The classic holiday song, “There’s no place like home for the holidays” has a stronger message this year as we continue to navigate life during a pandemic. It has been determined that staying home is the safest option for families, but that doesn't mean the magic of the season needs to disappear.
Cushman Insurance knows that it may be difficult to reimagine the holidays — whether it means changing the food, the traditions, or the company — which is why our team has put together some ideas and tips for you and your family to have a fun and safe celebration.
Low-risk celebration opportunities
Not sure what activities are deemed safe this year? The CDC has put together the following list of low-risk celebration opportunities:
Hosting a holiday dinner with only the people in your home.
Hosting a virtual meal for extended family.
Preparing traditional dishes to deliver safety, and social distantly, to family and neighbors.
Shopping sales online instead of in person.
Catching sporting events and parades at home instead of in person.
New Traditions at Home
It’s important to focus on the positive and create new traditions during the upcoming holiday season. This can include:
Revamping the holiday meal: try a new recipe or avoid recipes that may be too much work. Branch out and make the meal you want.
Decorate for the Season: make holiday crafts, cards, or cookies to send or deliver to family, friends, and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others, such as leaving them at the door.
Order takeout from local restaurants: to avoid stress, and to help support the local economy, consider ordering meals from your favorite restaurants. This is a great way to not worry about cooking, or baking, during the holiday season.
Encourage help: smaller groups mean fewer preparations. This is a great way to teach younger children or teenagers family recipes.
Start a new tradition: write notes of thanks for a time capsule to open next Thanksgiving, or create a keepsake by using a marker to write kind words on an artificial pumpkin.
Home Safety Tips
If you are celebrating the holidays at home with a few loved ones, Cushman Insurance has put together a few tips to keep you, your family, and your friends safe during the preparation.
Baking Safety When baking cookies or preparing your holiday dinner, you may forget to turn the oven off. Our suggestion? Use the timer on your phone or stove to keep track of the time. Never leave your stove or oven unattended while in use, and make sure that a fire extinguisher is within easy reach.
Holiday Decorations Safety Did you know around 50% of home electrical fires are caused by an electrical distribution or lighting equipment? Make sure your outlets are not overloaded with Christmas lights.
Alcohol Safety If you’re serving alcohol during the holiday festivities, make sure you determine if your guests have a designated driver or have a safe way to get home. We also suggest serving food and water to offset alcohol impairments.
Driving Safety According to the Federal Highway Administration, the cold weather can have a significant impact on driving conditions. On average, 219,942 car accidents occur each year due to snow and sleet. Our recommendation for driving safely to and from holiday gatherings? Leave a cushion of at least five seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Keep your Sidewalks and Driveway Clear If you anticipate deliveries or guests this year, you don’t want them to get injured in front of your house. Take the time to clear any snow and sprinkle salt to remove any ice buildup. Don’t forget to check your porch and stairs, too.
The holiday season is looking a little different this year, but Cushman Insurance wants you to live more and worry less with a few safety tips. Remember to be thankful for what you have and have a sip of cider. Contact Cushman Insurance via our website or by calling (508) 586-5310 to make sure you’re covered this holiday season.