Thanks to the pandemic, many of us are rethinking our usual holiday celebrations. I’ll admit, the idea of not decorating cookies with my extended family or sharing quirky gifts in person with my favorite cousin is disappointing. My kids are especially upset that the cousin party at the hotel, a staple of their childhood, isn’t happening this year. However, I’m also aware that no holiday tradition is worth jeopardizing our health or that of our loved ones by spreading COVID-19.
I’m starting to accept that this Christmas, our favorite time of year, will be quite different. We’ve been brainstorming ways to ensure our stay-at-home Christmas remains festive, despite its unconventional nature. There are countless options, and all we need is a little creativity.
Bake Your Family’s Favorite Cookies
Introduce your kids to a cherished family cookie recipe, or discover a new one together. A few years ago, we made peanut butter reindeer cookies adorned with chocolate-covered pretzel antlers and candy eyes and noses. They quickly became a favorite! We also whip up snowball cookies and mint-chip cookies, both of which freeze well and keep us in the holiday spirit all month long.
Organize Before the Holiday Fun
This time of year, many organizations seek donations, especially for coats and winter accessories. Help your child sift through their belongings to find toys, books, and games they no longer play with. Not only does this create space for new items, but it also aids those in need. Don’t forget to declutter your holiday decorations too!
Watch Classic Christmas Movies
My kids adore Home Alone, which happens to be my childhood favorite. We can recite it from memory! We also enjoy newer films like Jingle Jangle on Netflix and Christmas Chronicles 2. Cozying up for a holiday movie marathon is a perfect way to spend time together this year.
Engage in Charity Projects
Staying home doesn’t mean we can’t give back. Many organizations still need support during the holidays. Involve your family in donating toys, or contributing to local charities. Kids can even pitch in some of their allowance!
Set Up Virtual Gift-Opening Sessions
While it’s not the same as being together, having a virtual gift-opening session can still be enjoyable. Send gifts in advance, get them wrapped, and schedule video calls to share the excitement. We plan to spread these chats throughout the month to make it more manageable and maintain good manners, like saying “thank you.”
Capture and Share Holiday Memories
Just because we’re staying in doesn’t mean we can’t document the holidays! This year, friends and family will appreciate any photos we share on social media. Order matching family pajamas and snap some pictures. Don’t forget to schedule a virtual visit with Santa for the kids—another great photo opportunity!
Play Festive Music
Nothing lifts the spirits quite like holiday music! Check out new Christmas albums, like Dolly Parton’s A Holly Dolly Christmas or Meghan Trainor’s A Very Trainor Christmas. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classics from Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
Revive Family Game Night
If game nights have fallen by the wayside, now is the perfect opportunity to bring them back! Stock up on favorite snacks and enjoy games together as a family. We like to play games everyone can enjoy, like Uno or charades.
Write Letters to Santa
Writing letters to Santa is a cherished holiday tradition. Let your kids express their wishes with paper, markers, and stickers. You can also mail a letter to Santa for a special response!
Treat Yourself Too
Amid the holiday hustle, don’t forget to pamper yourself. Allocate some budget for gifts that bring you joy, whether it’s a cozy pair of pajamas or your favorite coffee for Christmas morning.
This holiday season may look different from years past, but with some planning and a positive mindset, we can still create a memorable stay-at-home celebration.
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Summary
The pandemic has prompted many families to rethink traditional holiday festivities. While missing out on beloved gatherings is tough, there are numerous creative ways to celebrate at home. Ideas include baking favorite cookies, purging old toys for charity, watching holiday movies, and engaging in virtual gift exchanges. Additionally, capturing holiday memories through photos and music can uplift spirits during this unique season.