As Christmas nears, preparations are underway for celebrations with family and friends. While enjoying holiday traditions, there are ways to protect your health this season.

Because many generations tend to gather at the holidays, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated.

The CDC recommends the following for safer ways to celebrate the holidays:

• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has the coronavirus.

• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Wear a well-fitting mask when you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated. Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.

• Healthy eating is all about balance and moderation. Holiday parties and big family meals may tempt you away from healthy eating habits. Allow yourself to have your favorite foods but stick to smaller servings and balance them with healthier options. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Limit fats, salt, as well as sugary foods and drinks.

• Staying active can help you keep a healthy weight during the holidays. Look for opportunities to work physical activities into your holiday: Go for a stroll after a family meal, enjoy a day of skiing, or dance to your favorite holiday music. 

Aim to get at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity. For example, that could be at least 20 minutes a day or 30 minutes five days a week. It’s important to move more and sit less.

• Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and to keep kids and adults healthy, especially during the winter months. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Manage stress: Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out or overwhelmed. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially and get plenty of sleep.

• Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.

“By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends,” the CDC said.