It is now October, which means the holiday season has officially begun in the western world, and the idea of planning celebrations is at the forefront of many of our minds. Usually, big parties, trips away and family gatherings are nothing but normal for this time of year, however, 2020 seems to only be bringing unprecedented circumstances, and therefore our usual holiday plans may not be suitable. It is more important than ever to stay safe and protect our families from Covid-19, although this doesn’t mean that the celebrations cannot be fun.
- Look Into Circumstances
It is important to know the level of risk in the community where you are hoping to host celebrations, as this may determine whether or not it is safe to do so. Once this is determined, try and make sure that when festivities are taking place, keep windows open in order to have proper ventilation. Even consider hosting outside if the weather permits it.
- Virtual Parties
Now more than ever, virtual gatherings seem very popular. Using a platform such as 
Zoom, family, and friends from across the country can come together from the comfort of their own homes. It means that there are no limits to guests, and the risks of traveling are irrelevant. You could also play typical holiday games, or even host a virtual meal. Although a lack of physical presence is not ideal, this is one way in order to have some normality during this period.
- Insurance
If you are booking flights or renting places to stay during the holidays, it is vital to have some sort of insurance to avoid possibly being out of pocket. If restrictions heighten in your area and plans fall through, it means that you will not be worse off in terms of money during this expensive time. This leads to another suggestion; having a backup plan in case your preferences cannot happen.
- Conscious Present Buying
Most people tend to buy presents online at regular times anyway, but it is more 
important than ever to do so. Try avoiding big corporate businesses and make a conscious effort to support small shops who may be suffering economically from the pandemic. Purchasing gift cards for local, independent restaurants is also a good idea – it means that the restaurant receives some income, and the recipient of the gift can have a great meal once circumstances improve.
