Celebrating Holidays Safely

WA State Department of Health: Safer Gatherings

Gathering in groups—even with people we know—may spread COVID-19. The more people we interact with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of becoming infected.

  • Hosting a holiday gathering 
    • Remind guests to stay home if they are sick
    • Encourage social distancing
    • Wear masks
    • Clean hands often
    • Limit the number of people handling or serving food
    • Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items
  • Attending an event or gathering
    • Prepare before you go: at home COVID-19 assessment, pack masks
    • Social distance as much as possible
    • Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items

If You Gather--A Safety Checklist (PDF)

The safest action, especially if you’re in a high-risk category, is to avoid gatherings and find different ways to celebrate. This site includes ideas for how to gather virtually. If that’s not an option, below is a checklist to help plan a safer gathering.

After the Celebration

If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed during your celebration, take extra precautions (in addition the ones listed above) for 14 days after the event to protect others:

If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or if you test positive for COVID-19, immediately contact the host and others that attended the event or celebration that you attended. They may need to inform other attendees about their possible exposure to the virus. Contact your health care provider and follow the CDC-recommended steps for what to do if you become sick, and follow the public health recommendations for community-related exposure.
If you are waiting for your COVID-19 test results, stay home until you have a result, and follow CDC’s guidance to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, a public health worker may contact you to check on your health and ask you who you have been in contact with and where you’ve spent time in order to identify and provide support to people (contacts) who may have been infected. Your information will be confidential. Learn more about what to expect with contact tracing


Fall holiday celebrations

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Halloween, Día de Los Muertos, Navratri, Diwali, and Thanksgiving will likely need to be different this fall to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Avoid activities that are higher risk for spread. Consider fun alternatives that pose lower risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Thanksgiving

  • Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.
  • Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people you don’t live with. Be particularly mindful in areas where it may harder to keep this distance, such as restrooms and eating areas.
  • Avoid using restroom facilities at high traffic times, such as at the end of a public event.
  • Avoid busy eating areas, such as restaurants during high volume mealtimes, if you plan to eat out at a restaurant.
  • Minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, do not shake hands, bump elbows, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet others.


Coloring Sheets (printable PDFs)

Astronaut

Ghost

Jelly Not Germs

Mask

Squash

Activity Sheets (printable PDFs)

Word Search (English)

Word Search (Spanish)

Scavenger Hunt

Spooky Treats Recipes

Coloring_Squash

HalloweenJefferson Halloween tips Opens in new window

Jefferson County Halloween Tips (PDF) 

Jefferson County Halloween Tips - Spanish (PDF)

  • WA State Department of Health: Tips for a Safer Halloween (PDF)
    • Many of the traditional ways in which we celebrate Halloween involve contact with non-household members in large group settings. This year, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
  • CDC: Halloween
    • Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween.