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"Try not to exchange too much saliva so a hug is better than a kiss," is the advice of Professor Peter Collignon of the Australian National University and Canberra Hospital.
He also suggests that people move festivities outdoors wherever possible. The risk of contracting COVID outside is a fraction of what it is inside. "Have a barbecue in the middle of the day. It's a very good way of decreasing the risk," he said.
Sunglasses also protect the eyes from droplets carrying the coronavirus.
Fresh air even has chemicals in it which act against the virus, so indoor gatherings should have open windows.
But "Rule Number One, Rule Number Two and Rule Number Three is vaccination," he said.
You might want to think about whether you invite the unvaccinated to your seasonal event, is the suggestion of another of the country's top experts.
"Consider whether you want to invite non-vaccinated people to parties, gatherings etc. Non-vaccinated people are both more likely to be infected, and more likely to be infectious if infected," Professor Adrian Esterman of the University of South Australia told The Canberra Times.
"Hold parties outside if possible. Any breeze disperses viral particles, and the sun degrades them. If indoors, open doors and windows.
"If possible, get everyone meeting to undertake a rapid antigen test.
"If you are feeling unwell, especially with cold-like symptoms, stay home and get tested. Omicron symptoms are very similar to those you get with the common cold.
"Remind people about hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette. Consider wearing face masks."
Under ACT government rules, Christmas and New Year gatherings are permitted but the government warns that some activities "may increase your risk" like those that:
- are in closed environments, crowded situations or involve close contact with others
- require physical activity and close contact (it cites dancing as one example)
- require speaking loudly or singing in an indoor environment
- require sharing objects with others (it cites utensils at a buffet)
Some other common pieces of advice include not drinking from someone else's glass. If you gather outside remember the risk from the sun (it would not be good to decrease the risk of COVID but increase the risk of cancer).
"If the weather is questionable and you do need to be indoors, for a COVID-safe Christmas think about using multiple rooms to space people out," the House of Wellness which offers health advice recommends.
"And sorry folks, we're not the Grinch, but no hugs or kisses."
MORE COVID-19 NEWS:
If all that is too miserable, you might think of travelling - except that that isn't a Christmas hamper of joy either.
Travelling within the state is relatively easy (or from the ACT to New South Wales).
But once you cross other borders forms need filling and tests must be done.
Visitors to Queensland from the ACT and neighbouring NSW need a PCR test within 72 hours of the trip.
Travel within the ACT and NSW is easier.
Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
