Celebrating the Holidays Safely Amid COVID-19

Let’s just say the holidays won’t be the same this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has had an effect on everyone, and it will make celebrations difficult this season.

I have four children, so with myself and my husband we make up a family of six. We love entertaining our family and friends, and at any given time when we’re having something at our house, we have a crowd.

We love the fellowship, the good food, the laughter – you name it, we love it. I was disappointed when COVID-19 hit because I knew we couldn’t have our usual holiday get-together – especially since I’m a survivor of mesothelioma.

This year we will be scaling it back a whole lot and just entertaining my in-laws – especially knowing that COVID-19 cases are rising. We’re always around our in-laws, so we figured it would be best to just have them over and still have somewhat of a Christmas gathering.

We’ve decided to have Christmas Eve breakfast, which I’m pretty excited about. Pre-COVID we planned to spend Christmas in Florida at Disney World, but had to change our plans.

This year has really made me appreciate the true meaning of the holiday and to enjoy my family and make long-lasting memories.

Mesothelioma Survivors Should Take Precautions

Being a mesothelioma survivor really impacted my decision to change our plans for Christmas. The thing is, as cancer patients, you don’t know how the COVID-19 virus will affect you. Mesothelioma survivors can be susceptible to more complications from the virus than someone who hasn’t had the cancer.

Yes, I had COVID-19 in August, and it wasn’t a pretty sight or feeling. I certainly wouldn’t wish it on anyone else. I am doing everything I can not to get it again and to protect my children and husband so they won’t get it, either.

It’s vital for mesothelioma survivors to wash their hands frequently, wear a mask and stay home. So if that means staying home for Christmas and not having a lot of people over, that’s exactly what we will do.

Safe Celebrations Can Still Be Fun

With that said, don’t think that your holiday is ruined just because you had to change your plans. You can still celebrate, you can still have fun, you can still make memories and do it safely.

Here are some ways you can safely celebrate the holidays:

• Have a Zoom Christmas party
• Swap recipes over FaceTime
• Have a cookie exchange. Drop off your cookies on your family’s porch and eat them together via Zoom.
• Open Secret Santa gifts over Zoom
• Send heartfelt notes and holiday cards to your loved ones.
• Plan a themed meal, which can be a lot of fun.

Hopefully these ideas will help. Remember the reason for the season and note that you can still celebrate. Just make sure you follow all CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety.

Be safe, Merry Christmas and happy holidays.