Are you wondering how to celebrate the holidays in lieu of in-person visits?
Last week, health officials told British Columbians that holiday celebrations will look decidedly different in 2020.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said people should stick to a simple motto if they are confused about who they can share the holidays with.
"When in doubt, rule it out," he said.
But that doesn't mean people shouldn't celebrate the holidays.
This year, locals will have to get creative with ideas for how to spend time with the people they love and to show them they care.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told reporters in Monday's coronavirus (COVID-19) daily briefing that social connections are important year-round, and the holidays are no different. However, in-person gatherings must be avoided.
While grocery and retail stores, restaurants, and workplaces have barriers and physical distancing, the potential that someone you spend time with may inadvertently bring the virus with them to your house to your dinner table is much higher, explained Henry.
"A few minutes at the grocery store or shopping in your local retail store is quite different than sitting with your extended family or with friends or loved ones that you have not seen for a while in your living room for the afternoon, or for the evening or longer," she added.
COVID-19: Creative over the holidays
Instead of meeting in person, there are several ways to connect with close friends and family. Henry noted that people have been sending her things that they plan to do or have been doing, and emphasized that these alternatives offer ways to make the holidays special.
One example B.C.'s top doctor mentioned was a contactless drop-off of cookies or stocking stuffers or ready-made breakfast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
"I know some that are having Zoom holiday dinners on big screen TVs and celebrating that way," she said. "Others have gone one step further and having the same meal with the same table decorations in each of their homes and finding ways to cook together."
Henry added that some families and friends are still cooking for large groups, but then doing meal delivery for their family members or friends or neighbours.
Other people are sharing holiday playlists for a post-meal Zoom Karaoke competition, which Henry joked: "I know nobody will invite me who knows me."
Ultimately, Henry emphasized that this will be the year to "create new traditions" to ensure that those we love will be there to celebrate with us next year.
"As I said last week there will be a time when we will be able to take our masks off. When we can see and hug, our loved ones our friends. When we can travel to see those others that we care about," she said.
"But we are not yet there--there are no safe gatherings right now, and we have to be cautious."
There are now 42,943 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C. after health officials announced 2,146 new cases in Monday's briefing.
