JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local military family is changing how they do Christmas this year to keep their family members and friends safe.
Each year, the Reller family visits their siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles for Christmas in Savannah.
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It’s a tradition that has been going on for decades.
But this year, it will just be their family of four.
“As much as we miss family, we’re happy to keep them safe and we’re happy to keep us safe,” Stephanie Reller said.
The Reller’s will be facetiming family this Christmas, keeping everyone in their family safe.
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Stephanie told Action News Jax reporter Dani Bozzini they have even found some joy in the calm for this year’s Christmas.
“To have the holidays being a little bit calmer has been actually quite nice.”
But not all traditions will be lost for the family of four.
Stephanie said, “We always make Rudolph pancakes in the morning, so that’s a tradition that won’t change.”
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Our medical expert, Dr. Michelle Aqunio, has this advice for families who do plan to see relatives: “If you have quarantined the last seven to eight days, you are good to go for Christmas. If you haven’t, all bets are off. Nothing is 100%.”
If you are not quarantining, Dr. Aquino suggests everyone wear masks, social distance, and use hand sanitizer frequently.