The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and making memories. But if you’re a parent, you know how quickly plans can change when your kids get sick. It can feel overwhelming to shift gears, especially when you’ve been looking forward to festive outings or trips. However, staying home when sick can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and keep your loved ones safe.
The Current State of Respiratory Illnesses in Oregon
According to the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon has not yet met the criteria for the start of RSV season onset. However, RSV season typically runs from December to April, with the peak of infections in February and March. RSV is a common virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It usually arrives in Oregon in the fall and stays through the winter.
Serious cases of the flu are also currently mild in Oregon, with only 5.9% of influenza tests returning positive. Still, if you find yourself and your family coming down with an illness, it’s best to stay home. No one likes to cancel plans, especially over the holidays, but we must try to reduce the spread of viruses.
Oregon offers many ways to adapt when you’re sick and still find joy in the season. Here’s how to navigate last-minute plan changes with a touch of creativity and a lot of flexibility.
1. Embrace the Cozy Home Holiday
If your kids are under the weather, lean into the chance to slow down. Create a holiday haven at home with:
- Holiday Movie Marathons: Stream classics like Elf or The Polar Express with hot cocoa and cozy blankets. Check out this idea for setting up the perfect cocoa bar as a fun treat for your marathon and a list of kid-friendly Christmas movies to get you started.
- DIY Crafts: Order a craft kit from a local shop like Collage, or craft your own paper snowflakes and ornaments.
- Comfort Food Baking: Make sugar cookies, gingerbread, or even a simple banana bread together, letting the kitchen become a hub of warmth and laughter.
These at-home activities can feel just as festive as going out, minus the germs and stress. You can even take this opportunity to create a new tradition or two. Check out some of these ideas for Fun International Christmas Traditions you can do at home.
2. Find Drive-Thru Light Displays
Throughout Oregon, there are multiple light displays to enjoy. Some are free, while others require admission. You may need a reservation for some, so it’s good to check their website beforehand to prepare. Here are some local drive-thru attractions you can check out:
- City of Hillsboro’s Lightopia
- Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights
- Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway
While there are plenty of other spectacular light displays throughout Oregon, these are the ones you can enjoy from your car if someone in your household isn’t feeling well.
3. Make the Most of Oregon’s Local Deliveries
Did you have plans for a big holiday meal or gifts? Ordering a take-out feast for your family can be a fun treat if you’re all feeling too unwell to host or cook a big meal. Take advantage of local businesses that offer delivery or curbside pickup, but be sure to plan ahead, as not all restaurants are open during Christmas or New Year’s.
Here is a list of restaurants in the Portland area that were open for take-out on Christmas last year.
4. Stay Connected with Virtual Celebrations
Sick kids may mean skipping the big family gathering, but that doesn’t mean missing out entirely. Set up a virtual meeting with family using Zoom or FaceTime and:
- Exchange Stories or Memories: Share favorite holiday traditions or a round of trivia.
- Host a Virtual Game Night: Many games, like Jackbox Party Pack, can be played remotely.
- Enjoy a Long-Distance Dinner Together: Coordinate menus to feel like you’re sharing the same table.
5. Reflect on the Silver Linings
While a change in plans can be disappointing, it’s also an opportunity to pause. The hustle of the holidays often overshadows what truly matters—time together. When your plans slow down, take it as a chance to connect more deeply with your family, even if it’s over chicken soup and a thermometer instead of eggnog and mistletoe.
Final Thoughts
Life happens, and so do last-minute changes, especially during the holidays. But in Oregon, with its abundance of resources, beauty, and community spirit, you can pivot easily and still create meaningful holiday moments—even when those moments look different than you’d planned.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.