After months of home quarantine, people yearn for the physical presence of family and friends and crave for gastronomic satisfaction. However, experts insist that staying home is still the best and safest option.

Make the most out of the most wonderful time of the year and stay safe by modifying how you celebrate:

Instead of an indoor gathering, organize a meal exchange if your family and friends live close. Make and drop off a dish with a quick, distanced hello outside the front door. If your family and friends do not live close, swap recipes ahead of time so everyone can enjoy the family’s favorite meal. To enjoy the experience of a communal meal, have each household set up a Zoom call at dinner time. Fill your plate and settle down for a special holiday twist.

If you are celebrating outdoors, take all the proper precautions. Aside from getting vaccinated, incorporate minimum safety protocols and consider quarantining for 14 days before and after the event. Ask attendees to get tested to offer some reassurance. Keep the guest list small. Have packed meals instead of a buffet.

In lieu of air travel, do a daytime road trip or drive around instead. Crank up the Christmas music, appreciate the view and the holiday light displays. Also, be glad that you don’t have to deal with long security lines, spend hours waiting at tarmacs or worry about hotel cleanliness.

Instead of personal visits to elderly loved ones, share the spirit of celebration over a call or video. COVID-19 is still spreading; the best thing you can do for loved ones this holiday is help keep them safe and healthy.