Stay Safe and Stress-Free this Holiday Season

As cases surge across the country this winter, health care professionals and officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are strongly advising against travel and urging everyone, especially potentially higher risk populations like people living with lupus, to stay home and safely celebrate this holiday season to protect themselves and loved ones from COVID-19. 

While it may be difficult not celebrating this season in the traditional way, there are many creative and safe alternatives to spread cheer and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

According to the CDC the safest way to celebrate this year is to stay home and celebrate with those in your household or virtually.

Here are some of the ways you can celebrate safely and reduce holiday stress:

• Shop online rather than in person
• Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up
• Use technology to create virtual cards, have a virtual meal with others, and do virtual gift unwrapping
• Prepare traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and deliver them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others
• Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family
• Watch sports events, parades, and movies from home

It is important to take care of yourself and do what is best for your household, even if it means cancelling your usual holiday plans. And when you talk with your friends and family about plans, remember that it’s okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others.

Holiday celebrations may look very different this year, but we encourage you to make the most out of it by having a festive and low-risk celebration. For more holiday guidance, visit cdc.gov.