COVID-19 and the holidays

It is the holiday season, and normally that means spending time with loved ones, sharing food and being close to one another.

While many people take a break over the holidays, COVID-19 won’t. This means that in order to keep everyone safe, the holidays will look a bit different this year.

Gathering Safely

In-person celebrations are safer within your own household cohort. Indoor gatherings inside homes with others outside of your immediate family can spread COVID-19 and put your family and friends at risk.

With that said, there are still some ways to meet with loved ones safely during this holiday season. Here are some fun and simple ideas:

– Host a virtual gathering over the internet on platforms like Skype or Zoom. Play games virtually like Pictionary or charades. Or have everyone cook the same meal and then eat together in the virtual gathering.

– Another idea is to get down to your Canadian roots and have an outdoor gathering. While Christmas gatherings are generally centered on food, this is an opportunity to switch that focus to being a bit more active this season while creating great memories. Go snow shoeing, sledding, skating or go for a winter walk followed by a festive bon fire. Remember to keep six feet apart. Also, be sure to follow the gathering restrictions in your area. For current guidelines see www. alberta.ca/coronavirus.

Safe Shopping

Often during the holidays, last minute shopping in overcrowded stores is common. Limit in-store shopping and crowds. It is not only much less stressful, but it is much safer with COVID-19. Avoid last-minute shopping in busy grocery stores by planning ahead.

– Order groceries online and pick them up or have them delivered, especially if you do not feel well.

– If you need to shop in-store, choose a time that is less busy like mornings or evenings. Be respectful of senior hour, which is usually early in the morning.

– Make sure to write a list before going so that you reduce time in the store.

– To reduce store crowding, shop alone. – Make sure you sanitize your hands upon entering and after leaving the store.

– Wear a face mask and do not touch your face or mask when in the store. – Touch only what you take. – Use contactless credit or debit. – If you are using your own grocery bags, wash them before and after use.

Healthy Eating and Immunity

While no certain food can protect us from getting sick, eating a well-balanced diet can help keep our bodies strong and help our immune systems work their best.

Throughout the holidays, follow the Eat Well Plate from Canada’s Food Guide to ensure you are getting all of your nutrients. Choose plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein foods. Make water your drink of choice.

Healthy eating can also help improve mental health and reduce the stress of COVID-19. Including healthy foods and beverages that help you relax can be a great way to manage stress.

During this holiday season, enjoy a healthy, calming green tea matcha latte: Stir together one teaspoon of matcha green tea powder, two teaspoons honey and three tablespoons of warm water. Add mixture to one and a half cups of hot milk and mix until blended. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

For more advice on safe holiday entertaining visit www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/ covid-19-relaunch-guidance-safe-holidayentertaining.pdf.

For more information on this or other nutrition topics and COVID-19, go to www. healthyeatingstartshere.ca. Aimee Prinsen is a dietetic intern with Nutrition Services South Zone, Alberta Health Services. Comments or questions can be sent to publichealthnutrition.southzone@albertahealthservices.ca