I thought we had it all planned. We discussed preparations and pandemic limitations before we left, yet once you are in the midst of your family vacation, the pandemic ramifications hit you in the gut. It's not the family vacation you have always experienced. This is definitely a new experience, one that may find you quite emotional.
Hugs and kisses
I am really beginning to miss those extended family hugs and kisses. It's a point of connections that signals a positive start and end to an event, and without that, you definitely feel like something is missing.
Expectations
Since everyone is navigating COVID-19 a bit differently, you have to be cautious about any expectations you may have.
Teasing, judging, making others comfortable
There's a temptation to tease or ridicule someone who is treating the virus differently than you. If someone is very cautious, you may miss their spontaneity, help, and carefree nature and then poke fun at their caution. If someone is very lax, you may be tempted to reprimand or get angry at them since you may feel threatened by their behavior. You have to resist the temptation to tease, judge, and make others uncomfortable and remember that everyone faces this virus differently.
Typical events
Many of those typical events you've enjoyed over time are not possible. Typical family games and traditions may put people in too close proximity to each other for safety.
Weather
While weather is always a factor, weather is a greater factor when your goal is to be outdoors most of the time with family members.
Missing Favorite Traditions
One of my favorite traditions is to go out to dinner with my family. I have always found that when we're out at a nice restaurant, everyone relaxes and our conversations are wonderful. I am really missing this tradition and though we're trying to replicate it with outdoor gatherings, it's not the same.
When you are trying to gather a large group of family members representing many locales, ages, and interests, it will never be easy, but COVID-19 exasperates the situation. It is likely that we will face this challenge for months to come so I have to get used to it and plan for it. What will I do?
Respect for individual family members' choices
While I thought I was respecting family members' choices, I realize that I have to deepen that respect. You simply can't tell family members what to do--you have to respect each family member's choice about how they handle this virus. There will be a myriad of responses given individual's jobs, lifestyles, health history, loved ones, and personal interests and comfort levels. The long term relationship is more important than these short term differences related to COVID-19.
Stay safe
Some family members will be comfortable with more risk than you. In cases like these, you do have to do what you can to stay safe. For example, perhaps if you and your family members are going to an outdoor nature space, you'll plan to stay at a different camp site, home rental, or lodge than your loved one to ensure a safe distance. Perhaps, you'll have bring your own food at planned outdoor events and set up the events to create more distance between people. This will take thinking and preparing ahead.
Flexibility
There's no way you can expect every challenge this virus will present. You have to be ready to be flexible.
Lower/change expectations
This won't be like past vacations--this will be different. Lower and change your expectations.
Healthy, outdoor activities
It seems like the most successful activity at this time is healthy, outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, and bike rides.
Remote destinations
Finding locales to get together that are far away from most people and places are ideal since there is less worry about getting the virus at these locations. Recently my family rented a house that was distanced from most people--it was truly relaxing.
How much time?
If you are gathering with lots of people, I recommend meeting at an outdoor place where you can recreate and adhere to social distancing rules for a short time. If you are just going away with your close family members, you may be more comfortable going away for a longer time if the place you are going to is away from most people and most viral spread.
I've got one more getaway this summer. My recent mini getaway has provided me with the perspective above. For the next trip, I plan to keep it low key. There will only be a few of us. We'll bring healthy food with us and plan quiet indoor and outdoor events that adhere to social distancing and hygiene rules and avoidance of the virus as much as possible.
Hugs and kisses
I am really beginning to miss those extended family hugs and kisses. It's a point of connections that signals a positive start and end to an event, and without that, you definitely feel like something is missing.
Expectations
Since everyone is navigating COVID-19 a bit differently, you have to be cautious about any expectations you may have.
Teasing, judging, making others comfortable
There's a temptation to tease or ridicule someone who is treating the virus differently than you. If someone is very cautious, you may miss their spontaneity, help, and carefree nature and then poke fun at their caution. If someone is very lax, you may be tempted to reprimand or get angry at them since you may feel threatened by their behavior. You have to resist the temptation to tease, judge, and make others uncomfortable and remember that everyone faces this virus differently.
Typical events
Many of those typical events you've enjoyed over time are not possible. Typical family games and traditions may put people in too close proximity to each other for safety.
Weather
While weather is always a factor, weather is a greater factor when your goal is to be outdoors most of the time with family members.
Missing Favorite Traditions
One of my favorite traditions is to go out to dinner with my family. I have always found that when we're out at a nice restaurant, everyone relaxes and our conversations are wonderful. I am really missing this tradition and though we're trying to replicate it with outdoor gatherings, it's not the same.
When you are trying to gather a large group of family members representing many locales, ages, and interests, it will never be easy, but COVID-19 exasperates the situation. It is likely that we will face this challenge for months to come so I have to get used to it and plan for it. What will I do?
Respect for individual family members' choices
While I thought I was respecting family members' choices, I realize that I have to deepen that respect. You simply can't tell family members what to do--you have to respect each family member's choice about how they handle this virus. There will be a myriad of responses given individual's jobs, lifestyles, health history, loved ones, and personal interests and comfort levels. The long term relationship is more important than these short term differences related to COVID-19.
Stay safe
Some family members will be comfortable with more risk than you. In cases like these, you do have to do what you can to stay safe. For example, perhaps if you and your family members are going to an outdoor nature space, you'll plan to stay at a different camp site, home rental, or lodge than your loved one to ensure a safe distance. Perhaps, you'll have bring your own food at planned outdoor events and set up the events to create more distance between people. This will take thinking and preparing ahead.
Flexibility
There's no way you can expect every challenge this virus will present. You have to be ready to be flexible.
Lower/change expectations
This won't be like past vacations--this will be different. Lower and change your expectations.
Healthy, outdoor activities
It seems like the most successful activity at this time is healthy, outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, and bike rides.
Remote destinations
Finding locales to get together that are far away from most people and places are ideal since there is less worry about getting the virus at these locations. Recently my family rented a house that was distanced from most people--it was truly relaxing.
How much time?
If you are gathering with lots of people, I recommend meeting at an outdoor place where you can recreate and adhere to social distancing rules for a short time. If you are just going away with your close family members, you may be more comfortable going away for a longer time if the place you are going to is away from most people and most viral spread.
I've got one more getaway this summer. My recent mini getaway has provided me with the perspective above. For the next trip, I plan to keep it low key. There will only be a few of us. We'll bring healthy food with us and plan quiet indoor and outdoor events that adhere to social distancing and hygiene rules and avoidance of the virus as much as possible.