There is so much information (and misinformation) about Covid-19, and as librarians it’s our job to point you to sources you can trust.
Each week we will be compiling essential and updated information to help you make informed decisions about your health and safety. This week we are taking a closer look at how to celebrate the holidays during a pandemic.
Let’s face it, Covid-19 is putting a serious crimp in holiday planning this year. Statewide coronavirus restrictions currently prohibit indoor gatherings through at least Jan. 4 unless people quarantine 14 days prior or seven days afterward. After Thanksgiving, the number of positive Covid cases surged in North Central Washington and around the country. Hospitals are struggling to maintain staffing and bedspace for patients with the virus as well as other acute and emergent conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control has created a Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings webpage to help you make good decisions this holiday season.
The safest way to celebrate the holidays while keeping your family, friends and coworkers safe is at home and only with the people you live with.
Here are a few ideas for how to safely celebrate the holidays at home with your family this year:
Try out a new holiday recipe this year. If making a big turkey for 25 family members isn’t going to happen, how about checking out a cookbook from the library and exploring some new menu ideas. For a fun twist on a holiday meal check out A Literary Holiday Cookbook, which crafts holiday meals based on classics such as A Christmas Carol, Chronicles of Narnia and Little Women, available online with your library card through Hoopla. Or try a new vegan holiday recipe, make tamales, or find new ways to decorate cookies.
- While you can’t raise a glass with friends at a local bar, learn how to make your own fun and festive adult beverages at home from our print or online resources.
Rent a movie or one of our new Binge Boxes and settle in for a night or a weekend of movie madness. We have several holiday offerings, including Hallmark movies! You can reserve them online and then pick your items up at the library or have it mailed to you from our Mail Order Library.
- Make this the Christmas that you really do slow down and relax. Read a book and listen to some holiday music on Hoopla.
- Do an art project as a family. Learn how to batik dye with our take-home STEM kits or check one of these creativity books and online resources from the library.
- Check out snowshoes for the whole family and spend some quality family time outside. You can also check out nature backpacks and the Washington state Discover Pass from the library.