Here where I am in France we’ve been instructed to stay home and see no one during the month of November so that we can all see family at Christmas.
While you are deciding what your Christmas is going to look like this year, I’ll share with you a few ideas that I’m come across in my own quest for clarity.
Shelter in Place
I’ve learned this great concept. Shelter in place. It is a British term that refers to healthy people who voluntarily stay at home in order to protect themselves or someone they love.
And this other term support bubble referring to people who consider each other the same household even if they don’t live under the same roof. Just make sure your support bubble doesn’t have another support bubble, or we’re back where we started from.
You no longer have to choose between spending time with your favorite people and protecting those members of your community that are most vulnerable.
In this concept everyone participating makes a pact to self-isolate before seeing each other so that they don’t bring germs into the support bubble. Then while together modify your traditions to voluntarily stay at home together.
Get take-out instead of dining in at your favorite restaurant.
Watch a movie at home instead of going to the theater.
Order grocery delivery or pick-up whenever possible.
No plan is risk free. Wash your hands often.
Self-isolate when you travel back to wherever you call home after the holidays.
It is scientifically proven that you have the power to protect your vulnerable neighbors.
Hold tight to the good habits
Close your eyes and meditate on the good habits that you’ve adopted to keep vulnerable people safe.
Just because these good habits might not be enforced by the law doesn’t mean you should stop.
Highlight Your Values
Use your values in your everyday speech.
When people in the same support bubble have differing perspectives on how to proceed, get to the heart of the issue.
You’ll probably hear, “I always do it this way, that’s why.” Respond with loving embrace, “That’s lovely, What’s your favorite thing about it?” Ask a few follow up questions to find out what fulfillment they are getting from that activity, because if what you’re proposing at home is not fulfilling the same void then they’ll just be bitter, or they’ll break the bubble.
Christmas 2020 case studies
The host expects everyone to wear masks all day.
Discussion clarified that they don’t want this group to be their support bubble, they want to be free to see other people. Wearing masks on brief encounters is an excellent tool, but even wearing masks all day in an enclosed space will not prevent spread. 31% of cases are caused by this. This person was released of their obligations as host and will just visit family for an hour wearing a mask.
One relative wants to go to the bar.
Discussion clarified that this location was good for business networking and also made him feel appreciated. This person was asked to postpone business networking until after the holidays and to initiate an at home activity that would fulfill his yearning for appreciation.
A high-risk relative has high expectations for their visitors.
Discussion clarified that loyalty and honesty will guide their closest friends to turn down other social outings in order to protect their high-risk loved one who would like to travel in from out of town and spend time with them on this special occasion.