image by: Thomas Cizauskas

HWN Suggests

It’s time for a Christmas truce in the COVID wars

Of course, things have not been that simple as we are approaching year three of the COVID wars.

Not a single sentence can be said about the devastating virus without triggering an angry response referring to something that happened in 2020. Everyone from the most cautious public health official to the most militant anti-vaxxer has a quiver filled with anger and resentments over the past.

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Articles of Interest

It’s not just Gran who needs a Christmas hug

At the end of a year as traumatic as this one we will all do whatever is necessary to banish it and celebrate our survival.

Omicron wasn’t in our festive plan, but here’s how we can stay safe this Christmas

From ventilation to lateral flow testing, let’s try to minimise the risk of catching Covid

A Very Covid Christmas

A Very Covid Christmas is a collection of 8 short plays specifically written to incorporate social distancing, PPE, and/or protective barriers between actors. Available to purchase on YouTube later in December

You can survive winter and not spread Covid-19. Here’s how

Experts on safer (and riskier) ways to see friends and family, keep kids busy, and give back — in a raging pandemic.

How COVID-19 Is Making The Holiday Season Not So Jolly For Santa Clauses

The decisions for the people who work as Santa and Mrs. Claus this year are difficult. This high-risk group is trying to navigate keeping the Christmas spirit alive while staying safe amid the pandemic. It's not easy.

How to stop Christmas 2020 from being a Covid-19 disaster

There’s no denying that 2020 has been an extraordinarily difficult year, however, and many have pointed out that allowing families to come together in a safe manner could be very important for their mental health and general wellbeing.

‘I dread Christmas. My husband won’t get jabbed’: The families split over Covid vaccines as they plan holiday gatherings

We talk to three people faced with moral crises over reconciling family festivities with the risks posed by coronavirus.

2020: Covid Christmas plans: How to celebrate the holidays during Covid-19

Hosting this year has been no small feat—and the biggest party season of all is almost here. As much as we’d like for things to be “business as usual” this holiday, planning for Christmas 2020 requires a little more work to keep guests happy and healthy.

Can Covid Winter Be Merry and Bright? We Asked the Experts.

In many ways, the situation looks brighter than last year: Most adults are vaccinated, young children can now get shots and, hopefully, people can get their hands on rapid tests. But new risks emerge as more Americans are likely to try to have a “normal” holiday season. We asked three experts from different disciplines to respond to a selection of questions from readers about how to think about risk and navigate another Covid winter.

Christmas and Covid: is mixing households a good idea?

The UK says three households can get together for festivities. Four Britons react – with relief, caution and despair.

Christmas Dies Hard

The middle of a global pandemic might seem like a good time to cut back on holiday excess. But we live in America.

Covid-19 Poses Christmas Quandary for Families

Debates fly over whether and how to celebrate together as officials try to limit travel and gatherings.

Covid: Is it safe to hit the office Christmas party?

Unlike last year, large Christmas gatherings down the pub are not banned. Many people are now vaccinated, but is an office party or after-work drinks really worth the risk right now?

Covid: Seven things that may be different this Christmas

So how is the festive period likely to be different this year?

Four ways to stop COVID ruining Christmas again in 2021

But if we want to avoid the frustrations of last Christmas, there’s much we can do voluntarily to try to keep us out of lockdown. As we prepare for the festive season, here are four ways we can help contain the virus over the winter, prevent cases spiralling out of control, and keep us and those around us safe.

Get a fan and get vaccinated, the CDC says in its safety tips for the holidays

Anyone looking to celebrate the fall and winter holidays without spreading COVID-19 should consider a window fan or a walk-by greeting, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The suggestions are part of the agency's list of safe ways to get festive — sort of an epidemiologist's take on Martha Stewart's Home for the Holidays.

Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19: What Doctors Say About Traveling and Family Events

While there is nothing that can completely eliminate the risk if people chose to celebrate the holidays with others, the good news is that there are ways of making a gathering safer.

How to Help Others During This Holiday Season

Here are some of the messages of hope that spiritual leaders are delivering during the pandemic.

How to Safely Celebrate Christmas 2020 During Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been distressing and segregating for some individuals. Social events during the impending occasions can be an occasion to reconnect with loved ones. This Christmas season, consider how your vacation plans can be altered to decrease the spread of COVID-19 to keep your companions, families, and networks solid and safe.

It May Be A Covid Christmas Again This Year

With cases still rising, hospitalizations are likely to follow suit well into December. There are other complicating factors, as well. The persistent spread of flu and respiratory syncytial virus — or RSV — in the county is combining with Covid to present a triple threat of respiratory illnesses which will likely further stress heathcare facilities.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas—and Like 2019

This holiday season is different from last year’s, when people were still hunkering down. That makes a difference in where holiday dollars will get spent.

Mark J. Price: You better watch out, it’s ‘Christmas COVID Karaoke’

If we don’t laugh, we’ll cry. Akron native Rory Mellinger has written a little ditty to lift our spirits this holiday season.

Rub Holiday Stress Away

Stressed out by the holidays but don't have time for a professional massage? Try these do-anywhere, self-healing moves from a celebrity massage therapist.

Resources

7 Safe Ways to Celebrate Christmas That Have Nothing to Do With Zoom

Here’s how to find joy this holiday season—even if coronavirus cases change your traditions.