The holidays are traditionally a time when we gather with our loved ones, indulge in an abundance of cookies and sweets, and express gratitude for all that is good and beautiful in our lives. This year, it’s time to make new traditions. Celebrations with people outside of your household are not considered safe or responsible, but that doesn’t mean that this year’s holidays can’t still be festive, fun, and full of feasting.
“The best way to celebrate is really different than we’ve enjoyed in previous years,” says Erika Lautenbach, director of the Whatcom County Health Department. “The safest thing is to just be with your own household and not to travel.”
There are many creative and connective opportunities for celebration, however, that still keep our community healthy. “Whether it’s a FaceTime call, sending gifts, or dropping things off on the front porch of friends’ and family’s houses without making contact, there are plenty of ways to celebrate that don’t involve risking safety,” Lautenbach says.
And that risk is more severe and significant than ever. “Giving what we’re seeing with the surge in cases, this information is really relevant to keep kids in school and businesses open,” Lautenbach continues. That’s because COVID-19 doesn’t just affect a single individual; it can affect the health and happiness of a whole community, as well as schools, businesses, organizations, and families.
Whatcom County has been experiencing significant rising COVID-19 transmission rates. Health officials are strongly advising people not to gather. Private gatherings are one of the largest spreaders of the virus, and our county seesn major spikes after every holiday.
Whatcom Unified Command is a group of agencies within our county working together in a community effort to respond to COVID-19, and has issued important recommendations about this year’s holidays. “Staying home is the safest thing you can do,” WUC advises, “and we recommend that you find other ways to celebrate the holidays besides the typical large family gathering.”
These new traditions could be small, beautiful meals with people from your household. You could also prepare family recipes for neighbors or loved ones, especially those who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and do a no-contact delivery. You can have a virtual dinner with folks who live far away, shop online instead of in-person (or, even better, shop online and order curbside pickup from your favorite local shops!), and watch sports, parades, and festive movies from the comfort of your own home.
You can also find ways to give back to your community. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether that’s seeing if the Bellingham Food Bank needs donations or simply checking up (virtually) on a neighbor or friend in need.
If you still plan to gather, Whatcom Unified Command offers this guidance: “You should require all guests, including yourself, to do a pre-event quarantine for 14 days, strictly limiting contact with anyone outside your household.”
Other considerations include guests who might be high risk, or children who have trouble staying six feet apart. Gather outside if possible, and if you must be inside, open windows. And, of course, be meticulous about hygiene and ask your guests to do the same. Wear masks, wash your hands like it’s your job, and sanitize surfaces regularly.
And remember, a negative test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re good to go. “A negative test doesn’t always mean being negative for COVID-19,” says Lautenbach, “especially if the test is administered early in the infection period. If you have just been exposed, it’s not a reliable result, and may not be reliable until seven days after an exposure.”
In this season of change and uncertainty, it’s important to consider the impact your actions will have on those around you—and even those you may never meet.
“There is light at the end of this tunnel; we know that a vaccine will come. This will end and we’ll get back to some sense of normalcy,” says Lautenbach. “But the vaccine won’t save us over this holiday. We need to save our businesses and keep our kids in school. We have that power. We need to hang in there for a few more months.”
The holidays are not just a time for feasting and fun, though of course that will always play a part. They’re also a time to reflect on the gifts in our life and express gratitude for all that we have. They’re a time to care for others, and this year that looks a little different but is no less important than in years before. This is a chance to grow new traditions that not only make your holiday merry and bright, but also keep you, your loved ones, and your community healthy and safe.
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