During the cold winter months, many of us look for ways to keep connected with family and friends. Here are some ideas for heart-warming get-togethers, and tips for how to keep gatherings healthy, including helping to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, colds and flu.
Throw a skating party
Outdoor activities remain a safer way to get together as a group over the winter months. Visit a local skating rink or create one in your own backyard. Whether you opt for a game of pick-up hockey, practice your figure skating spins, or simply glide your way across the ice, it’s a fun way to spend time together. Make sure to take regular hot chocolate breaks for maximum enjoyment.
Seek out tobogganing thrills
After a winter snowfall, get a group together, grab your sleds and meet at the best local hill for another great outdoor activity. Remember to use common sense safety, such as wearing a helmet, sliding far enough apart to avoid collisions and looking out for obstacles in your path.
And of course, be sure to stay at home and away from others if you’ve got cold or flu like-symptoms. This will help prevent others from getting sick.
Host a game night
If you’re not keen on outdoor activities, consider having a few friends or family members over for a game night. Ask everyone to bring their favourite activity and rotate through them. Games can be a wonderful way to keep conversations going and learn new things about each other– like who’s most competitive. If competition isn’t for you, try out cooperative games where players work together to beat the board.
This idea is best for smaller groups of four to eight people. Fewer people is also a good idea to help minimize spread and exposure to respiratory viruses.
Open a window or exterior door whenever possible – even if it’s cold outside. A few minutes of fresh outdoor air can still help improve ventilation and reduce the levels of infectious particles in the air. This is especially important when you’re with people from outside your immediate household. Still too cold out? That’s okay. You can also run your kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan to help freshen the air.
Host a movie night
If games aren’t really your thing, maybe get your group together for a cozy movie night. Consider a theme like Spooky Friday for scary movies. Or, put everyone’s recommendations in a bowl and pull one at random each time. But, as always, pay attention to how you feel before any event and stay home if you have any symptoms, such as runny nose, cough, or fatigue.
If you’re serving popcorn or other snacks, consider giving each guest their own bowl so everyone can have their own stash.
If you’re planning on getting together with a larger crowd, remember that face masks are still a good way to help protect yourself and others in indoor places.
Whichever way you end up spending time with friends and family, staying up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations is always a good idea to help avoid hospitalization or serious illnesses associated with these viruses.
