CHRIsTMAs sPECIAL

This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and the risk it brings along to not just us but our loved ones too, it’s better to reconsider the nature of Christmas. If you are not in a highrisk group, it is not entirely crazy to meet a few people in the safest way possible. Unarguably it is the wishes and good times that we spend with our families that matters.

Christmas amid a pandEmiC Can still bE mErry

So think flexibly. Consider mince pies and presents in the garden, chestnuts roasting on an outdoor fire, a bracing walk with a picnic, or even eschewing communal eating altogether – since a Christmas lunch inevitably means removing face coverings and often sitting in close proximity while chatting for prolonged periods, all activities best avoided. Here are a few tips for celebrating Christmas this year, not the traditional way but still a very merry one. Isolation before Christmas If you are ill, you should obviously stay at home. But to reduce the risk of asymptomatic coronavirus transmission, you could consider self-quarantining in the run-up to Christmas. “If you are able to completely selfisolate for 14 days beforehand then you really are very safe,” says Yardley. “Five days isn’t enough, although it is better than nothing. Ten days would be better, and 14 days better still.” Try to avoid seeing everyone at once Just because three households are allowed to form a Christmas bubble that does not make such an event safe, particularly if your home is small. The more people you cram inside the higher the odds that one of you is unwittingly carrying the virus and the harder it is to maintain social distancing. Covid-secure your home There are many ways of reducing the risk of transmission indoors, including disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, wearing a mask, maintaining a 2-metre distance from others, and using separate bathrooms. Ventilation is particularly important, and in well-insulated modern homes a single open window may not be enough. “What really makes a difference is having some airflow through the house, so keep the doors open and a window at the top and the bottom of the house ajar,” says Gabriel Scally, visiting professor of public health at the University of Bristol, and a member of Independent Sage. The same applies to individual rooms: keep doors and windows open. Remember home does not mean safety Cancelling small gatherings is one of the most effective strategies for preventing the transmission of Covid-19, finds a recent study in Nature Human Behaviour. Gathering in the “safety” of your own home is particularly risky, precisely because we perceive it to be safe, warns Stephen Reicher, a professor of social psychology at the University of St Andrews. “We feel relaxed at home, and that can be dangerous because it may mean we let down our guard.” Learn how to politely say no It can be difficult to push a loved one away if they approach you for a hug or invite you indoors. To avoid seeming rude you could think through potentially awkward situations and try to pre-empt them. “Try to frame your saying ‘no’ as an offer, rather than a rejection,” suggests Reicher. “So, don’t say, ‘don’t come near me’, but rather ‘shall I keep my distance so I don’t infect you?’ instead.” Table manners If you have the space and furniture available, consider a U-shaped table arrangement

or even separate tables for different households. “Having people from different households directly facing one another isn’t a good idea,” says Linda Bauld, a professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh. Neither is playing background music, which encourages people to raise their voices and emit more droplets from their mouths.

Avoid touching things that other people have touched, including shared food dishes. Ideally, guests should bring their own crockery and cutlery, and take it with them when they leave.

Think carefully about who does the washing up. “Certainly, it shouldn’t be the most vulnerable person,” says

Yardley. “Also remember that when the guests leave, any virus will remain in the house, so it’s best not to have the most vulnerable person hosting an event.” For additional tips on staying safe at home see the Germ Defence website, which Yardley and colleagues developed. Timing matters The amount of time you spend indoors makes a difference to the buildup of virus in the air. From a contact-tracing perspective 15 minutes of sitting within 2 metres of someone indoors is the definition of “close contact”. Shorter visits are therefore better than longer visits. If you are planning to visit relatives or friends or invite in guests consider doing it in the morning rather than the afternoon or evening. It is easier to cajole people outdoors when there is daytime light, and you might be less likely to consume alcohol.

“If alcohol is involved people are likely to stay longer, and physical distancing often becomes more difficult,” Bauld says. Outdoors is best but not risk-free If you are considering a traditional Boxing Day walk, try to keep your distance from other households. Although the risks of transmission are lower outdoors, 2 metres is still the ideal minimum.

If you are taking part in carol singing (if it is permitted under still-to-be-published government guidance) you should probably stand even further away. “Singing to each other across the garden is fine though,” Yardley says. Consider a midsummer Christmas Postponing gatherings with family or friends until the summer could be the safest strategy of all. “We could decide to love each other by keeping our distance, and then planning a bloody great party for Midsummer’s Day,” Reicher suggests. “Personally, I’ve always liked the notion of a Christmas barbie on the beach.”

With inputs from: www. Guardian.com

boxing day thE rEason bEhind thE CElEbration of

If you have lived in Canada for a few years now, chances are you’ve heard of Boxing Day a time or two. But do you know the history of Boxing Day? People living in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand do recognise the holiday, and as the world becomes increasingly smaller and more interconnected it behooves us all to learn about meaningful festivities celebrated around the globe.

Boxing Day takes place every year on December 26th, which is of course easy to remember since it always follows Christmas. According to Vox, whenever Boxing Day falls on a weekend, however, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. Boxing Day is most commonly associated with the United Kingdom, which is why countries that celebrate it are part of the Commonwealth of nations that were formerly British colonies. (For whatever reason, Americans have opted out of this tradition!) Though the exact beginnings of the holiday aren’t completely agreed upon, there are several origin stories that help explain its significance.

The BBC explains that Boxing Day got its name when Queen Victoria held the throne in the 1800s, and is borne out of the tradition of wealthy families boxing up gifts to give to the poor. Since servants of aristocrats were required to work on Christmas, the following day became the time when their employers filled up boxes with gifts, money, and Christmas leftovers for them, much like a holiday bonus. Servants could then go home to share the gift boxes with their families.

Another theory, according to History.com, is that the name arose from alms boxes placed in churches for the collection of donations for those in need. On December 26th, clergy members would give these funds to the poor in honor of the feast of St. Stephen, a Christian martyr known for charitable acts. St. Stephen holds so much significance that in Ireland, Boxing Day is referred to as St. Stephen’s Day. With so many competing narratives, it’s difficult to know exactly how Boxing Day began. It’s clear, however, that what they all have in common are themes of charity, gift-giving, and celebrations, which have lived on and is present in how this holiday is observed today.

How Is Boxing Day Celebrated Today?

These days, Boxing Day is regarded as a time to spend with family and friends, particularly those who you couldn’t see on Christmas. This can include gathering for meals, drinking at pubs, or simply relaxing at home and enjoying the day off. In addition to the holiday’s emphasis on social connection, there are several other Boxing Day traditions that have evolved over the years. While Boxing Day still has nothing to do with the sport of boxing, it has now come to be associated with watching football. The BBC notes that before the days of television, Christmas Day would feature a full schedule of football matches for fans to attend after they had eaten. During the 1950’s however, attitudes towards playing sports on Christmas changed, and the last football match to take place on Christmas occurred in 1957. Since then, Boxing Day has become the time for sports fans to get their fix. Another facet of modern Boxing Day is shopping, since it’s now widely known as a day for massive sales. Similar to Black Friday in the US, plenty of shoppers will spend hours in line to snag some of the best discounts of the season, supplement the Christmas gifts they received, or possibly even return unwanted items. Since countries like the United Kingdom and Canada also celebrate Black Friday, Boxing Day shopping has become slightly less popular in recent years, but is still a main celebratory fixture.

Going back to its roots, charity continues to be an important aspect of Boxing Day celebrations. The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that this includes everything from charity runs to the Boxing Day Dip, which is when adventurous participants dress in fancy clothes and take a dunk in the freezing cold sea. Finally, Boxing Day is also recognized as a day to overindulge on Christmas leftovers. Families might invite guests over for a casual lunch featuring baked Ham, Christmas cake, turkey sandwiches, roasted vegetables and other festive foods enjoyed the day before. In that sense, you might have already been celebrating the spirit of Boxing Day for years, without even knowing it!

Source: www.womansday.com

your skin needs care in winter

When it comes to skincare, choosing from a plethora of products can feel downright confusing. Picking just one from rows of cleansers, toners, scrubs, moisturizers, and serums can appear a daunting task. While you spend time checking out one product after the other, the question remains the same - which skincare product is right for you?

Well, the answer depends upon the type of skin one possesses and the season of the year. While skin types can be broadly classified in dry, oily, combination, acneprone, and sensitive, the basic skin care routines throughout the season stay the same. Just a few adjustments and you’re sorted.

Dolly Kumar, Cosmetic Engineer and Founder & Director at Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the parent company to skin care brand Skinella shares her skincare guide for all skin types. Cleansing: Cleansing your skin is the first step for any skincare routine, as it will remove any makeup, dirt, excess oils, and build-up on your skin. Double cleansing has become quite popular recently, where you use an oil-based cleanser to break down any makeup on your skin followed by foam or gel cleanser to remove everything. Those with dry skin should try not to go overboard as it can rip your skin of natural oils when using a hard cleanser. Toning: Toner helps achieve the skin’s pH balance. You can either spritz a mild toner on your face or take a small amount on a cotton pad and swipe it all over the face. A good toner tightens pores over regular use and lends an enviable glow to your skin. Exfoliation: Using an exfoliator once or twice a week will help remove dead skin cells and keep your skin looking brighter. If you have sensitive skin, a very gentle exfoliation such as a lower percentage glycolic acid would be best suited. However, don’t scrub your skin too hard or too often with an exfoliator as this can damage your skin. Moisturising : The job of the moisturiser is to aid in hydrating and softening the skin. More specifically, finding the right formula is key here. It must nourish and restore your skin efficiently without leaving it feeling greasy or heavy. SPF: We can’t stress enough how important this step is, because SPF is the single most important treatment for your skin with major benefits, and it’s not just for the summer months. The sooner you start using sunscreen, the better your skin will look and feel in the long run. The UVA and UVB rays of the sun result in ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and of course, skin cancer, which is why wearing sunscreen must be an indispensable part of skincare.

Now that we’ve covered the daily skincare routine, you may be wondering what products to add to your arsenal. This is perhaps the most important part. Although advanced digital technologies and marketing tools are working in the background to influence your purchase decisions, a user must be careful about the kinds of ingredients that go inside these skincare products. This is where you need to be 100 percent sure that the products you choose have no harsh chemicals and contain all-natural ingredients or the power of superfoods. This means choosing skincare products the same way you will choose your platter - healthy, colourful, and nutritious.

Instead of just consuming superfoods such as avocado, kale, oats, honey, goji berries, and more, which are packed with antioxidants, why not try applying them in the form of skincare? Using such products can protect your skin from the damage caused by free radicals. These radicals cause collagen breakdown, which leads to dull, saggy skin, wrinkles, and skin inflammation - which is one of the main reasons for skin sensitivity and pigmentation issues. So, give your skin the food that it needs to look its best.

Here are a few tips to help you further

your skincare routine via some lifestyle

changes:

Eat fresh fruits and veggies: Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals, smoking, pollution, and sunlight. These pollutants can cause wrinkling and age spots. To help prevent skin damage, eat a rainbow of colourful fruits and vegetables, and aim for at least five portions a day. Drink plenty of water: Skin needs moisture to stay flexible. Even mild dehydration will cause your skin to look dry, tired, and slightly grey. You should drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Even if you’re working from home, keep a bottle of water on your desk to remind you to drink. Don’t forget that some fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, and cucumber, also contribute fluids - the added benefit is that the minerals they contain will increase the rate you hydrate your body and skin. Exercise: By getting the heart rate up and improving blood circulation, exercising can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin - a big antiageing secret. It keeps your skin healthy and promotes the production of collagen and new skin cells to help you with glowing skin.

While you follow this daily routine, it is also equally important to eat well. It’s worth considering the possibility that alkaline foods like fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, and soy do wonders for your skin by providing your body with nutrients that maintain the pH level of your blood.

By: Baidurjo Bhose

The pandemic has disrupted the everyday functioning of businesses, affecting livelihoods, operational sustainability, and profit margins. Many businesses have had to shut shop while others continue to struggle. In the post pandemic world, businesses will have to adopt new frameworks which allow for short-term growth, while building a foundation of long-term resilience.

5 ways to strengthen biz in postCOVID world for women and new entrepreneurs

Around the world women continue to enter Keep business updated with emerging trends: central level. One needs to understand how to opthe workforce, defying cultural and social The devastating effects of COVID are not going to turn timize one’s business by learning more about the barriers, realizing their dreams, and prov‘normal’ automatically. It is important to stay relevant schemes and understand about incubation and acceling that they are as adept as men in running for your audience and turn around the ravages into an erator programs for women entrepreneurs by corporaa business. However, the post pandemic economy will opportunity for your business. For example, a tailoring tions, academia, and other stakeholders. bring with it challenges, and in lieu of the same. business which makes dresses can invest the resources in making masks and PPE kits as well. Prepare for all Embellish clientele network: It is a pivotal time On World Women Entrepreneurship kinds of short-term situations, focus on the present to enhance the client base. Put efforts into generating Day, we share some tips to ensure and leverage the new avenues to sail through the cur- prospective clients and bringing in new leads. Invest sustainability: rent reality of things. in expanding and strengthening your network. Not Amplify virtual footprint: Remote and online working have become key factors in the stabilization of many businesses. Utilize email newsletters, videos, social media, and even interactive webinars to ensure your business remains at the forefront of your clients’ minds. If you are into product sales, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram and similar social media applications are your ‘New Besties’ to help you publicise your products, reach and engage with your customers. As suppliers, customers and employees have adopted remote models, transactions have moved online, virtualizing your business existence becomes imperative in dealing with your stakeholders in the post COVID world. Innovation and creativity is key: Due to the pandemic, a lot of industries have dipped enormously. The consumer is left with limited money and their buying behavior has transformed in the past months. But, to find success in these difficult times, you need to understand your customer. Sometimes, customers do not know what they want, but provided they are excited by the product -- they will welcome it. The rule remains constant for post COVID era. With innovation and creativity in product and service delivery, a lot of consumers can be pulled in your court. stay updated with relevant information: There are several schemes catering to women at state and just clients but build partnership to enhance credibility, expand market and knowledge. Also, work hard to ensure that your current clients remain loyal to you by working on your marketing strategies and messaging. Against all odds, a lot of women entrepreneurs are creating a new world with their breakthrough ideas. With these tips, we hope that this new entrepreneurial energy can take India to the next level and put women at the forefront in the post COVID world. So, get back in the game with focus, flexibility, agility, and optimism because opportunities sometimes come in the garb of a crisis. By: Puja Gupta /IANs