This holiday season may be one of the more unusual ones. Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette expert, cross-cultural trainer, author, and founder of Access to Culture, offers advice on how to make things go as smoothly as possible during get-togethers.
Individuals who are hosting should plan and prepare in advance but be flexible. If COVID-19 numbers rise, festivities may have to be postponed or canceled this year. Guests should respect the host's decision to make changes, even if it comes at the last minute.
Everyone should follow CDC guidelines and local regulations. To keep everyone safe, the CDC recommends maintaining six feet of distance from others, providing proper ventilation, frequently washing one's hands, wearing a mask, holding smaller gatherings, and spending more time outdoors if the weather permits. The host should let guests know in advance what protocols should be followed.
When in doubt, people should stay home. In years past, someone might still attend Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner if he or she had a slight cold. This year, however, it is not worth the risk. Staying home is not only about one's own health and well-being, but also about being respectful of everyone nearby.
People should remember their manners. They should practice patience, act with civility and respect, and be kind to others. Discussions about sensitive or controversial topics should be avoided, and people should not ask prying questions. They should be aware of "naive realism," a term psychologists use to mean one's tendency to believe that the way he or she sees the world is the way the world really is. When in conversation with others, people should remember that their view is not everyone's reality. Everyone should focus on gratitude and treat others how they want to be treated.
BYOM (Bring Your Own Meal and Mask) is a good strategy. BYOM serves double duty this year, with the "M" meaning meal and mask. In the past, it was customary for guests to bring at least one dish to the holiday gathering. This year, for safety, asking each family attending to bring its own meal is not out of the question. Each guest should also arrive wearing a mask. Hosts need to let their guests know the BYOM rules ahead of time so there is no confusion and awkwardness.
When possible, guests may consider driving instead of flying. Although air travel has been deemed relatively safe despite COVID-19 concerns, it still increases one's risk. When possible, people can turn holiday travel into a fun road trip. They can consider traveling at off-peak times to avoid contact with other holiday travelers.
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