Parents weigh holiday traditions against COVID-19 risks, national poll shows

As COVID-19 cases rise nationally, many families are evaluating how to balance traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with concerns about viral transmission. Findings from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at Michigan Medicine indicate that parents are navigating competing priorities as they plan for the holiday season.

According to the report, one in three parents believes the benefits of family gatherings outweigh the risk of spreading or acquiring COVID-19. More than half of respondents reported that it is very important for their child to see extended family and participate in family traditions, while three-quarters emphasized the importance of preventing viral spread during gatherings.

Sarah Clark, MPH, co-director of the Mott Poll, noted the tension families are experiencing this year. “As COVID-19 cases spike, many families are struggling with whether and how to continue their holiday traditions while balancing risks and benefits,” she said. Clark added that reduced interactions between children and relatives may contribute to the desire to maintain holiday routines. “For many parents, holidays mean sharing special rituals across different generations and opportunities for children to connect with grandparents, cousins, and other relatives,” she said.

The nationally representative poll included responses from 1,443 parents of at least 1 child aged 12 years or younger. Half of parents reported that COVID-19 had substantially reduced the amount of time their children spend with extended family.

How many families still plan to gather in person for Thanksgiving?

Among parents whose children typically see extended family during Thanksgiving, 61% plan to meet in person this year. Fewer families, however, intend to include out-of-state relatives: 18% plan to host guests who will travel from another state, compared with 40% who reported that such travel usually occurs.

Parents who are planning in-person gatherings reported that they would take precautions to reduce risk. In the poll, 88% said they would ask symptomatic or exposed family members not to attend, and two-thirds said they would exclude relatives who have not been practicing recommended safety measures, including mask use.

Clark emphasized the importance of assessing precautions taken by extended family members, including adults and children, particularly in areas where regulations or school policies differ. She noted that these conversations “will be uncomfortable, as there is uneven acceptance about precautions like wearing masks.”

How will families attempt to protect high-risk relatives?

Most respondents reported that their Thanksgiving gatherings typically include grandparents. To reduce risk to older adults, three-quarters of parents plan to limit contact between their children and guests at higher risk for severe illness. Two-thirds also intend to encourage physical distancing among attendees.

However, Clark cautioned that maintaining distance may be challenging. “It may be difficult to maintain distance between children and high-risk adults throughout a multi-day visit or even during a lengthy dinner,” she said. Parents should consider how feasible it will be to limit close contact and evaluate whether in-person gatherings are appropriate for their family.

Parents are also encouraged to prepare children for modified celebrations by discussing mask use, distancing, and avoiding behaviors that increase viral spread, such as singing or yelling. Outdoor activities may reduce transmission risk.

What alternatives can help families maintain holiday traditions safely?

For families seeking lower-risk options, Clark recommended identifying key aspects of Thanksgiving that children value and finding creative ways to preserve them. “The key for parents is to focus on elements of the celebration that represent family traditions or that seem most important to children,” she said.

Suggestions in the report include planning virtual celebrations, recreating meaningful decorations at home, preparing favorite family recipes with remote guidance from relatives, and coordinating group calls for shared activities or blessings.

Clark emphasized the role of informal gatherings in community transmission. “We all know that large public gatherings carry great risks of spreading COVID-19. But small and casual social gatherings where people feel most ‘safe’ are also part of what has been fueling transmission,” she said. With cases increasing across the country, she urged families to consider changes to typical celebrations. “That may mean celebrating the holidays a little differently this year.”

Reference

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. Some parents prioritize Thanksgiving traditions over reducing COVID-19 risks. Eurekalert. November 23, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/621037