Many of us are struggling to navigate holiday gatherings and travel decisions this year. We've rounded up a few resources - and some memes and gifs - that might help.

1. Talk it out. 

• When thinking about holiday gatherings, talk to friends and family members about your comfort level and ask them about theirs.
• What limitations or safety expectations would help?
• Set boundaries, but validate the feelings of your family and friends
• Talk about face coverings, quarantine, tests and virtual alternatives to holiday traditions
• Remember to be polite. These are difficult conversations for everyone, and we're all figuring out how much or little risk we're willing to take on.

2. Know thy CDC holiday celebrations guidance

• Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities. 
• Open windows and doors to increase ventilation if you can.
• Bring extra masks (do not share or swap with others), hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and tissues.
• Avoid contact with people outside of your household for 14 days before any in-person gatherings with non-household members.

3. Consider the age-old question: To travel or not to travel

• Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. 
• Marylanders are strongly advised against traveling to states with positivity rates of 10% or higher.
  • Note: Anyone traveling from these states should get tested and self-quarantine while awaiting results. See our agency guidelines on that here.
• Don’t travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. 
• Check in with colleagues and friends to see what alternative traditions they are coming up with this year.

4. If you must travel...

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Wear a cloth face covering in public.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
• Social distance. 
• Know where to get tested: Baltimore City Testing Resources | Baltimore County Testing Resources

5. Keep calm and wear your mask.

• Set an alarm, post a sticky note or store your mask by your door to remind you to grab your mask before leaving the house for any reason.
• Let kids design their masks to help them stay motivated in wearing them. 
• Treat yourself or a loved one to a really cool mask as a holiday gift.

6.  Stay safe, hold onto the brightspots in your days and get the full round-up of tips and holiday guidance here.