As if the holidays weren't stressful enough, now we have to deal with a global pandemic too!

The holidays are just around the corner and, unfortunately, so is Covid. Cases on the island and across the country are growing at a rapid rate and we need to be just as careful now as we were during lockdown. 

I've put together a few ideas on how to stay safe while preparing for the holidays this year:  

Online shopping

You and your credit card may disagree on this one, but online shopping is your best friend right now! Online shopping is easy, fast, and can be delivered right to your door all while avoiding contact with another person. I highly suggest checking your local businesses before going to Amazon or eBay, you just might be surprised by some of the deals that you'll find! 

Order Grocery Delivery

Almost every grocery store has online shopping with delivery to your home. You can simply click through the items you'd like on their website and choose a time for delivery. Ordering your groceries online is an excellent way to avoid those impulse purchases too.

Many people are still quite hesitant about online shopping, but from personal experience, I can guarantee that your personal shopper is a pro at picking the best produce and meat products. Also, if the store has run out-of-stock of a certain item, the shopper will call, text, or email you to advise and offer replacement suggestions which you can accept or deny. 

Shopping Local

Supporting our small local businesses is more important now than ever! Even if your favourite local business is closed, try calling them, they may have set up a website for online shopping or be able to offer a gift certificate for future use. Also, remember that local doesn't just mean your immediate neighbourhood, maybe you like a shop that's located in the Cowichan Valley or North Island, these are small businesses too and could use your support!   

Ask people what the Need

You may want to buy your grandma those pink fuzzy slippers and a new tea mug, but she probably has half a dozen of each and doesn't want or need anymore. She may need some help paying the electric bill, or needs some firewood cut and stacked for the winter but is too shy to ask. Instead of the regular bottle of wine you buy for the neighbours, offer to babysit their kids for a night so they can have a night alone.

This year has been a hard one for all of us and many people struggle to ask for help, so this is the perfect time to have a conversation with your loved ones about what they need and helping them in ways that you haven't thought of before. 

 

We understand that holidays and pandemics don't go hand-in-hand and we need to find a way to navigate through these trying times, we hope these tips can help you!