As we continue to move through the year, many of us are still adjusting to life in a pandemic.

Through social distancing, we’ve found ways to stay safe as we slowly integrate back into normal activities.

With the holidays rolling around, however, you may be uncertain about how to approach them. Should you have friends or family over for a holiday gathering? Is it safe to travel? The answer lies in a few factors.

Considering how comfortable you are with socializing, you can move forward and set clear boundaries for celebrating the holidays during a pandemic.

Consider Your Comfort Level

Everyone has different boundaries. When it comes to COVID-19, some people are more comfortable with socializing than others.

There are many factors to consider, including your health and the health of others. Each family situation will look different.

If you’re comfortable having a holiday gathering, you can ask other family members how they feel about it. Together, you can come up with a plan for a safe holiday party.

Set Clear Boundaries

If you want to celebrate the holidays in person, there are still plenty of safety precautions you can take. Have open conversations with your family members. You may want people to social distance, avoid hugging, or possibly wear masks when possible. None of these things are fun, especially at a holiday party, but they will help you and your family members stay safe.

Once you set clear boundaries, don’t be afraid to enforce them, too — by doing so, you’re showing how much you care and you are being respectful of those who decided to attend based on the promised safety plans.

Consent is also a key factor during the pandemic. Remember that people have different levels of comfort. While you may be comfortable with close interactions, other people may not feel the same way. Respect others’ boundaries and keep consent in mind. The best way to know how someone feels about close interactions is through communication. Maintain open communication about your boundaries, and ask others to express theirs as well.

Opt for a Smaller Gathering

You may want to minimize your celebrations this year. In the past, you may have traveled or visited extended family during the holidays. This year, because of the health risks, maybe you want to keep your holiday gatherings small.

You could do something as simple as celebrating with your immediate family. Or, you may want to have a couple of friends or family members over. Again, it depends on your comfort level. Don’t feel pressured to go to a bigger gathering if you aren’t comfortable with it. Sometimes, small gatherings are even better than bigger ones — and, in a pandemic, they’re safer too.

Take Advantage of Technology

When the pandemic first began, our society saw a shift towards technology. Video chatting and social media have helped bridge the communication gap. As the holidays roll around, take advantage of technology as much as possible! If you opt not to travel or have a holiday party, you can still connect with your family.

Consider setting up a video chat for the whole family. If you want to connect with friends around the holidays, you can have a virtual meeting instead of in-person. Technology has advanced drastically over the years, and in a pandemic, it’s become essential for socializing. If you aren’t comfortable with in-person gatherings, you can still enjoy the holidays online.

The pandemic has shifted almost every aspect of our lives. As you approach the holidays, try to stay positive. This holiday season is completely unprecedented, so be patient with yourself and your family. We’re all trying to figure out how to navigate life in the pandemic. The holidays are just another element of the process.

As you move forward, keep your boundaries in mind and clearly communicate them to your family. It may take some flexibility and extra planning, but you can still have a safe, fun, and healthy holiday season in the pandemic!

If you find you need support or guidance in the holiday season, reach out to the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin.. Whether you are looking for fresh ideas on creative and safe family gatherings, or need to process grief from not being able to celebrate with your loved ones this year, therapy can help. Schedule an appointment by calling her at (512) 270-4883, or request an appointment online through the RCC Austin Scheduling page.

For more information, click here: Online Therapy.