Up until this unprecedented year, Labor Day weekend was a nice break for students recently returning to school, or for adults that needed to get away from work an extra day. With some students being at home completing school remotely and professionals either working online or not at all due to the pandemic, this holiday may not seem as thrilling as in the past.
With beaches and boardwalks open, it is natural that people’s first thought will be to escape there for this otherwise lackluster holiday weekend. However, if everyone floods to the beaches where they aren’t required to wear a mask, it will no doubt increase their risk of catching the Coronavirus. Though it may sound tempting, there are other ways you can celebrate Labor Day weekend (and other weekends) without endangering yourself and others.
Rent An Airbnb With a Small Group
Rent an Airbnb with a small group. Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
If you are sick of sitting at home and need a change of scenery, an Airbnb is a great way to shake up your surroundings while also keeping in mind the wellbeing of others. You can rent one either close-by out of convenience, or somewhere maybe a bit further in an area you are eager to explore. When splitting the total cost amongst a small group of close friends it is also a budget-friendly option. By renting an Airbnb you still get to feel like you are having a weekend away and making memories without putting everyone’s health on the line.
Barbeque With Family & Friends
Who needs a public overcrowded beach when you have a grill and pool right in your or your neighbor’s backyard? Good old-fashioned hamburgers and hotdogs after swimming in the cool water all afternoon are just as fulfilling, plus the smaller personal space will make for a great spot to converse with family and friends. Though it seems this whole pandemic has been filled with family bonding time, holidays are always a special occasion to pass the time with the ones you love.
Cook Up A New Recipe At Home
If you’re not up for going out somewhere but are still looking to make the best of this weekend, you can organize a relaxing night in trying your hand at a new recipe. Cooking something you’ve never tried before and succeeding can be both rewarding individually, and act as a unique and engaging pass time to try with friends. To take it a step further, you could do a picnic in your backyard or at a local park that isn’t too crowded, appreciating your surroundings and enjoying the nice weather. Picnics aren’t a typical event for most people, so it also provides another new activity to go from just having dinner to participating in a planned activity.
Dr. George James (@GeorgeTalks), Chief Innovation Officer, Senior Staff Therapist & Supervisor at Council for Relationships, Assistant Professor for the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of George Talks LLC.
Jamie McClelland, is a senior at Villanova University, double majoring in English and Communications with a specialization in media production.