Navigating Holidays While COVID Conscious

The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for many reasons. For many in the COVID conscious community it is a stark reminder of how much our lives have changed since 2019. While for some this is the happiest and most magical time of year, for others it evokes feelings of stress, grief and overwhelm. Some may be navigating how to ask for precautions from reluctant family members in order to attend holiday gatherings, while some may be experiencing dread around turning down invitations to events they're not comfortable attending. Whatever your situation, please know you're not alone.

As a COVID conscious therapist, many of my clients struggle trying to come up with the right words to say in these situations and can get overwhelmed and experience a freeze response. I want to emphasize that there are no perfect words to convince people of your position or get them to understand you decisions if they're not willing to do so. The goal here isn't necessarily to change peoples' minds but rather to share your needs clearly and confidently. The following list are some phrases to help jumpstart these conversations about navigating the holiday season while still asserting your needs for COVID safety.

For when you receive an invitation:

“I’ll be keeping my mask on, but I’m happy to join you all.”

"I don't eat inside, but I'd still like to come and socialize."

“I’d love to get together, but I’d prefer to find a time with lower COVID levels.”

“I’d prefer to eat my meal outside or take it to go, is outside seating a possibility?"

“I would really appreciate if you’d take a COVID test before we get together, do you have any or would you like me to bring some?”

“Thanks for the invite, do you have air purifiers or should I bring one?”

“I’d love to get together, but I’d prefer finding a time with lower COVID levels. Is there a time in the Spring that might work for you?"

"What airborne precautions did you have in mind? Opening windows or turning on air purifiers can really help reduce everyones' chances of getting sick."

"I appreciate the invitation, I don't feel comfortable taking that risk but I appreciate you thinking of me!"

"Would you and other guests be open to masking in public for the week leading up to the event in order to decrease our risk of getting each other sick?"

"Is it possible for everyone to take a COVID test before we get together?"

"I'd feel most comfortable if everyone tested, would you be open to me bringing some tests for everyone?"

"Attending in person won't work for me, would you be open to getting together virtually another day?"

If you receive any pushback or negative judgements:

"Yes I am still taking these precautions, and I'm not willing to debate them with you."

"I know most other people aren't doing this anymore, but this is what works for me."

"I understand if you aren't willing to make any accommodations, I'll sit this one out."

"I appreciate you considering my requests, if it doesn't work out we can get together another time."

"If you continue to criticize my precautions I'm going to exit this conversation."

"I can tell we're not on the same page about this, let's agree to disagree."

"I get that it can be uncomfortable to ask this of your guests, if you're not willing to do that I understand."

"I know it can be hard to ask other people to do these things, but if you'd be open to trying it would mean a lot to me."

You can also check out my post "You Have to Live Your Life:" Responses to Common COVID Minimizing Phrases" for more phrases to use with those who may continue to minimize the risk of COVID infections.

For creating your own events:

"I ask that everyone wear a well fitting mask in public and during travel for at least a week prior to our gathering, in order to protect the health of all of our guests."

"We request guests send a photo of a negative COVID test prior to their arrival. Please let us know if you need help finding quality tests."

"We will be testing guests on arrival, we ask that everyone remain masked until all guests have tested negative."

"In order to make this event COVID safer we will be hosting outside, so remember to bring a jacket!"

"If you're feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms the week of the event, please refrain from attending in order to protect our other guests."

"This event will require the following COVID safety protocols..."

"I request guests be masked in a kn95 or better while inside my home, please reach out if you'd like a link to some high quality masks."

What phrases have you used in similar situations? What new traditions have you created since the pandemic started? Let me know in the comments!

If you're in California looking for a COVID conscious therapist, please feel free to reach out for a free consultation.