A Few Tips For The Holiday Season
Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 03:05PM I originally wrote this piece for another audience but then it dawned on me that the information applies to pretty much everyone these days. I hope you all can have as "normal" a holiday season as possible, all things considered. Remember, there are quite a few livestream music events coming up this month, so there are ways to still enjoy concerts from the safety of home.
The ongoing pandemic has been stressful and changed daily life for nearly everyone in some way across the world. While the holiday season will be unlike any other, there are still ways to celebrate safely this year. Figuring out ways to incorporate past traditions and implement new ones will help families and friends reconnect and hopefully spark a festive spirit.
Want to gather in person? The CDC has some tips to celebrate safely:
- Gather in person only with members of your household
- If possible, avoid public transportation, including airports and train stations
- If gathering with those not in your immediate household, do so outside if possible
- If gathering with those not in your immediate household, keep a distance of at least six feet, keep the party short and the guest list small
- Always wear masks when not eating or drinking
- Disinfect all surfaces and shared items and have a designated, masked person serve all food
For the first time ever, #TSO will bring your favorite Rock Holiday tradition directly into your home!
— Trans-Siberian Orchestra (@trans_siberian) October 22, 2020
Join us on Friday, 12.18.2020 at 8PM EST for a 90-minute performance. Tickets are on-sale now at https://t.co/nUFi2SUi6X. pic.twitter.com/QqXTDtApQ4
If you want to plan a virtual holiday party, here are some ideas:
- Organize a party on a platform like Zoom. Send traditional or email invitations with the time of the party and link for people to join. Ask everyone to wear festive attire and have contests for the best looking Christmas cookie or send a prize to the person who had to wake up the earliest or stay up the latest depending on time zone. Virtual gift cards are available from many companies, meaning prizes can be awarded via email right during the party
- If your friends or family traditionally draw names to exchange gifts, do that! This can easily be done virtually. Better yet, suggest a gag gift and useful gift this year. Set a dollar limit for both and try to figure out the wackiest gag gifts possible and open them all together during your virtual party
- Send around a game, like holiday bingo, for everyone to play at the same time – cards are easily downloaded online from a simple Internet search
- Instead of focusing on gifts during the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons, hold a Gratitude Event where everyone gathers and says who and what they are thankful for this season.
- Organize a remote pot luck where everyone eats at the same time. Encourage each attendee to make one item that is a traditional family favorite. Each person can email the recipe before or after the event. After the season is over, the recipes can be compiled into personalized cookbook for everyone to enjoy
No matter what, just reach out. Stay connected to coworkers, friends and family through phone calls, old fashioned Christmas cards and text messages. Check in on neighbors and offer to lend a hand to someone that might need a little help this season.
Reader Comments (2)
I know SOME (you know who you are, Boyz!) think they’re invincible but just where a f*ckin’ mask so we don’t have to keep wearin’ ‘em ...
The sooner EVERYONE, including the fact-adverse, complies, the sooner we’ll be, in the words of the immortal SAXON, “Rockin’ Again”!
Metalboy!, I give you props. You referenced the most questionable (side-bar: I love it!) album Saxon released. I still find it to be an interesting and enjoyable (and failed) attempt to extend themselves beyond their 'core' sound. And the cover art recalls UFO and the Scorpions, even if the content doesn't live up to what that art suggests.