Safe Holiday Celebrations

Wear a mask.

• Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect others and yourself.
• Wear your mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
• Wear a mask indoors and outdoors.
• In cold weather, wear your mask under your scarf, ski mask, or balaclava.
• Keep a spare mask in case your mask becomes wet from moisture in your breath or from snow or rain.

Stay at least 6 feet away from those who do not live with you.

• Indoors or outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
• Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.

Wash your hands.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating.
  • Make sure to dry your hands completely using a clean towel or by air drying.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoors spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors as much as possible. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.

Consider other holiday activities.

The safest way to celebrate winter holidays is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Here are some ideas for celebrating the winter holidays safely:

• Schedule a time to eat a meal with friends or family.
• Host a virtual ugly sweater party.
• Meet virtually to open gifts together.
• Build gingerbread houses, decorate cookies, or make a holiday craft over video chat.
• Drive or walk around to look at holiday lights with the people you live with.

Avoid travel and if you choose to travel, do so safely.

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you do travel:

• Check travel restrictions before you go.
• Check CDC’s Domestic Travel Guidance and consider testing before and after you travel.
• Get your flu shot before you travel.
• Always wear a mask in public settings, when using public transportation, and when around people who you don’t live with.
• Wear your mask correctly over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who does not live with you.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
• If driving, pack your food and limit stops.
• Know when to delay your travel.