
With the holiday season underway, and staying ahead of the curve remains key to managing COVID-19 in our city, I wanted to share some online and physically-distanced activities for the whole family.
As we shift how we approach holiday and winter gatherings, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate this season safely.
— Laura
Festive Winter Forum
The pandemic has certainly changed many aspects of our lives, including how we stay active and healthy, while also being COVID-WISE. We also know that it is critical for our physical and mental well-being that we continue to get exercise and stay active. That is why Councillor Dudas held a Festive Winter Forum to discuss all the ways to stay active and safe this winter season. By clicking this link, you will find access to a recording of the Festive Winter Forum, as well as the presentations given throughout the evening.
Heartwarming Holiday Activities
Ottawa Public Health
Be social wise year-round
While some people are more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, we are all susceptible of getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others.
We understand that the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real. However, if you are Social Wise, the only thing you will miss out on is getting sick and getting others sick.
Be Social Wise:
- W – Wear a mask or face covering where required, or when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet).
- I – Isolate yourself from others when you are sick and get tested promptly if you have COVID-19 like symptoms.
- S – Stay two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household or your chosen social support person(s).
- E – Exercise proper hand hygiene; wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer especially before touching your face.
Have your mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Celebrating the holiday season
The holiday season is right around the corner and the hope of celebrating with family and friends can be felt. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still very present in our local community, therefore, Ottawa Public Health recommends finding memorable ways to celebrate that will keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible. Some suggestions include:
- Surprise your loved ones by sending a gift such as yummy home-baked cookies, a cozy knitted scarf, a lovely craft or holiday-themed masks.
- Write a few heart-felt words in a card and mail it to your family/friends. It can be wonderful to receive a hand-written card in the mail in this age of technology.
- Make a video with you and/or a member of your household playing guitar, piano, drums, etc and/or singing. If you don’t play an instrument, make a warm and fun holiday-themed video that you can share. If you have children, involve them in the fun by having them sing, dance, rap, etc.
- Open gifts during a video call with family or friends.
- Set up a time to share a meal virtually and show-off your perfect festive outfit, food creations, share jokes and stories and give good cheer.
- If it’s in your tradition to sing songs or play games with your loved ones, sing or play together virtually.
- Set up a virtual Zoom Karaoke night or virtual dance party with your friends and sing and/or dance “together” to bring in the new year.
- Go on a virtual group walk after dinner or brunch and share the beautiful Christmas lights and other bright and fun sights in your neighborhood.
- Organize a car train (everyone in their own cars) to go see the Christmas lights.
- Create new traditions for a safer holiday. How will you celebrate differently and more safely? Let us know on our Engage Ottawa site