Leadership is necessary during a worldwide pandemic.
In fact, thanks to good leaders and experts in government, medical, science, and public health fields, I've been able to understand how to stay safe from this pandemic. Of course, there's a bit of luck involved to, but I've been following the expert advice since the pandemic began with the following actions:
- wearing masks in places where I can't socially distance
- socially distancing
- getting tested when needed, and having visitors get tested before they visit
- gathering mostly outside with the exception of the small group I've been connecting with
- eating mostly at home, and when eating at a restaurant, eating outdoors
- getting a flu shot
- staying up to date with medical appointments and following all pandemic precautions with those appointments.
I regularly tune into the latest coronavirus news and recommendations to keep up to date, and also encourage close family members to follow the recommended public health practices too.
Now, it's time to think about the impending winter months. Experts are worried, and so far their predictions have been on target, so I'm worried too. What will I do?
Invite family members to stay with us
There's a few family members who may want to move in with us for a few months this winter or longer. With the impending greater surge of the pandemic, it may be in their best interests to be around people who are younger and can help out a bit. This is something I'll research a bit more in the coming dayss.
Small holiday celebrations
Our wider family circles have already decided on smaller holiday celebrations. Those who plan to spend Thanksgiving with us have already agreed to get tested before coming. We're sheltering in place for the most part, so we'll keep the celebrations quiet. As for Christmas and New Years, we'll do the same. With regard to the greater family, it's likely that we'll plan some small group outdoor adventures too and virtual gatherings.
Low key holiday gifts
I've been in the stores and found many to be quite empty with respect to the usual holiday gifts they carry. I've also looked online and prices appear to be up, up, up. That leads me to realize that it will be a more modest holiday gift giving season too. Rather than buying a lot of things, I want to think more creatively about what we might do with respect to gift giving. Ideas now point to making way for some good experiences to come rather than lots of material things. We generally don't give a lot of gifts anyways, but this year it will be even less.
Home decorations
I suspect we'll brighten up our house and neighborhood a bit more than usual this year because we'll all look forward to the light as a source of happiness and inspiration.
Health and entertainment
We'll likely lean towards health and entertainment this winter with outdoor adventures and online entertainment of all kinds including films and series--there are great films and series available. We'll also hopefully read a lot, play games, cook, get involved with household projects, and work to plan for good times ahead.
I appreciate the leadership at the state/city levels. I appreciate the leadership of so many medical, science, and public health professionals who are charting the course during this pandemic. Of course, the President has been much more of a problem than a help with this situation, but thanks to so many good people out there--there is some leadership we can look to.
I'll continue to stay informed, do what I can, and look for those silver linings. Onward.