Green and red are the colors of the season. And yellow. And orange. And purple now, too.
Colorado’s COVID-19 dial framework has six color levels, and each color represents a different level of “openness” that factors in new cases, hospitalizations and percent positivity at the county level.
Previously, the dial had five color levels, but Level Purple was added after the recent increase in cases made it clear that further measures would need to be taken.
Colorado Springs moved to Level Red on Nov. 27. At Level Red, personal gatherings are limited to none, and indoor dining and bars are closed.
According to Our Community Now, most holiday events fall in the “Outdoor/Unseated Entertainment” category, which means they can remain open at 25 percent capacity, or 75 people max.
Unless you get creative, that means no holiday parties, no Friends-mas and no Christmas karaoke at your local bar.
These restrictions might be impacting your holiday plans, but there are still things you can do over Winter Break to get yourself in the holiday spirit and keep yourself and those around you safe.
Read a holiday-themed book.
Might I suggest “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens or maybe something contemporary like “Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances” by John Green, Lauren Myracle and Maureen Johnson.
Watch. All. The. Christmas. Movies.
Here is a fantastic list for reference.
Go light looking.
Is it just me or have people really upped their outdoor decorations this year? Make yourself a cup of hot cocoa or coffee at home and take a drive.
Bake.
You don’t have to get too fancy in the kitchen. I’m not suggesting you make homemade fudge (which is extremely difficult, by the way). Buy some cookie dough and get rollin’. Then paint them as one should — like a giddy 10-year-old with a frosting knife.
Call up your friends and family.
FaceTime your loved ones and let them know how much they mean to you this year. You could even host a virtual holiday party if you wanted, complete with ugly Christmas sweaters, caroling and virtual holiday bingo. (I found a cool list of ideas here.)
The safest way to spend the winter holidays is with the people you already live with, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Gatherings with family and friends outside of your household can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.
Whatever you decide to do, do not let Level Red put a damper on your holiday spirit. You can still have fun while being safe.
