Author: Maria Alfano

It is inevitable that Christmas and the holidays come every year. The question is how different will your Christmas gatherings post-2019 look?

Life has changed so much over the last few years. Will it impact how people celebrate the holidays going forward?

If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s the importance of family. So many precious loved ones have transitioned as a result of the horrible conditions the world experienced.

Having our family and friends by our side at Christmas and other holiday gatherings post-2019 is more important than ever!!

What Christmas Gatherings Look Like Post 2019

Everyone seems to be longing for things to go back to normal. But, what is normal now after COVID? Families are divided between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated. Should that matter anymore in 2022?

Arguing over whether to get or not to get the vaccine or booster shot doesn’t make one side or the other right. Each has their own opinion and bias to which they are perfectly entitled to. Being for or against should not be up for debate.

Is COVID Over

While many would like to believe it is over, COVID seems to have made itself very comfortable in our environments, no matter where in the world you may live. Is it as potent as it was at the onset? Experts share the opinion that with herd immunity and as the variants mutate they become less and less deadly. However, it may behoove us to stay vigilant in our pursuit to eradicate this pest.

To Mask Or Not To Mask

It may sound a little crazy to say you should be wearing a face mask at Christmas. So consider the following before asking your guests to don the COVID accessory at the Christmas party or Christmas dinner.

Is anyone attending the function that is immuno-compromised? If so, you have two options. Have guests wear masks or exclude these folks from your event.
Are any elderly folks invited to spend Christmas with you? They are the glue that keeps the family together and Christmas without them just won’t be the same. The best protection is isolation, but masking up for bear hugs and buffet line makes a great alternative.

More Protection

There are other ways to limit the spread of germs besides masks and hand sanitizers sprinkled in every corner of your home. Check out these ideas to minimize the touches from your guests.

No buffets – have all the meals prepared and pre-plated for everyone. This means only the chef will be touching the food and the plates limiting the spread of unwanted microbes.
Sanitized utensils – you can purchase individually wrapped disposable utensils that are sanitized so no one is touching a fork that someone else’s paws landed on a few minutes ago.
Seating arrangements – segregation between the did and did not vaccinate groups seems harsh but having them sit at opposite ends of the table will be helpful in minimizing the risk. Or, opt for an informal dinner and place chairs around the living and dining room spread out to give enough social distancing (space permitted).
Virtual party – if you are really concerned about the impacts on your health when having too many people around, then consider having the party over Zoom, Teams, or Skype.

5 Christmas Traditions

Christmas gatherings post-2019 should not be devoid of traditions. They may look a little different but don’t let COVID take the fun and history out of your celebrations.

Christmas tree – decorating the tree together in a large group may not be so smart (yet). Pick out the best tree you can find. Instead of having a large tree trimming party, have a drop-in with scheduled times for the invited guests.

Gift exchange – watching the look on a child’s face when they realize the biggest box under the tree is for them brings immeasurable joy. Perhaps for this year have the gift arrive via special delivery directly to their home. You won’t be there to witness the joy but you know you did it to protect them from having too many people around.
Christmas cards – who doesn’t love to receive a card in the mail from a distant relative or old friend? In the age of technology, there is still the ability to do so without sending paper and still make it personal.
Treasure hunt – nothing is more exciting than the anticipation of what will be in the pot at the end of the treasure hunt rainbow. Weather permitting, hold the hunt outside this year.
Mistletoe – you may not want to kiss a stranger under the mistletoe, but there is nothing stopping you from keeping that tradition going between you and your significant other.

What Can You Do at Christmas Gatherings Post-2019

In some families (like mine) where Christmas Eve is the most sacred of the holidays or in others where Christmas day is more important, you can do any of these activities on either day. And, you will be sure to make your family Christmas special.

Virtual gift opening party – instead of exposing your guests to the possibility of spreading germs, open gifts together virtually
Christmas carols – being outside is safer than being indoors so why not bring back the old tradition of singing Christmas carols around your neighborhood

Christmas lights – instead of a tree trimming party what if you threw a house trimming party and have your guests help decorate the outside of your house instead of the inside? Or, set your tree up outside for the tree-trimming party – all while having a nice cup of eggnog!
Feed people – set up a table in an area of town where people struggle with food insecurity. Be it in the parking lot of the local Walmart, a nearby park, or on the street corner, serve that traditional turkey dinner to folks who may need it more than you do.

In Summary – Christmas Gatherings Post-2019

Celebrating Christmas Day at home doesn’t have to be so scary anymore. We have all been conditioned to take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy.

Don’t forget to hang your Christmas stocking because even a lump of coal is a great gift for out of compressed coal come the most beautiful diamonds.

There are so many ways to continue to make Christmas special for everyone. We would love to hear about your way of celebrating the holidays post-COVID.

What Christmas Gatherings Look Like Post 2019

What Christmas Gatherings Look Like Post 2019