Column: Holiday plans can be both safe and joyful

As we transition from Thanksgiving into Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, keeping ourselves and loved ones safe will demand creativity and new perspectives.

Even holiday seasons without a pandemic are known to be psychologically stressful, driving some of us into a seasonal depression. But with some rethinking, we can create a COVID-safe holiday worth remembering.

A common thread running through these holidays is the celebration connection with others, including food, music and gifts. But staying apart to battle COVID-19 adds challenges to all aspects of traditional celebrations.

Below you will find steps to making a home-alone holiday season safer yet still memorable.

>> First and foremost, stay flexible with your holiday expectations. Remember, brittle things break easily.

>> Create a 2020 COVID-safe Christmas bucket of holiday goals. There is no stress or guilt if they are not achieved. Add to the list things that can help to get you into the holiday spirit. Consider connecting or re-connecting with friends and family and enjoying favorite holiday foods, music and seasonal movies.

>> In today’s world, there are many ways to connect with others. Take time to write holiday cards or reconnect with family and friends by email or come out of your Facebook hibernation. Remember those who make our lives better — like postal workers.

>> Have a special holiday food you will be missing with the separation. Just getting the recipe may not be ideal, but that connection with the person sharing it will be memorable and appreciated.

>> Feel the need to have a large party? In the spirit of being COVID-safe, invite family and friends to a Zoom party. Share good spirits rather than germs.

>> For the computer-savvy, using the Snap Camera app can turn the party into a costume party! You can be a funny character or just be wearing a wacky hat or even a virtual nose ring that will get everyone wondering.

>> Add “getting or staying healthy” to your bucket list. Without holiday parties, this might be more manageable. That assumes that you either make smaller batches of goodies or share the holiday treats with others.

>> Light to moderate exercise can improve immune function. Make an effort daily to do some type of activity. Even a neighborhood walk (with a mask of course) can help brain fog. Just standing 5-10 minutes every hour or doing some deep breathing, stretching or yoga can increase metabolism and lift spirits.

>> Watch some TV Christmas movies to enjoy decorations, hear holiday music and even sing and dance along.

>> Window shopping can be online.

>> Make that wish list for when the economy gets back on track.

>> If able, donate to those less fortunate.

Alan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S., and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S., are nutritionists in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dobbs also works with University Health Services.