As New Years Eve is in jeopardy, the government authorizes a relaxation of confinement and curfew rules for Christmas. It will then be possible to spend the holidays with the family, on condition that the number of people authorized is not exceeded. To be on the safe side, you must follow 5 essential rules to have a good time in complete safety.
The month of December has seen a lot of changes when it comes to celebrations and family moments. Between confinement, curfew and sanitary measures, Noël does not really know where to go. The end of the year celebrations that are so dear to our hearts are currently on a very steep roller coaster ride.
Although New Year's Eve suffers from major restrictions, it is however possible to celebrate Christmas in a specific sanitary setting. We would have loved not to mention Covid-19 again in a Christmas subject, but it is a complicated challenge to win. According to specialists and scientists, if we want to avoid creating hotbeds of contamination for the holidays, meeting each other is not the best idea. Obviously, we cannot prevent anyone, knowing that the government has authorized the regroupings in small committees for this event. Even if we do not necessarily understand the logic of all these decisions, we will not shy away from our pleasure.
Christmas means family, and family means Christmas with the grandparents. We all know that these are very fragile and are at high risk of developing severe forms of the virus. It is therefore necessary to preserve them and scrupulously respect the barrier gestures. There are 5 rules to follow in order not to endanger anyone and have a good holiday. Read carefully !
Rule number 1: No hugs
We know it's complicated, because French traditions love hugs, but this year it's best to avoid. It is very complicated to explain to a child that he will not be able to hug his grandparents, yet it has to be.
The rule of “1 meter away” must absolutely be respected, including in the combined household. This rule is not suitable for conviviality, we agree. But for the health of our elders and those around us in general, let's make this sacrifice.
If braces are too important to you to go without, you can optionally put on ski suits to give you a hug. In addition to hugging, you will have class.
Rule number 2: do a PCR test quickly
What could be nicer than having a cotton swab sticking in your nose for Christmas? We love (not)! For those who have not yet had the opportunity to taste this intense pleasure, now is the time. In order to make sure that you are not infected, it is a must for family holidays.
To be eligible for your test, it is possible to do it in screening centers, a list of which is available on sante.fr or on the website of your regional health agency. Bonus point: the test is completely free!
We remind you of the rules to follow: take the test 7 days after the last external contact and self-confine until the results are received, and all this while remaining careful!
Rule number 3: Take a second test (yes …)
Since the virus can have an incubation period of up to 14 days, a PCR test can be negative even though the patient does have Covid-19. It is therefore preferable for the whole family to do several tests beforehand, one at least a week before visiting the elderly, and another 1 to 2 days before.
You will understand, it is not a cotton swab that we will put in your nose, but indeed two. If you prefer not to see your family so as not to have to go through this ordeal, we totally understand. In addition to this, you need to know more about it.
Rule number 4: stay outside as much as possible
We know that the winter cold does not make you want to face the outdoors, but it is advisable not to crowd inside around a board game. Take a walk as a family, that's a solution!
Ventilate well home or apartment during the evening and day is essential if you decide not to go out. It will be a bit chilly inside, but we didn't invent plaids for nothing!
You can also have a Christmas picnic on the frozen grass, it has the merit of being original.
Rule number 5: Avoid buffets
A drink during a Christmas dinner is super important. Only this year, it will be necessary to avoid the sausage, the petits fours, the toast and the chips in common. Giving their portion to each (with a little rab) is the best solution. For the meal, food that is eaten or served by hand should be avoided. Once again, service is preferred by portion already prepared, to avoid too much contact with kitchen tools.
It would of course be best if everyone brought their own food, but in this case, you might as well have a video conference for Christmas. This celebration remains a moment of sharing, which is largely achievable with the right precautions. One person serving, and the rest at the table. Portions for everyone, and you don't touch other people's plates.
A little tip: designate a manager for each service (starter / main course / side dish / dessert) and even for each bottle! This will prevent the serving utensils and bottles from being touched by everyone.
This Christmas will be very different from what we have experienced before, but it is still possible. It suffices to respect the sanitary measures and the above rules, in order to ensure vigilance and unfailing protection.
We wish you (all the same) happy end of year celebrations!