Random Question #1 -- If you're Covid-cautious, would you feel this a safe activity?

[TheReader]

We fall on the "pretty cautious" side of things -- we do grocery shop in person, we do still wear masks even though it's not mandated, we do limit our activities based on the protocols being followed at each place, we do not eat in restaurants yet. We don't wipe down our groceries or anything like that. 

So, that said --  Would you feel it safe to run around (outdoors) cracking confetti eggs on people's heads? You get right up to each person, crack the egg in your hand, then smoosh it onto the person's head. So, you're in contact for a little minute or so. All around, person to person, over & over until they use up their eggs. This is usually done facing each other -- you are cracking your egg on their head, while they crack their egg on your head. 

I can probably insist on "masks on while doing this" but DH is doubtful that I can get this part cancelled/left out altogether. *It's at our house, so we have some ability to set the guidelines.

What says the Hive? Is this, with masks on, a covid-safe thing to do? The rest of the time we'll be spread out, outdoors, each family in their own area, etc. and I feel the rest of the gathering should be fine. 

*if it makes a difference, it's us, SIL and MIL -- so, 3 households, total of 11 people (5 in our family, 4 in SIL's, 2 in MIL's), and the 4 are not being careful in their day-to-day at all (but 1 of those has just in the last week or so recovered from Covid, so he should be safe....). 

 

[mommyoffive]

I wouldn't do it unless there were masks on everyone.  You didn't mention if the people are vaccinated and that would make a difference. 

[vonfirmath]

Can you modify the activity where you are trying to crack eggs on people without them noticing somehow?

 

[TheReader]

6 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

I wouldn't do it unless there were masks on everyone.  You didn't mention if the people are vaccinated and that would make a difference. 

We are all halfway through our vaccines (we all get our 2nd dose the week after; I get mine on Monday, DS16 gets his on Weds, DH & the other boys get theirs on the 10th);  MIL & her DH are likewise halfway through theirs; SIL and her DH are not started yet, and her kids are too young.  Her son just recovered from Covid -- he's been back at school for 2 weeks now post-Covid -- but none of the rest of them were sick, and nor have they altered their activities/level of caution since. 

Given all of that -- with masks, would you feel it okay? 

The whole "smashing eggs" thing lasts about 20-30 mins, so it's not a long time, but it's a very person to person to person to person thing. 

[TheReader]

4 minutes ago, vonfirmath said:

Can you modify the activity where you are trying to crack eggs on people without them noticing somehow?

 

I mean, you could, maybe, and that's certainly half of it normally, but then what happens is you end up getting hit, so you turn around and return the favor. I don't know how on earth to have it be not face to face. I'd much rather have it limited to that short time frame (20-30 mins of everyone running around like crazy smashing eggs, then it's over with) vs. possibility of stealth egg smashing all day -- mainly because I absolutely WILL enforce that if someone wants to sit out, for their own comfort level, they're allowed to. Period. 

[I talk to the trees]

I probably wouldn’t even attend the event unless everyone was vaccinated already and wearing masks. But I fall into the very cautious/ still shielding category because of my and especially my DD’s risk factors. 

[mommyoffive]

1 minute ago, TheReader said:

We are all halfway through our vaccines (we all get our 2nd dose the week after; I get mine on Monday, DS16 gets his on Weds, DH & the other boys get theirs on the 10th);  MIL & her DH are likewise halfway through theirs; SIL and her DH are not started yet, and her kids are too young.  Her son just recovered from Covid -- he's been back at school for 2 weeks now post-Covid -- but none of the rest of them were sick, and nor have they altered their activities/level of caution since. 

Given all of that -- with masks, would you feel it okay? 

The whole "smashing eggs" thing lasts about 20-30 mins, so it's not a long time, but it's a very person to person to person to person thing. 

For my family it would probably still be a no.  It is above our comfort level.  We don't do anything outside of the house like school.  Food is picked up, dh only goes to work maybe 10 times in the last year plus, the kids are virtual for school and extras.  I would have probably been ok with it until cases started rising a lot in our state.  

 

[Acadie]

I'd take a pass this year.

I think it's within your power to insist on masks for all, option to sit out, and have a heart-to-heart with your immediate family about sitting out. Maybe offer an appealing alternate activity/stroll around the neighborhood for those who don't want to smash eggs. Who cares if you're the party pooper. 

[elegantlion]

I would not feel comfortable with that. If it's family tradition, I see if you can come to a consensus on an alternative game, just until everyone is vaccinated as a reasoning. 

My (adult) son would not be comfortable with it either. He's even more cautious than I am. 

[maize]

10 minutes ago, TheReader said:

We are all halfway through our vaccines (we all get our 2nd dose the week after; I get mine on Monday, DS16 gets his on Weds, DH & the other boys get theirs on the 10th);  MIL & her DH are likewise halfway through theirs; SIL and her DH are not started yet, and her kids are too young.  Her son just recovered from Covid -- he's been back at school for 2 weeks now post-Covid -- but none of the rest of them were sick, and nor have they altered their activities/level of caution since. 

Given all of that -- with masks, would you feel it okay? 

The whole "smashing eggs" thing lasts about 20-30 mins, so it's not a long time, but it's a very person to person to person to person thing. 

Yes, with masks and half-vaccinated I think you'd be fine.

[skimomma]

I'd be OK with it if everyone was masked.  In your shoes, I'd simply poll the participants to discuss comfort level and make an option for anyone to sit out, no questions asked.  

[TheReader]

5 minutes ago, I talk to the trees said:

I probably wouldn’t even attend the event unless everyone was vaccinated already and wearing masks. But I fall into the very cautious/ still shielding category because of my and especially my DD’s risk factors. 

I hear you.

I will add that the whole thing is going to be outdoors only, with one designated guest bathroom that has been fully wiped down/cleaned before hand, with wipes available for surfaces, paper towels for drying hands, etc. and will be cleaned again after. 

Food will all be prepped/served by one person (masked) so no one is doing buffet style stuff. (we're cooking pizzas in our outdoor pizza oven; I'll be masked putting toppings on/building the pizzas, DH will cook them, I'll cut them/put them on their little serving things and hand to the person whose pizza it is) (we'll all be masked for all of those parts)

Families will be sitting in family units, 6+ feet apart, while we eat/hang out (so, we'll be at one table, MIL/her DH at another, SIL/her family at another, each one over 6 ft from the rest). 

We *may* play cornhole or something -- one family unit on one side, on on the other, def. more than 6 ft apart (but then swapping bean bags back/forth, so....). Mostly just be sitting, hanging out. The kids are all too old for an egg hunt, so I had thought it was a pretty safe thing -- DH and I had discussed that we would not do the confetti eggs.....but then he talked to his family and they wanted to, so, here we are. Ugh. 

[TheReader]

9 minutes ago, Acadie said:

I'd take a pass this year.

I think it's within your power to insist on masks for all, option to sit out, and have a heart-to-heart with your immediate family about sitting out. Maybe offer an appealing alternate activity/stroll around the neighborhood for those who don't want to smash eggs. Who cares if you're the party pooper. 

At a minimum I will for sure do that. Masks on for all participants, the whole time; if anyone wants to sit out, they are allowed and are NOT to be hassled, and anyone who hassles them can leave (b/c I know for a fact my 20 yr old will sit out, and maybe my 16 yr old, and honestly probably me as well....). 

I had thought of doing something else instead, but it's really so short an activity that it's not necessary. The abstainers will have fun sitting and watching. 

[TheReader]

29 minutes ago, maize said:

Yes, with masks and half-vaccinated I think you'd be fine.

DH thinks so too. Hmm. Okay, thanks. 

[happi duck]

I wouldn't be comfortable with this.  If it has to happen then definitely masks and washing hands afterwards.  Do you provide the eggs?  If so, I'd provide a few less per person than usual so that it takes less time than usual.

[mommyoffive]

I think your plans sound good.  Letting people who are not comfy with it to sit out.  

At first I was wondering if you could just do some other game with the eggs, but it  sounds like you have a good idea.

[TheReader]

4 minutes ago, happi duck said:

I wouldn't be comfortable with this.  If it has to happen then definitely masks and washing hands afterwards.  Do you provide the eggs?  If so, I'd provide a few less per person than usual so that it takes less time than usual.

Hmm, that's a good idea. I'll ask DH if we can do that. Usually everyone brings their own. (last year we did not get together at all, b/c Covid was so fresh; this year, we have only gathered for Thanksgiving, which was also all outdoors, masked except when eating, at separate tables, etc....we skipped Christmas b/c it was too cold to meet outside.....I really thought we could avoid the eggs, but....)

It does tend to be way too many eggs in general, so limiting that will be a good option if I can get away with it. 

We'll for sure have everyone wash hands before & after, that's another good point. And masks the whole time. I feel like I'm going to remain vetoed on the "cancel this part all together" issue, so if I can at least put as many safety precautions in place as possible.....

[TCB]

To me it sounds pretty safe. If my parents were there, though, I don’t think I’d feel very comfortable with them having people face to face that close. I’d definitely encourage them to sit that part out, but my parents are older and wouldn’t enjoy doing it but would enjoy watching.

[Sherry in OH]

I would not be comfortable with this.  Could you modify the game so that people only smash eggs on people in their own family groupings?  So your 5 smash on each other, SIL's 4 on each other, and MIL and FIL on each other.  Or pair up and do an egg toss (water balloon toss with eggs) instead of the forehead smashing?

 

[TheReader]

8 minutes ago, Sherry in OH said:

I would not be comfortable with this.  Could you modify the game so that people only smash eggs on people in their own family groupings?  So your 5 smash on each other, SIL's 4 on each other, and MIL and FIL on each other.  Or pair up and do an egg toss (water balloon toss with eggs) instead of the forehead smashing?

 

I have debated both of those.....will float the idea to DH and see. I'm *very* surprised that MIL is comfortable with this, honestly, b/c she's still in the "not even going to the grocery store" phase of things. I hadn't dreamed we'd have to come up with a plan, b/c I really thought she would not be okay with it anyway. 

The only good thing is that I can, and will, insist that anyone who wants to sit out, can. Period. W/o hassle. Which leaves it just grown-ups all responsible for their own choice (and SIL's kids, who will for sure participate, but that's on her).  And I can, and will, insist on the masks and hand washing for those who do participate - my house, my rules. 

I'm guessing with all the rules in place, the rest of them will feel that's plenty and won't want to limit it any other ways.....and I'm guessing with them all being grown-ups, I have to respect that, and just make super extra clear that sitting out is NOT to be hassled, commented on, criticized, tried to talk out of, etc., etc., etc. 

And that the sitter-outers be permitted a 6 ft safety zone, besides. 

[Hilltopmom]

When you get in each other’s faces, I’m guessing there’s lots of yelling & screaming in surprise as the eggs are crushed? Sounds like a lot of spit and breath flying around, even with masks..

[Roadrunner]

I feel comfortable with family members. I wouldn’t with strangers. 

[Ailaena]

Masked, outside, family members, I’d be fine.  I trust my family enough to probably not even mask, as dumb as that may be in reality.  
One person just recovered from covid?  That’s probably where I’d say no to their household - unless he was the last in the household to get it.  In which case, likely still no because my kid is unvaccinated.  

[gardenmom5]

That's not something with which I'd be comfortable even if it wasn't covid.

[TheReader]

28 minutes ago, Hilltopmom said:

When you get in each other’s faces, I’m guessing there’s lots of yelling & screaming in surprise as the eggs are crushed? Sounds like a lot of spit and breath flying around, even with masks..

Some laughter, not a lot of screaming/yelling stuff. So I think on that end, not a huge deal. Normal talking levels, except between DH and his sister when they are getting each other. 

[TheReader]

14 minutes ago, Ailaena said:

Masked, outside, family members, I’d be fine.  I trust my family enough to probably not even mask, as dumb as that may be in reality.  
One person just recovered from covid?  That’s probably where I’d say no to their household - unless he was the last in the household to get it.  In which case, likely still no because my kid is unvaccinated.  

Yea, that's the household with which we're least comfortable anyway, b/c they haven't been all that cautious, and none of that changed when he was sick. I guess he's been back at school two weeks now post-Covid, so long enough that they'd have started being sick if they were going to get sick. But they've cont'd normal activities despite that (aside from him), so......:sigh:

Just now, gardenmom5 said:

That's not something with which I'd be comfortable even if it wasn't covid.

LOL! Well, yes, it's not my favorite tradition, but it's a deeply ingrained tradition in a lot of Hispanic families. We've already set up some guidelines over the years (no glitter in the eggs; crack them in your hand first, don't just smash on the head; if someone's wearing a hat, respect that and don't pick it up to smash under the hat; etc...), but mostly I'm okay with it. 

[Terabith]

My concern is that he's been recovered for a couple weeks, but he could have passed it on to any of the rest of the family members, who could be passing it around asymptomatically or with only low level symptoms.  (It is allergy season here, anyway.)  

Otherwise, I'd probably be okay with this, but with one kid only a couple weeks out from covid and none of the other family members having been PCR tested and not altering their behavior, I would probably say no to this activity.  And honestly, I'm not sure I'd host, given that fact, even though if it weren't for this, I'd think even the egg cracking might be reasonable, risk wise.  

[gardenmom5]

4 minutes ago, TheReader said:

 

LOL! Well, yes, it's not my favorite tradition, but it's a deeply ingrained tradition in a lot of Hispanic families. We've already set up some guidelines over the years (no glitter in the eggs; crack them in your hand first, don't just smash on the head; if someone's wearing a hat, respect that and don't pick it up to smash under the hat; etc...), but mostly I'm okay with it.  

hmm, good to know.   I'm currently attending church in a spanish speaking branch, in a support capacity.  that's why I'm determined to learn spanish.   all basically from latin-america.  

but with covid - church was zoom until last fall - and there have been no outside social activities.  (there were a lot before covid.)

[Spryte]

Cascarones?  Fun!

But, right now, ummm...  I’d be uncomfortable, but we are pretty cautious.  I probably would not feel comfortable mixing households on this, unless everyone is fully vaccinated.

If it had to happen, I’d want to be sure the eggs are all very clean, provided by one household might be safest, hands washed before doing it, masks on, and minimal time close to each other.

[marbel]

I think I would skip it this year, because if people are worried and/or there are lots of new rules around it, it probably won't be very much fun.  I have been exposed to cascarones a few times via friends, and I love it and think it's a great tradition, but it seems like a bad year for it. 

[TheReader]

3 hours ago, Terabith said:

My concern is that he's been recovered for a couple weeks, but he could have passed it on to any of the rest of the family members, who could be passing it around asymptomatically or with only low level symptoms.  (It is allergy season here, anyway.)  

Otherwise, I'd probably be okay with this, but with one kid only a couple weeks out from covid and none of the other family members having been PCR tested and not altering their behavior, I would probably say no to this activity.  And honestly, I'm not sure I'd host, given that fact, even though if it weren't for this, I'd think even the egg cracking might be reasonable, risk wise.  

Hmm.  I *think* that the sister also had to have a negative test to go back to school, and I do know that the family kept him crazy-isolated at home while he was sick (he was only allowed out of his room to use the bathroom/shower, and had a designated only-him bathroom for that the whole time), and they all did test negative in the beginning, so I feel pretty sure that they aren't sick, at least from him. 

that's a valid point, though.  The whole thing will be outside (we will have one guest-only bathroom they can use, and wipes for surfaces, hand sanitizer outside to use before going inside, etc.), we will serve the food (masked) so no one is passing around plates and stuff, and aside from the egg smashing, it will be very social distanced, and masked, and outside. So I think it will be okay. I hope. 

Everyone brings their own chairs, each family unit will have their own table space, and basically, we can have them in the backyard, w/o having to have actual close contact, and masks will be on unless actively eating. 

[TheReader]

3 hours ago, marbel said:

I think I would skip it this year, because if people are worried and/or there are lots of new rules around it, it probably won't be very much fun.  I have been exposed to cascarones a few times via friends, and I love it and think it's a great tradition, but it seems like a bad year for it. 

Unfortunately, I think I'm the only one (and my 20 yr old) really concerned, and I think the only rule I"m going to get away with is masks have to stay on at all times, hand sanitizer before/after, and total respect for anyone wanting to sit it out -- so those who are concerned, don't have to and won't be shamed/harrassed, and those who do want to, can take on that risk w/masks on/clean hands. 

I wish I could convince them all otherwise, but.....I think I'm losing this battle. 

[lmrich]

I have never heard of this! I love learning about traditions. 

Outside, masked, and one vaccine - I would be ok with this. Take videos and post it for us to see! 

[YaelAldrich]

Can you make masking a holiday themed idea with stick ons or stickers in the shape of bunny noses or something like that so everyone will want to wear a mask if that's a potential problem?

 

[TheReader]

21 hours ago, YaelAldrich said:

Can you make masking a holiday themed idea with stick ons or stickers in the shape of bunny noses or something like that so everyone will want to wear a mask if that's a potential problem?

 

Fortunately all gatherings with these family members have already been masked, outdoors, distanced, so that part won't be an issue. That's a good idea though! 

 

[TheReader]

22 hours ago, lmrich said:

I have never heard of this! I love learning about traditions. 

Outside, masked, and one vaccine - I would be ok with this. Take videos and post it for us to see! 

Oh, video would be hilarious! I'll have to see if I can get snippets with just my family in it, or backs of heads, etc. 

[Bootsie]

On 4/1/2021 at 2:24 PM, gardenmom5 said:

That's not something with which I'd be comfortable even if it wasn't covid.

Don't ever visit San Antonio then