Traditionally, the holiday season is a chance to spend time with family and friends while celebrating our blessings. But, like all things 2020, this year promises to be a little different. Families in general and, specifically, grandparents, are having to put a lot of consideration into whether or not they will be celebrating with family. Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends that “each family evaluate the risk-benefit of doing that. Particularly when you have people coming in from out of town.” Adding to the risk is the colder weather in many areas in November, which will drive everyone indoors. Keeping in mind that any social gathering increases risk, there are ways to do it more safely. It will never be risk-free, but, with some effort, the risk can be reduced.
HEALTH REMINDERS
It should go without saying, but it’s a good idea to remind potential guests to review a list of symptoms the morning of your gathering. A fever, runny nose, body aches, or cough should keep guests home (or at their hotel if they’ve already traveled). As guests arrive, have a table set up with hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Take everyone’s temperature as they arrive. At this point, most people are used to seeing these things when they enter any building. Your home should be no different.
KEEP IT SMALL
Even if you choose to have a family Thanksgiving, try to keep your gathering small. Official recommendation is to keep the gathering to under ten. Arrange seating to allow people to be further apart. Add a table or two and separate chairs more than you usually would (three feet apart is recommended). Can you buy or rent an air filter or two? That will also help. If you have an outdoor area and the weather will allow it, plan to have your celebration outdoors. Speaking of seating, it’s a good idea to put the children at a separate table. They can often be asymptomatic and risk spreading the virus to older family members. This is also a good year to consider purchasing a prepared Thanksgiving meal. Doing so would avoid having people gathered in the kitchen together. It’s also your year to use paper plates and plastic utensils with no guilt. Throwing everyone’s plates and utensils away is less risky than gathering and washing dishes used by the whole group.
CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES
Despite these suggestions, many will still not feel comfortable having a gathering. Elderly family members, and those with certain pre-existing conditions, may need to continue to avoid any social gathering. As heartbreaking as missing holiday time with family can be, it is sometimes the most reasonable choice. Experts cite concerns about a “second wave” of Coronavirus infections in places where the numbers have decreased in recent weeks. In these cases, perhaps a “socially distanced” quick visit is possible? I have seen friends post photos online of visits with older family members sitting in camp chairs in the grass while the grandparents sit on the porch about fifteen feet away. It’s not optimal, but it allows for reasonably safe holiday visits.
As for my family, I have felt fortunate during this pandemic. My daughter and grandkids live close by; my son still lives at home, and my parents are about a two-hour drive away. We have created a “bubble” that we all feel relatively safe in. So, although our outside social activities have been curtailed, we still have each other. There is a good chance we will be camping over the Thanksgiving holidays so that we will be outside for our family meal. Another plus is our California weather! We will be spending time playing on our dirt toys. It seems to be a good way to enjoy each other while staying distanced from others.
This has been a trying year for everyone, and frustration and tension can be high. With so many facing uncertain financial futures, continued worries about health, and social unrest all over the country, there is much to be concerned about. It can be hard to find things to be grateful for, and the holiday season may bring those stress levels to a head. However, I have also watched difficult times bring out the best in people. I choose to focus on the doers and helpers in these challenging times and look to them for inspiration. However you decide to spend the holidays. I wish all of you peace, health, happiness, and excellent food.
TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on Jeep adventures.