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Tips to Safely Navigating the Holiday Season

The holiday season in 2020 is proving to be much different than the ones you’re probably used to. Many people are modifying their plans because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that’s not the only reason why people are switching things up.

Weather has been known to ruin holiday travel plans. Traveling is also expensive, so it’s not always possible to get together for a family gathering.

Whether you’re engaging in a socially distanced holiday season or you’re still trying to make a gathering happen, it’s important to have a plan in place to celebrate safely. Here are some great tips for making the most of both situations this year!

Tips for Socially Distanced Holiday Plans

For many people, gathering with family and friends is the biggest reason for engaging in holiday traditions like baking or decorating the house. If you’re no longer gathering like you normally would, it’s easy to feel like the magic has been sucked out of this typically joyous season.

But don’t fret! If you’re practicing social distancing this year, there are still some great ways to enjoy the holidays:

  1. Decorate (Even if it’s a Party of One)

It’s easy to think that there’s no point in decorating if you don’t plan on having any visitors, but that isn’t the case. Whether you live alone or with a partner or family, decorating for the holidays can be a real mood booster.

If you celebrate Christmas, for example, putting up a tree and other decorations can be quite the experience. Perhaps you remember what’s special about each ornament on your tree, or you find the wreath a relative gave you years ago.

Even if you don’t have visitors to enjoy the decorations with you, there’s something festive and nostalgic about the act of decorating for the holidays. Just because others aren’t around doesn’t mean you can’t get into the holiday spirit.

Plus, decorating the exterior of your house is always worth it. Your neighbors and passersby will appreciate your efforts, and you’ll appreciate seeing others do the same.

  1. Start a Holiday Group Chat

Just because you’re social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. If you don’t already have one, start a group chat with everyone you usually see for the holidays. This is a great way to stay connected despite being separated.

You can talk about your favorite memories, discuss holiday movies, and share the holiday meals you cook up, order, or even reheat. If all goes well, you’ll be creating new holiday memories to savor and cherish for years to come.

  1. Do a Secret Santa Over Zoom

If you’ve never done a Secret Santa, it’s a fun and anonymous gift exchange. Everyone in your family or friend group are randomly assigned a person to get a present for. The identity of the gift givers should remain a secret, though everyone can play by their own rules.

After everyone buys and sends their gifts to each other, you can have a video call to open the presents together. Zoom has become a popular option this year, but there are other options for group video calls.

This is a great way to continue the gift-giving holiday tradition while also social distancing. It might not be the same as gathering in person, but this is sure to still be a great time.

  1. Synchronize Your Events

Another way to still feel together during the holidays is to synchronize events. Everyone can eat together, open presents together, watch movies together, and more. Instead of everything happening separately, these are great ways to make the holidays feel just like they normally do.

For these synchronized events, the group chats and video calls can help bring your family and friends together even more.

Tips for A Safe Holiday Gathering

If you’re still getting together with family over the holidays, you’re probably doing what you can to stay safe while traveling and visiting with others. Here are a few tips to make stating safe much easier:

  1. Fly the Redeye or Make the Drive

These days, traveling is a concern. If you’re heading to visit some family this holiday season, make sure to take the proper precautions while you’re on the move. Wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and keep wet wipes handy.

It’s probably best to avoid crowded areas like airports. If you have to travel by plane, it might be in your best interest to fly the redeye. These flights often leave late at night and arrive at their destination early in the morning, ensuring that you’re less likely to experience crowds. Additionally, the flights themselves are a lot less crowded, so you can practice some level of social distancing on the plane.

Otherwise, try to make the drive as it cuts down on the number of people you could be exposed to.

Regardless of how you travel, make use of WET WIPES to wipe down plane seats, door handles, or any other surface you come into contact with while traveling. This is one added precaution that can keep you safe.

  1. Stock Up Ahead of Time

If you’re hosting a family gathering for the holidays, make sure to do any necessary shopping ahead of time. Stores are often very busy the day or two before a holiday. Not only does this put you at a greater risk of sickness, but it also means you’ll be waiting in line much longer – which is never fun.

Instead, plan ahead and make sure you have everything you’ll need. That way, you or your relatives won’t have to make any last minute trips.

  1. Have Extra Wipes and Hand Sanitizer Available

Even though you’ll be around your family for the duration of their stay, it’s good practice to stock up on hand sanitizer and extra WET WIPES. Hand sanitizer is a convenient and easy way to ensure everyone is keeping their hands clean, even if a last-minute shopping trip is necessary.

Wet wipes are also great for stopping the spread of germs, but they are also more versatile. Keeping some on hand is always a good idea when having family over. BABY WIPES are great to have in the event of an unexpected diaper change and they’re also great for dealing with any other messes children might make.

Plus, in a crowded house, it can be frustrating to wait your turn for the shower. A WET WIPE can be a quick waterless shower that will keep you feeling clean and fresh.

It’s always good to have wet wipes you can trust. That’s why Simpleaf makes WET WIPES and BABY WIPES that are made with HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS, are designed for the softest and most sensitive skin, and are also 100% plant-based and eco-friendly.

  1. Take Advantage of Curbside Offerings

You can also stay safe by taking advantage of curbside offerings from your local grocery stores and restaurants. If you have a grocery list but are wary of going to the store, give your local store a call or order online and you can pick up your groceries without having to enter the store.

This holiday season, we at Simpleaf hope that you find ways prioritize health, happiness, and find ways to meaningfully connect.

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