Ways to Gather with the Family This Year
To us, it’s all about family. The families we serve, and our Chad’s family. That’s why we make the delicious comfort food we do, so families can gather around it. However, with COVID-19 cases still rising, many have not seen their family in months. After almost a year of lockdowns and social distancing, we’d all love to have family gatherings again. But, how do we go about that while still protecting the ones we love? You will have to get creative about how you host these events but here are some ways you can start planning for family gatherings this year.
The Best Ways to Have Family Gatherings This Year
When planning a get-together, make every effort to reduce the risk of people getting sick. You may not be able to continue all of your favorite family traditions this year, but you can still create amazing memories in a safe way.
Before you invite anyone, consider what the COVID-19 spread is like in your area and in theirs. Do not invite anyone who is elderly, vulnerable, or from out-of-state. Then consider the best and safest way to get together with your family members. Here are our recommendations:
Host a Safe Indoor Gathering (Good)
Limit the number of attendees, especially for an indoor gathering, to decrease COVID-19 spread. The safe recommendation is no more than 10 people at a single gathering. When hosting a family gathering in your home, these are a few of the precautions you should take to keep everyone safe:
- Wear masks: Keep masks on except to eat or drink.
- Keep your distance: Sit or stand 6 feet away from others.
- Sanitize: Keep lots of sanitizers around to make it easily accessible.
- Ventilate the space: Open windows and doors to keep fresh air circulating through.
- Use multiple rooms: Spread out as much as possible to allow people more space.
No matter how safe your gathering is, remember to always have a follow-up plan for contacting everyone in case one of your guests gets sick afterward.
Plan an Outdoor Event (Better)
In place of an indoor gathering, try to host outdoor events whenever possible. If you have a backyard, take advantage of it. Plan non-contact games and have a meal. Even in the colder months, a nice bonfire or some portable heaters can create the perfect environment for a winter cookout.
Otherwise, try meeting at a park or trail and go for a socially-distanced walk or picnic. Close contact is the fastest way to spread the virus. While you face less risk of infection at an outdoor gathering, you should still enforce the use of masks and social distancing.
Celebrate Virtually (Best)
The safest way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to keep your family gatherings limited to members of your own household. Take time to celebrate with those closest to you and have a nice family dinner.
When it comes to your extended family, schedule a virtual get-together. You can all talk, play games, or eat together, even if you are not in the same physical space. Make it fun: host a baking contest, do a craft. Whatever it is, make it memorable.
Make the Most of Your Family Dinner
Whatever way you choose to gather this year, stay safe and make the most of the time you have with your family. Mark the occasion by ordering takeout from a local restaurant, and save yourself the work of making a special meal. Whether you have a few guests, or you stick to your household, Chad’s offers family meal deals to satisfy everyone and turn your little gathering into a proper party. Order your next family dinner from Chad’s BBQ.
