Holiday happenings: 6 ideas for safely making the most of the holiday season
Originally published by Feast Magazine.
Like many milestones of 2020, the holidays might look a little different this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some holiday cheer. Here are a few ways for your family to celebrate while maintaining social distance. Just be sure to remember your mask.
1. See the holiday lights
Experts agree that outside is safer than inside when it comes to avoiding transmission of COVID-19, so if you’re looking for a fun activity for the kids, a way to get together with close friends or just a romantic night out of the house, holiday light shows could be the perfect experience. Festive light shows can be found around St. Louis at the Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden, Anheuser- Busch Brewery or Zoo Wild Lights. While limited capacity, masks and outdoors will help people stay safe; those wanting extra safety can try drive-through light events like at Grant’s Farm or Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park.
2. Find a pop-up shop
Pop-up shops can be a fun way to check gift shopping off the list, find creative décor and make sure your holiday spending stays local. Pop ups like the Holiday Cheers Market by Old Bakery Beer Co. in Alton, Illinois, are providing a place for local vendors to share their wares in a socially distanced space. Masks are required, and no consumption of food or drink will be available in the vendor area.
3. Attend a virtual cooking class
Many of us are feeling Zoom fatigue by now, but an online cooking class could help give you a new recipe to make the season extra special. Schnucks Cooking School has virtual classes on everything from baking bread with kids to Feast’s partner series Quick Fix, which features Green Chili Strata.
4. Go for a skate
There is nothing that says “Winter Wonderland” quite like ice skating. The iconic Steinberg Skating Rink at Forest Park is the largest outdoor rink in the area. With plenty of space to distance and limited capacity, they will be open as always this year with masks required.
5. Experience wonder
Parents have had a difficult year, and this holiday season threatens to be no better. But there are still ways to safely entertain the kids and instill that sense of holiday wonder. The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station will look a little different this year (the train will be stationary and capacity will be limited) but for those venturing out, the walk-through event should be no less magical. For families staying in, a virtual reading of A Christmas Carol by some of St. Louis’ own top actors and celebrities might be a great way to remember what the season is all about.
6. Grab a drink
Holiday spirit isn’t just for kids (or at all when actual spirits are involved); adults can also get in on the fun! St. Louis’ favorite holiday pop-up bars are back this year to spread cheer, even if there are a few more stipulations. Miracle by Small Change and Sippin’ Santa by Planter’s House will have all the holiday-centric cocktails you can dream of. Just be sure to check their website for details and instructions. Reservations and masks required.
Notes on celebrating safely
So much of the joy of the holidays is about coming together with loved ones, breaking bread and feeling the warmth of each other’s presence after a long year. Unfortunately, with the spread of COVID-19, many of our favorite aspects of the holidays might not be possible or safe this season. Here are some tips for how best to safely enjoy the holidays.
One of the ways to stay safe is to limit activities and gatherings to only your household whenever possible. The smaller the group, the lesser the risk of exposure. This can be difficult at a time of year that is all about gathering, but it is the safest way to make sure everyone has a healthy holiday. If seeing more than your household, try to limit the group to a small number, practice safe social distancing, wear masks and stay outdoors whenever weather allows. According to the CDC, the virus spreads much more easily indoors, so wear a mask at all times if visiting inside. Opening a window and creating airflow can also help mitigate the spread. Avoiding potluck-style dinners and shared meals, which are common this time of year, will help reduce cross-contamination as well.
Always be aware of who may be most at-risk. And remember, while physical presence is ideal, there are other ways to spend the holidays together while apart. Technology makes it easier to see loved ones even when not in the same room (or even state). Some people have found ways to get creative by visiting with grandparents and opening presents from outside the window.
While it’s hard to take these temporary precautions, it’s important we all do what’s best to make sure we can celebrate for many more seasons to come.