The best part about the holiday season is spending time with your friends and family, but this year, the pandemic may prevent us from seeing our loved ones. As people plan celebrations for the upcoming holidays, it’s important to follow the rules and regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The best way to limit the risk of contracting the virus this season is by socially isolating at home or by social distancing and wearing masks. Since winter is fast approaching and the temperatures are dropping, having celebrations outside is not ideal in New Jersey. However, there are many other ways to celebrate with loved ones during these uncertain times.

Keeping holiday gatherings to a minimum capacity is a must. Hosts should make sure that their guests are comfortable with and aware of the conditions that come with visiting their home. The holidays are an important time for families to be able to spend time together at the dinner table, therefore, making seating arrangements at a minimum of 6 feet apart allows for everyone to take off their masks for a short period of time to eat. When preparing food, it is very important that it is done with safe and sanitary precautions so everyone can stay healthy. It is also very important to keep hand sanitizers as well as disinfecting wipes around the house so people can access them at any time. It is always important to prioritize the health of your guests, especially  this holiday season. 

It is highly suggested by many health organizations to keep your celebrations virtual this year. There are many different video chatting platforms to choose from, for example, Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime, Whatsapp, etc. With most of the world going online this year, it is easy to find a platform that everyone is comfortable using. Holiday-themed games and contests can still be played and you can even eat together on screen! Movies are also a great way to engage family members through zoom, via Netflix Party, or a screen sharing mechanism. 

Overall, It is truly important to stay connected with your family members and celebrate the holidays with everyone. Even during a pandemic, there are many fun and creative ways to celebrate while keeping and creating different traditions, regardless of whether your get-together is in person or online.