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Let's just cut right to the chase: If you've been on the fence about whether or not to go ahead with your 2020 holiday family party, it's probably time to think about canceling things—or making major adjustments.
I know that's not the answer any of us want, but with the coronavirus pandemic in full swing and COVID-19 cases rising across the country—the U.S. is again breaking records with outbreaks—the safest decision is to celebrate the upcoming holidays only with your immediate family.
In a year that's brought so much difficulty and suffering, thinking about celebrating Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving or Christmas or Hanukkah with loved ones was the one thing many of us had to look forward to. We're all craving that connection. Now it looks like winter 2020 is going to be long and grim as families go back to limiting exposure to others, especially in cold-weather locations where outdoor activities are mostly off the table.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, has also cautioned against big holiday plans, which could increase transmission rates. "It is unfortunate because that's such a sacred part of American tradition—the family gathering around Thanksgiving," Dr. Fauci told CBS. "But that is a risk."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also urging against traveling for Thanksgiving and, instead, recommending postponing all travel and celebrating at home.
I'm feeling this same disappointment firsthand, having just canceled my family's annual Christmas Eve party. With such a big New Jersey family, the thought of celebrating indoors and potentially putting so many people at risk of COVID-19 just didn't make sense. I couldn't with good faith have a large party and then send my toddler back to daycare and possibly put other kids at risk, too. And even with me being pregnant and potentially at a higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission should I get infected, the decision not to host Christmas Eve still didn't come easy. It's my favorite time of year, after all. And if it's yours too, I definitely feel your pain.
COVID-19 Is Still a Very Real Risk
Still not quite sure? Let the COVID-19 data and warnings speak for themselves:
In fact, the CDC even put out holiday guidelines to help families make plans with the lowest possible risk, noting that "Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others."
You can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by avoiding crowded Black Friday shopping and skipping packed parties or large indoor gatherings with people outside of your household, which the CDC classifies as higher risk activities. Yes, you could potentially gather with a few more people if you all agree to quarantine for two weeks before, but that's simply not realistic for most Americans, including working parents and kids attending school in person. Your best—and safest—bet to limit exposure is to opt for a small dinner with the people you live with, host a virtual celebration for extended family and friends, shop online, and enjoy sports or parades from home.
Celebrate Guilt-Free
For those of you thinking that you're still going to do what's best for your family, even if that means holding a big, traditional gathering indoors, hear me out: Your decision impacts more than just your family. The reality is that large indoor celebrations can also affect your coworkers, neighbors, friends, and students your child goes to school with. And remember: Getting tested is not an answer for not quarantining for 14 full days if you've potentially been exposed to COVID-19. A negative test only means that you were not positive on the day tested, but you could still test positive or become sick in the days to follow.
None of this is fair, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Just think, playing it safe this year could mean celebrating and making memories with everyone you love for many, many years to come.