In some ways, perhaps, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas was in the Before Times: Adweek recently reported that online holiday sales are a full 10% higher than last year.
But in the ways that matter—or at least should—it still feels wrong. Indiana only stands at 50% fully vaccinated. For context, it’s going to take at least 70% to achieve herd immunity. Bundling into cozy (unventilated) spaces with the (unmasked) ones we love still seems fraught, the appearance of the Omicron variant is casting uncertainty on travel plans, asking relatives about vaccine status can be like stepping into a fa-la-la-landmine …
Times are still tough, and the holidays have a way of making them feel tougher. So first some logistical and then some mental health advice:
Through the woods to Grandmother’s house—or not?
With headlines changing so rapidly, some large health and government organizations have yet to issue their definitive safety advice, but in general:
Oh come all ye (science) faithful
No. 1, be or get vaccinated. It’s the best, most useful thing you can do for yourself and everyone else. Just do it.
Confused by all the anti-vax information online? So are a lot of people—it can be sophisticated and hard to decipher. So, give our office a call. We will be delighted to tell you what’s really what. You know us, and you know we have your best interest at heart.
Do you hear what I hear?
We know. Last year, they said we could look forward to this year. This year, they’re saying wait til next year …
We human beings like definitive answers and clear communication. COVID-19 has offered us neither. Maybe we can blame politicians for bungling their messages, but it doesn’t change the fact that global pandemics don’t adhere to people’s plans—even when those people are the world’s top scientists.
So, coronavirus news changes a lot and we have to roll with it. That means, again this year, you should consider forgoing the ginormous extended-family get-togethers, especially when they include members with less protection from the virus.
A small party is still a party. Just make sure all partiers have their shots if they’re eligible.
Deck the halls
… With some air ventilation, that is. You can still mitigate risks with the protocols we know so well: Keep a little distance, wear a mask when possible, and crack the doors and windows to let some air circulate.
All these calculations about what’s safest will differ depending on who’s there and what the local infection rate is at that moment … See all these links we’re dropping? There’s some great, constantly updating info out there.
But again: When in doubt, give us a call or drop your nurse a message in our Patient Portal. We are more than happy to answer these questions and give our best advice.
All I want for Christmas is airplane tickets
But do you really? Is it the best time to go internationally dashing through the snow? Some countries are already advising their citizens to delay making travel plans as long as possible to see what Omicron decides to do and how border rules fluctuate.
People are still debating whether those well-air-filtered planes are safer than other forms of transportation or not, but either way, it may pay to have a backup plan so Santa doesn’t find you sleeping on a cot in an airport somewhere.
Blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas
Magellan Healthcare says almost half of Americans think COVID-19 has changed their holiday traditions forever. There’s a lot of disappointment and hurt wrapped up in that simple statistic.
Do you miss the holiday celebrations of yore, or has politics driven a wedge between you and family members? There are a lot of reasons your December may have turned into a bleak midwinter.
Magellan suggests first trying to have open conversations with loved ones about what you are and are not able to do this year and trying to embrace new traditions rather than clinging to the old, at least for now.
Failing that, keep connected to those truly supportive people in your life—you know the ones. And don’t let your social battery run to zero. Schedule alone time and space to do things that give you simple enjoyment.
A lot of people feel down on the best of years, with the 12 days of Christmas feeling like 200, so don’t beat yourself up for doing things “wrong.” However you embrace the season, just do it as safely as possible.