Avoiding Holiday Gatherings During the Coronavirus Pandemic Is Actually Simple

From Zoom, to FaceTime, to House Party, there are so many ways to "see" family and friends virtually during this holiday season. People do not need to be physically in the same room to enjoy each other's company. For some families that live far away from each other, a virtual holiday gathering may even be easier—not to mention less costly—than an in-person celebration. Instead of flying in from different cities, states, or even from different countries, everyone can safely meet up online. It might not be quite the same, but virtual gatherings still offer friends and family the opportunity to enjoy many of the same fun holiday activities—such as crafting, cooking, or even a family game night—that they'd do in person. Artists and writers have already created online formats for holiday celebrations, from holiday bingo to virtual holiday trivia.

Online shopping has made sending gifts easier than ever. Whether shopping for local books at Bookshop.org, or finding the perfect Christmas sweater on everything from local businesses' websites to Amazon, shoppers can safely buy and ship gifts to loved ones online. People can even do gift exchanges on Zoom or other online platforms. If everyone coordinates beforehand to deliver their gifts before Christmas, families can still enjoy opening their gifts "together." Depending on the weather, some Americans can get together for socially distanced, masked, outdoor gift exchanges. If everyone adheres to the rules, it's possible to keep physical distance and have an in-person gift exchange. For that to work, etiquette expert Lizzie Post suggests hosts be upfront about the rules with everyone, especially friends or family members who have been more lax about the Center for Disease Control's COVID-19 recommendations. "Everyone must wear a mask indoors; if not, they can stand outside and watch as everyone opens gifts around the fireplace!" Post told MarthaStewart.com.

Big families can still celebrate the holidays together—just not right now. Prolong the holiday spirit by planning to have a celebration when the pandemic's risk has substantially abated or passed altogether. While it may be a disappointment, large family gatherings—such as big parties or dinners with extended family members or friends—are simply not a good idea right now. But canceling them now doesn't mean they must be canceled forever. People can tentatively plan a "Christmas in July" or simply put a "To Be Determined" on their big holiday soirées. These postponements may make the holiday season a little less jolly, but they can also give people a much-needed event to anticipate once COVID-19 is less of a threat. The CDC has been clear on the need to limit large gatherings. They wrote: "The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and COVID-19 spreading." There are several guides available online for people who feel uncomfortable having this necessary conversation with their families. The bottom line: be direct.