Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash
On Nov. 17, Public Health Madison and Dane County issued Emergency Order No. 10, which prohibited indoor gatherings until Dec. 16.
With Thanksgiving recently passed and Christmas on the horizon, celebrating with family is likely on your mind. Currently, it’s still recommended to stay at home with family members from your immediate household, so here are some tips to connect with others safely.
ROOM FOR ZOOM
Sure, it’s not new, but set up a Zoom call and invite relatives to say hello and share holiday memories. Be sure to reach out to family members who are living alone or in an assisted living facility. If they can’t participate in a group call, set up a separate time to reach out to say you love them and are thinking of them.
BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY
Since preparing meals or desserts for people outside of your household isn’t recommended, drop off a another kind of sweet surprise at a friend or family member’s doorstep. Our gift guide has wallet-friendly ideas starting at $3. Or, buy a prepackaged cookie or baked good and leave it with a note. If your kiddos love crafts, have them make something cute to leave.
MERRY MAIL
If a loved one is in a facility, do a greeting card “shower,” which is mailing a card every day or every other day leading up to the holidays. Mail is a highlight for many adults who are unable to see family in person.
MEET FOR A STROLL
These days, it’s more imperative than ever to get out of the house for a change of scenery, so take a walk. If you meet one relative or friend, stay six feet apart and wear a mask. Or, bundle the family up and go on a neighborhood stroll.
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines, visit cityofmadison.com and cdc.gov.
