HOME for The Holidays: Our Tips for a Safe and Joyous Holiday Season

This year’s holidays are going to be a little different from what we’re all used to. We want everyone to stay safe, healthy and happy this Holiday season, with the aim of preserving the most wonderful time of year as a time of joy and gratitude.

At ChenMed, we’re encouraging everyone to stay H.O.M.E. for the holidays. Here’s a guide to handling the holidays in typical 2020 fashion:

• Handwashing: wash often, wash well. Soap up, scrub, rinse, dry.
• Online: spread your holiday cheer online with calls, texts, videos, and social media to reach out to friends and family with a warm smile and a kind word.
• Mask Up: Keep your distance, and always wear your mask. Stay a socially distant six feet, or about two arms lengths away.
• Essential travel only: Stay in, stay connected, stay safe. If you don’t need to travel this year, please don’t.

We also get some common questions from our patients about what to do and how to stay safe during the holidays, so we want to share some tips with you here:

I want to stay home and healthy. But how do I shop for presents?

Perhaps you have a friend or relative that can pick up a few things for you on their next trip to the store or mall. Don’t be afraid to ask for help this year – everyone understands how challenging the pandemic has been. And don’t forget - homemade gifts are always special – why not make those on your list a little ornament?

I miss my friends and family. How can I still celebrate with them?

While it’s not advisable to have large, indoor gatherings, perhaps a friend can stop by for a few moments to visit outside (weather-permitting) and from a safe distance. Reach out and touch someone through a phone call or a video chat. Send an extra holiday card this year – even a simple hand-written note goes a long way towards making someone’s day.

The isolation has been hard. How can I keep up my holiday spirit?

No doubt this year has been hard in so many ways. But it’s important to keep up our spirits and remember that “this too, shall pass.” Listen to some holiday music – sing along with your favorites! Almost every city has a radio station dedicated to playing your Christmas favorites. Flip through some old pictures of Christmases past. Try a new recipe. Decorate for the holidays. Phone a friend and enjoy some memories of holidays past.

People want to visit. Should I tell them no company this year?

It’s a ‘stay home for the holidays’ kind of year. Share your concerns to those who want to visit. Explain how important it is to you to stay healthy and ask your friends and relatives to be understanding this year. Perhaps out of town visitors can stay with a friend or relative.

Let’s all do our part to finish the year strong and continue to respect each other’s health! From our family at ChenMed to yours, we wish you a safe and joyous holiday.