Doctors fear what used to be the most wonderful time of the year - as it can now be the most dangerous time of year.

"We actually do have a light at the end of this very long and dark tunnel," says U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams.

But getting there, without losing more people, depends on what we do now.

"And that means each and every one of you doing your part while we do our part at the federal level," says Adams.

He says the safest way to celebrate the holidays is with immediate family members.

Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci agrees.

"Nobody wants to modify, if not essentially shut down, their holiday season but we are in a very critical time in this country right now," he says.

Even with two COVID-19 vaccines authorized, the virus continues to ravage the country.