Christmas in a Time of Pandemic

Rejoicing in Health, Tradition and Promise

"Christmas in a Time of Pandemic

Rejoicing in Health, Tradition and Promise"

1st Edition

Copyright © 2020 [Jon Edwards/ EdwardianJackal]

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-716-40510-5

DISCLAIMER:

Please read!

Being well informed and using one’s best judgment are essential for staying safe during a pandemic.

This book can only hope to provide you a variety of tools and approaches for a safer holiday season while we ourselves live in a time of pandemic.  In the end, you are the best decision maker for your life.  Where I may present ideas, you know where you live, you know the loved ones in your life, you know what is best.  Always follow that voice of reason in all that you do.

Despite the times, I write this from a place of hope.  A place where we can still enjoy the holidays for ourselves and with our loved ones.  It may be different – and guess what?  That’s ok.  Humans have been resilient.  We are a people that abide.  And humans through-out history has leveraged hope to progress - this time is no different, and this short page will turn.

The holidays should be viewed beyond its slick facade.  If we have enjoyed them from the Industrial Age until today, they have served to stop, reflect, and spend time with our loved ones and share our very best.  No one can tell us that we cannot do that today - pandemic or no pandemic.  If anything, we must cling to that period of yearly self-reflection and care for one another more than ever.

As I wrote this, I want to make a plea for your personal health (both physical and mental).  I found that an active and vigorous reflection on your health and its history are ever important especially today.  With all the latest tools, we can curate and review our health, we can easily have conversations with nurses or general practitioners outside of our periodic doctor visits over the phone or video conference.  You must be the captain of your own health and take the ship’s wheel in navigating these rough waters.

Before you continue, stay well informed of all the best and reasonable information regarding COVID-19.  Read and prepare yourself according to all the agencies that control disease.  Read up on your local and state governments.  We are better equipped than any point in human history to safeguard ourselves.

And, as this is a fluid situation, as I write this in November of 2020, a vaccine has been announced.  That said, it won’t be an overnight fix and one that doesn’t resolve today, or even the next year.  Holidays in a pandemic may be one we face over and again - if even recent history has borne out.  Keep this book close and review it as you approach any of the holidays through the year.

So, where I offer a framework to stay safe whilst enjoying the season - think upon yourself and others often and well.  And, of course, make the holidays your own.

~ JE

HOW TO READ THIS BOOK:

This book is constructed fluidly – I did not want to have a structured approach with chapter upon chapter on a single concept – I wanted something you could breezily pick up and turn to any point.  I want to focus on a concept where its supporting points may not be another paragraph, but a recipe, or a bit of trivia or a holiday poem.  The best holidays in my memory are the ones that were fluid or spontaneous.  The wonder of the season bearing itself out by a dish you never had before, a smell that instantly brings you nostalgia of other times, or a kindness that buoys you forever.  As you explore this book, I hope you discover something that makes your holidays that much brighter.

Of course, you can guide yourself to a chapter that will provide tips on navigating the holidays in the time of a pandemic, but I found, when constructing the framework of the book, it was much more conducive to include a varying curio.

Instead of just saying, ‘here’s things you can do to still social distance and have fun’ - well, the chapter on ‘super foods’ plays into that.  If you can share with your loved ones the same tips on boosting your immunity, then those social distancing rules, masks, and fastidiousness will pay off.  It feels as these days are rife with mystery – being thoughtful, collaborative, and caring to one another are going to be what ultimately gets us through.

Staying safe is a mantra these days for good reason - it is the reason you picked up this book.  The best way to approach it therefore is to start with the Table of Contents and think of what you are most concerned about - you can always jump around to another section later.  Read first what calls to you.

As suggested in the Disclaimer, please use this book as a working one - where you introduce your own unique tools, tips, and tricks to enjoy your holidays.  If you have a printed copy, write all over it - I love that utility of ‘book as technology’.  If you have a digital reader, likewise, make notes or attach snippets of website URLs, or music links to songs you tend to forget until the holidays roll around.

An area you will note I avoid is being overly specific with applications or websites.  That is perilous when writing a book, as links will change and applications are just as likely to update, either in brand or in support.  If in doubt, please web search with key phrases in that section.

Above all, my want for you as your read is to find all ways possible to enjoy the holiday season.  You, me, we – all deserve the same bright and indomitable spirit that holidays bring.

The Sections are broken down with a variety of resources to not only support the primary chapter’s purpose, but to also provide: #HELPFULHINTS, #RECIPES, #IMMUNITY|HEALTH, #CLEANING, #MAKEAMEMORY, #TRADITIONS, #GIFTS, #QUOTES and #SNIPPETS (indented to easily see).  My hope is that they are framed in a way that serves your unique situation.  For example:

… … … … … … 

#SNIPPET: Music on Christmas Morning

Music I love - but never strain

Could kindle raptures so divine,

So grief assuage, so conquer pain,

And rouse this pensive heart of mine -

As that we hear on Christmas morn,

Upon the wintry breezes borne.

Though Darkness still her empire keep,

And hours must pass, ere morning break;

From troubled dreams, or slumbers deep,

That music kindly bids us wake:

It calls us, with an angel's voice,

To wake, and worship, and rejoice;

#MAKEAMEMORY: have an impromptu conference call tonight for trivia night with whiskey or watch a favorite holiday movie together using the latest sharing technology on streaming services

#HELPFULHINT: Holidays in Your Town – Check your local city or county websites for a list of activities.  You may be surprised by some safe and active events to meet with your fellow neighbors, friends, and family.  Despite COVID-19, you may find some activities that maintain being outside, with masks and keeping socially distant.

#TRADITION: CAPTURE READING TIME – If you read a certain story every year, surreptitiously record it audibly or through video.  Can’t stress enough how lovely this will be to look upon at some future date.

#MAKEAMEMORY: Travel Map and Memories – Now’s the time of year to take pause and capture what you did in year’s past.  We capture our travels (and accompanying dates) in a journal and it’s a welcome respite to go back to when things were a bit more normal, plus as a group, we capture details we simply couldn’t do alone!

#GIFT (NON-FOOD): Christmas Scent

- This spice blend sweetens the air as a potent aromatic but is NOT intended to be eaten!

Yields 1 gift

¼ cup whole cloves

3 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon

3 bay leaves

Combine cloves, cinnamon and bay leaves in a cheesecloth bag, tie with raffia or string.  Seal in a bag to preserve aroma of spices for gift-giving.  Directions to Accompany Gift:

Cut 1 lemon and 1 orange intro quarters, and place in a large saucepan.  Empty the bag’s content and 1-quart of water into the same pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, and simmer, uncover, as desired, adding water as needed to restore the aromatic steam. You can store mixture in the refrigerator for several days and reuse it by replacing the water that boils away.

OFFICIAL GUIDELINES: as of November 2020

The following are extracted directly from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  As you, we’ve all become minor experts on Covid – what has been known, over time, to safeguard us against, and those things that we know do not.  Reviewing and pulling these guidelines forward was an interesting exercise, as we know so much more from that initial chilling start of the pandemic.

CDC GUIDELINES:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

SELF ASSESSMENT:

- Stay home if you are ill and seek medical advice if you suspect COVID-19.

- Common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, etc.

- Monitor your temperature with an accurate thermometer, monitor your health

- Stay at home if you have symptoms.

MASKS:

- To succinctly line up their position - wear a mask that has at least two layers, cover your nose and mouth, secured under the chin for ages 2 and up.

- Children under two and those that have issues breathing should not wear a mask.

- Avoid touching the front of the mask while wearing, and wash hands thoroughly when removing a mask.

- Laundry masks often and take care when handling used masks.

SOCIAL DISTANCING:

- Wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, and meet outside if at all possible.

- If inside, give yourself space, consider air flow.

KEEP YOURSELF AND SURFACES CLEAN:

- Wash your hands.

- Avoid touching your mask, eyes, face, mouth.  Keep others safe by encouraging them to do the same.

- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

- Isopropyl alcohol content at 60% or higher is the guideline - below that amount may not be as effective.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION GUIDELINES:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

MASKS:

- Public is encouraged to wear fabric masks.

SOCIAL DISTANCING:

- Stay home and self-isolate with even minor symptoms until you recover.

- Maintain 3 feet distance between yourself and others.

- Avoid crowded places.

KEEP YOURSELF AND SURFACES CLEAN:

- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

- Alcohol based cleaners are most effective against COVID-19.  

- Use of hand sanitizers is recommended.

- Remember washing hands with soap and water for at least :20s.

KEEP STOCK:

- Always keep a stock of items for two weeks in the event you need to self-isolate or

there are issues in receiving items.

ADDITIONAL ODDS AND ENDS:

- Running day to day errands, working or other interactions with surfaces should always be scrutinized.

- Clean surfaces with spray or wipes, or immediately address your hands after touching.

- Consider things we don't always think about: cell phones, sharing items, money transactions, ATMs, doors, sinks and other surfaces.  Stay vigilant.

- Rubber or other gloves - keep in mind that gloves likewise collect contagions so use of gloves should be considered in how they are being used.

CHAPTER 1: Safely Together, in Two Parts

PART I: Staying in Touch, Not Literally

It is daunting to think of this holiday season.  Where you and I must take on different sensitivities and adopt new practicalities, not only for the sake of your health, but, as we know, to consider your loved ones and your community.  This sensitivity must be particular for those at risk and to consider the strain on the medical community and front-line workers.

This new normal requires us to be sensitive, beyond COVID-19.  Super viruses will be a constant threat in a world where these organisms mutate and our ability to address are challenged to keep pace.  Perhaps it is good for all of us to be cautious going forward, so, as we approach this first season of this ‘new normal’ - why not firm our jaw and be brave and forge a ‘better normal’.

After a full year of data and recommendations, the question we may think of first is "how do we even begin to enjoy the holidays with our family and loved ones?"  The good news is?  We can!

That is if we maintain a positive outlook and we are armed with the best data, we know exactly what to do and what not to do during the holidays.  Taking stock of what we know from our last chapter of published guidelines, we can develop a path forward.  And, in my opinion, the following are not guidelines, but a MUST:

High risk family members and friends should always attend virtually - see the next section on Technology.

Those that are showing symptoms or outright sick in any way, must be considerate of others and stay virtual as well...I promise we’ll find a good path forward for all!

Encourage those that have even a small sniffle or fever or headache to stay at home and take care of themselves.

Masks are to be worn when we are with anyone from different households.

If you are the visitor, remember to only touch or interact with people and items that you brought from home.

If indoors, stay 6 feet from another; maintain good air circulation and bring in fresh air as much as possible.

Social distancing must be maintained - this includes proximity, hugging, high fives, handshakes, or whatever may bring us *too* closely together.

Break the habit of touching your face.  Guidelines say to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, but I say keep your hands away from your face generally.

Be mindful of how you engage your mask.

It is best to be outdoors when visiting if possible - maintaining social distance.

Encourage clean surfaces and hand sanitizers.

Put out that big jug of hand sanitizer and encourage folks to use it.

Travelling should be limited to those with the critical need to do so - considering the nature and exposure of COVID-19.