected and even dying just because they have attended a party. So let us be prudent with the gathering we are attending. Is it worth the risk?
Tips for Spending the Holidays Safely
Yes, we miss each other but we can always find ways to go around it. I hate to be the bearer of this grim reality, but this should not be our last Christmas together.
Here are some tips so that we can still celebrate the holidays with the least risk of getting Covid-19.
1. Virtual Christmas Party
So far, our family has already attended several events virtually. These include birthday parties, a educators’ conference, awards ceremonies, press conferences, playdates, and even a wedding. Yes, with technology, it’s possible. It’s so much safer, too.
As for food, the organizers set a budget for food deliveries so that everyone can share and enjoy the moment. It’s still fun! It is really up to us to find joy in every situation without endangering anybody.
2. Go Outdoors
Air-conditioned places like malls and the restaurants inside are not really a good idea at this point. If you want, you can always order your favorite dishes from these restaurants and share them with your family at home. You can even save some money in this manner because you don’t have to order rice and drinks at restaurant prices. *wink*
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If you really want to go out, the outdoors would be the best solution. You can go to a private or a small resort so that it won’t be too crowded. Even if it’s the beach, the common areas can still be crowded if there are too many people.
To ensure proper physical distancing, choose resorts that are not too big and too open. You can check their FB pages for announcements if they are allowing full capacity or not.
Recently, we went fishing at a friend’s pond surrounded by a forested area. We had a simple picnic on our Tesalate Beach Towel as a picnic blanket.
While they already invite friends over, they see to it that these visits are scheduled so there are no crowds. This is at Casa Carolina in Mansilingan, Bacolod City, and they will eventually open to the public. But prior reservations are required.
3. Celebrate at Home
There is nothing wrong with spending a quiet evening with your just immediate family present. While we are so used to having big parties, there is also beauty and joy with intimate occasions. It’s quieter, safer, and also more cost-effective.
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Since many are still struggling financially, having a quiet Christmas at home will mean fewer expenses that won’t hurt the family budget.
While our kids are exposed to international cuisine, they can still be satisfied with simple fast food treats. It’s the family bonding time during meals that matters the most.
In a similar light, spend time bonding with your children while cooking your Noche Buena food together. Your young kids will find so much gratification over the accomplishment of preparing their own food.
4. Go on a Road Trip
If you are really itching to travel, a road trip is the safest thing for you to do to avoid Covid-19.
It is so refreshing to drive to the countryside and just enjoy the verdant forests. Open the windows to feel the cool breeze.
May I suggest packing your own food and beverages so that you won’t have to stopover roadside cafes. That way, you can park anywhere there’s a clearing and have your fill.
If you find one that doesn’t have a lot of people, that’s cool. But so far during our weekend road trips, the cafes are full of bikers having coffee and fellowship. Not a good idea.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down, Stay Safe
If we think about it, we can always downgrade our celebrations and still be grateful. The fact that you are still safe, alive, and healthy are enough reasons to be thankful wherever you are.
With the health and economic risks posed by Covid-19, it is imperative that we should aim for spending the holidays safely. It’s not just for ourselves but for our loved ones and other people.
Have a safe Christmas!
Note: Do you have any other ideas on how to spend the holidays safely? Do comment below.
This is such a great article and so very useful with great advice. I hadn’t thought of that before – about travelling. But Covid changed all that. It seems like a dream that we are able to travel freely before. Thank you for sharing.
Great ideas and tips to stay safe for the holidays, yes packing our own food and beverage for the trips will really help ! Thanks for sharing .
This is such sensible advice. I think a lot of people have forgotten that we’re not out of the woods yet with this Covid-19 virus, and that gathering at Christmas could put a lot of vulnerable people at risk. Personally, we’ll be celebrating in a low-key, distanced way this year x
These are great ‘common sense’ tips. I really hope people realize that this Covid-19 pandemic isn’t over yet. We’re doing the same as we have since March, just us, and only going out for groceries. The risk isn’t worth it.
Same here! Actually, so far, I have only done 2 grocery runs since November. I also went to my parents’ house to deliver groceries but we also practice physical distancing and we don’t kiss them anymore.
I don’t go out just for fun.
Great tips on how to stay safe over the holidays. Love the tip of a virtual party. We are staying at home and only go out for food shopping.
Same here. Events are via zoom. Even grocery shopping, it’s like once a month for me. I am more on food deliveries and homecooking now. 🙂 So tedious to go out!
People keep forgetting we are in a pandemic because of Covid-19 and letting this become the norm: people need to remember the more we practice physical distancing the better!
Holidays certainly are looking certainly looking different this year, but it sounds like you’re taking it seriously, which is great to see. It is sad that such a great time of year has to be so different, but mixing things up once in a while can be good, and it can make you appreciate the things you have as well. I think a virtual party sounds quite interesting! I’d love to go on a road trip, personally, but my partner and I are still working over Christmas so we won’t be able to. Stay safe and I hope you still enjoy your holidays 😊
Awww… hope you get to spend some holiday time with your partner, either before or after. 🙂
Yes to road trips!! It’s a great and fun alternative to celebrate Christmas plus you get to enjoy the outdoors safely! I love what you said at the end about downgrading and still remaining grateful. I believe our celebrations can still become memorable no matter how simple they are and there are a lot of things to be thankful for despite what we’re going through in this pandemic.
Every other year, my husband and I have made the 6-hour drive to go visit my family. However, with everything going on, we have decided that it would be too risky to go this year. We live in an area of the province that is moving into a full lockdown once again, but they are in an area that isn’t experiencing numbers that are as high as ours are around here. So, we don’t want to go bringing something up there to them. Instead, we’re going to do Christmas via Zoom this year.
Oh my…a lockdown again? But I think it’s for the best, knowing that people are starting to loosen up for the holidays. It’s scary! zoom is the best way in the new normal.
A great tips & informative blog post Mommy Sig. Safety first in this time of pandemic, love the tips on having another alternative yet fun & exciting celebration on Holiday.