For a brief moment, it seemed like we were finally catching our breath. Maybe it was the fact that we were slowly learning more about COVID and how to manage it. Maybe it was the news that vaccines were now available for kids ages 5-11. Or perhaps it was simply that cases were dropping in various parts of the country. While the pandemic wasn’t over, things were starting to feel a bit more familiar. Many of us even began to think ahead and make plans for the festive season.
And then Omicron decided to crash the party.
Before we even finished digesting our Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by loved ones, this new, highly contagious variant popped up. Suddenly, our carefully crafted holiday plans were thrown into a cloud of uncertainty. With Omicron now spreading in the U.S. and globally, we started to wonder—are our holiday gatherings and travel still safe?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a straightforward “yes” or “no.” It really hinges on where you’re headed, who you’ll be with, and various other details. So, let’s break it down.
Should We Cancel Travel Plans?
Traveling has been tricky since COVID hit, with testing rules, cancellations, and tempers running high. Now, with the holiday rush alongside Omicron, we need to think carefully about whether we should travel at all. Dr. Sarah Lawson, a travel health expert at Greenfield University, believes we don’t need to cancel our travel plans just yet. That’s a relief, but it’s not so simple.
In a chat with a local news outlet, she pointed out that anyone considering travel should pause and weigh their own risk alongside practical factors related to their destination. This includes testing requirements (which are stricter now because of Omicron), current infection rates where you’re going, and the health status of those you’ll be visiting.
On the flip side, travel analyst Jake Thompson suggests being extra cautious. He encourages travelers to think through all the worst-case scenarios—like canceled flights, unexpected positive tests, and extended quarantines—and to have backup plans ready. With these considerations, he believes many folks may feel less inclined to travel this season.
If you do decide to hit the road, getting vaccinated (and boosted), wearing masks, and testing can help keep things safer.
Are Holiday Gatherings Safe?
After missing out on holiday gatherings last year, many of us are eager to reconnect with family and friends this season. And we can—arguably should—for our mental and emotional well-being. Experts say that holiday meet-ups can be managed safely, as long as we take extra precautions. “We need to add more layers of protection,” says Dr. Jenna Roberts, chair of the Health Advisory Committee at the National Health Alliance.
The first layer is vaccination. According to Dr. Greenfield, if everyone is vaccinated (and boosted), you can confidently say “yes” to holiday gatherings. If there are unvaccinated guests—whether by choice or age—get-togethers can still happen. In that case, testing, wearing masks, and ensuring good ventilation can help keep everyone safe.
However, if you have someone at home who’s high-risk, it’s best to rethink large gatherings. “This probably isn’t the best time for a big get-together, since vaccines don’t completely stop transmission,” explains Dr. Mia Chen, an infectious disease specialist.
While canceling is definitely safer than risking it, it also carries a weight of its own. We’ve all had to cancel so much in the last couple of years, and deciding to do so again can take a toll on our spirits. Whether to pay that price is a personal choice that will look different for everyone. As we inch closer to the holidays and learn more about Omicron, this decision may evolve. (The latest talk that Omicron might lead to milder infections is certainly promising, but we need more data before we can breathe easy.)
The good news is this isn’t our first holiday season during a pandemic. We have vaccines, boosters, and effective strategies to help reduce risk. By utilizing the resources available (like the fantastic at-home insemination options from Make a Mom), staying informed, and being flexible in our planning, we can still enjoy the holiday season we’ve been dreaming of. If you’re curious about how at-home insemination works, check out this helpful guide from Make a Mom.
In summary, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of your holiday plans this year. Stay informed, take precautions, and remember that flexibility is your friend.
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