Holiday Celebrations and Keeping Healthy 

As everyone knows, this holiday season is not like the rest. COVID-19 has changed everything in recent months. Many people do not know what they are going to do for the holidays and live in fear because of the virus. With all the restrictions, it is so difficult to celebrate with even a few extra people. Still, there are plenty of safe ways to enjoy the holidays without having parties or going on vacation, such as listening to Christmas music, baking Christmas cookies, watching movies, buying loved ones presents, making delicious meals, playing games, and so much more.  

Even though many are not necessarily having big gatherings for the holidays, people still need to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and coronavirus free. Thanks to the Center of Disease Control’s website (cdc.gov), people now have information on how to take extra precautions to ensure they stay safe. One key thing people need to be sure to do is wash their hands. When preparing food, before touching one’s face, when coming back from the outside and after touching one’s mask, it is important to hand wash. Another thing that many have definitely heard of is “Stay six feet apart!” This is extremely important because if someone’s respiratory droplets are inhaled by a person who has COVID-19, infection will likely occur. Something else that should be done daily is disinfecting personal items such as cell phones, keys, keyboards, countertops, light switches, and handles. However, while it is less common to get COVID from dirty surfaces, it is still important to clean them regularly. W

hen around people, it is important to wear a mask, even if one does not have symptoms. It is still possible to contract the virus from others or to not know one personally has the virus; some people are asymptomatic but can still be spreaders. A recommendation is that masks should not be placed on children under two years old. Some strongly disagree with this saying that anyone can contract the virus from anyone else, regardless of age. When sneezing or coughing, do not remove the mask! Lastly, it is important to pay close attention to one’s personal health; look out for coughing, fevers, and trouble breathing. It is important to follow these deterrents to keep oneself, his/her loved ones, and others safe.  

Holiday Gifts and Shopping 

As many know, Christmas shopping is a large part of the holiday hassle. Due to COVID, holiday shopping has been more difficult this year. Some popular retail stores have closed. And, social distancing and taking precautions while shopping in stores is a must.  Shopping online is a great idea this year, but sometimes to find good bargains, it is necessary to shop in person. Following the precautions above are safe ways to avoid getting sick while shopping in stores this holiday season. Half the time, people do not know what to get for loved ones for the holidays, so here are some suggestions.  

One common gift that people often like to receive is jewelry. Purchasing a gift of jewelry does not mean having to spend an exorbitant amount of money. Instead, stick with sterling silver, cubic zirconia, and costume jewelry as great alternatives.  

Another gift possibility is the body mists and body lotions from Bath and Body Works. These gifts are always popular, and there are so many holiday scents at such great deals.  And, seriously, who does not love smelling good? 

But what about clothes? If on a budget, stick with more affordable stores. People do not need to go to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Prada for a gift. A good way to find some great (sometimes even designer) things at a great price is by shopping at discount retailers like Burlington, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and ROSS. Something to pay attention to this year is to ensure nothing is opened before it is purchased; this is extremely important when shopping in the beauty aisle. People often contaminate products by touching them and by opening the packages.

Finding gifts can be difficult, especially when shopping on a budget  and during quarantine. So, try online coupon sites like RetailMeNot, Rakuten, or Honey for great deals and coupon codes to get gifts at a lower price. If coupons are difficult to find, start shopping around for similar items. Christmas sales are happening now, so take advantage of them! 

 New Ways to Celebrate the Holidays This Year 

The pandemic has taken a toll on annual holiday festivities and plans with family and friends. However, think about making some new, pandemic-safe traditions this year. How about watching Christmas movies like Home Alone, The Grinch, and Almost Christmas? There are also many holiday episodes of favorite shows from the past to watch. This is a great way to reminisce. Playing Christmas music is not only a great way to get in the spirit of the holidays, but the music itself can be a distraction from all the bad. Listen to “Jingle Bells,” “All I Want for Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Silver Bells,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to get in the spirit. For something new, try cooking with family this year. Make Christmas dinner together or bake Christmas cookies. The pandemic will not last forever, and there are future COVID-free Christmases to come. If people have to spend one or two Christmases differently and with the people in their own households in order to keep safe, it is not so bad. At the end of the day, these are likely the people who care about one another the most and are truly worth bonding with this holiday season.  

 The holidays this year are definitely different. Sadly, it is not safe to indulge in the Christmas activities of years past that many love so dearly. Year round, people often look forward to this holiday and all that typically comes with it. Now, however, this joy is overshadowed with worry about washing hands, not contracting or spreading the virus, and keeping six feet apart. This year, instead of looking at the negatives, look at the positives. Just because there is a pandemic does not mean there are not sales. In fact, this might mean even more and bigger sales by retailers than ever before! And, do not forget about those seasonal drinks from Starbucks like their peppermint mochas to brighten the day. It might be important to focus on the little things like this that will bring happiness this holiday. Plus, the reality of it is, most people love giving and receiving gifts, so look forward to that. And, do not forget those classic Christmas tunes; it would not be Christmas without them! Even though many feel stuck inside this Christmas, there are plenty of things to do. Set up web chats with those who cannot be seen in person, and work to make this a very Merry Christmas.