✈️ Traveling for the holidays?

Plus, tips on staying safe with loved ones

View this email online Becky Harlan/NPR Friends, Here we go again.  Right now, this is the phrase at the forefront of everyone’s minds. With the rapid spread of the omicron variant worldwide, pro-sports have fallen back into COVID-fueled flux, states are beginning to reimplement mask mandates and hospitals across the country are bracing for another surge — and with these familiar headlines comes that sinking feeling of uncertainty, back in full force. 800,000 Americans have been lost to COVID-19: we’ve reached a terrible new milestone, and with it come the memorials — unique to the individual, yet all heartbreakingly familiar. It’s a different shade of grief atop the same pandemic landscape. It’s hard to carry the weight of the waiting and the wanting for all of this to be over, and likely some fatigue has set in just in time for the holidays. But as the saying goes, the only way out is through — and experts say the fastest way through this new cycle is to remain vigilant, staying as safe and protected as possible. That means as tired as we are of masking and testing (and goodness, we are dog-tired), now is not the time to ease up on safety precautions. At least unlike last year, this time around we can (safely and briefly!) hug our friends and family about it. That’s a huge plus, and I, for one, plan to take full advantage.  In 2021, we’ve brought you the stories you need to hear – more in-depth conversations, more unheard voices. Please donate to your NPR station so we can bring you more of what you love. Newsletter continues after sponsor message If you’re planning on gathering in the next few weeks, here are some helpful reminders on how to do so safely. 😷 From our episode on omicron and the holidays: Exercise the precautionary principle: We’re all itching to be together to celebrate the holidays, but with so much still unknown about the omicron variant, it’s best to invoke your most cautious self in your planning. If you’re headed for a holiday outing, for example, research the setting. Will there be good ventilation? Is there an outdoor option? Are masks required? Use layers of protection: Start by assessing the risk level of your gathering. Will everyone be vaccinated? Boosted? (If not, you can send them here to find one.) Will unvaccinated kids or more vulnerable people (such as the elderly or immunocompromised) be in attendance? From there, you can decide what extra safety measures you might need. 🍽️ From our episode on how to host a meaningful gathering: Set expectations & communicate boundaries clearly: If people are headed to your dinner table in the next few weeks, make sure everyone invited is clear on what to expect (and we’re not just talking about bringing something to the potluck). If you’d like everyone to be tested or vaccinated, or if you have people at home that aren’t, give guests the full picture upfront so they can make an informed decision about attending. 💸 From our episode on friends & money: Choose your company wisely: Don’t add unnecessary financial stress to the pile of worries already on your plate. If your brother-in-law expects gifts out of your price range, or if that former college roommate just never seems to remember to bring her white elephant gift, maybe think twice before setting up a get-together. 🎧 From our episode on how to record family stories: Seize the opportunity: The pandemic has been a sober reminder that time is precious. Once you’ve planned how to spend time with your loved ones safely, do what you can to spend that time well. Ask the questions you want to ask, share that happy memory and take that millionth group selfie your mom keeps begging for. As the late bell hooks said, "love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect and trust." Like staying positive in a pandemic, that’s a tall order, but we do what we can. – Andee Tagle, Life Kit producer   Do you have a favorite Life Kit tip from 2021? That advice you think about every now-and-then? Tell us! Send us a note to lifekit@npr.org, or leave us a voicemail with your name, phone number and message at 202-216-9823. Thanks for reading! Look out here for next week's episodes on:   🎄 Holiday blues | 🎁 Gift shopping | 😔 Solitude Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy