With the ongoing pandemic, many of us are adjusting our usual holiday celebrations. It’s tough to accept that we won’t be decorating cookies with extended family or exchanging quirky gifts with our favorite relatives. My kids, especially, are disappointed that the cousin gathering at the hotel—a cherished tradition—won’t take place this year. However, it’s crucial to recognize that no holiday tradition is worth risking our health or the health of our loved ones by spreading COVID-19.
This Christmas will undoubtedly be different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create a joyful atmosphere at home. With a little creativity, we can make our stay-at-home holiday just as festive.
Bake Your Family’s Favorite Cookies
Introduce your children to beloved family cookie recipes, or experiment with new ones to freeze for later. A few years back, we made adorable peanut butter reindeer cookies, which quickly became a family favorite. We also whip up snowball cookies and mint-chip cookies that last throughout the month.
Declutter and Donate
Before diving into the holiday excitement, take some time to declutter. Help your kids sift through their belongings to find toys and books they no longer use, making room for new gifts while supporting those in need. This is also a great time to part with any holiday decorations that no longer spark joy.
Enjoy Christmas Movies Together
Revisit childhood classics like “Home Alone” and “Elf,” which my kids adore. We also enjoy newer films such as “Jingle Jangle” on Netflix and “Christmas Chronicles 2.” Staying in with a festive movie has never felt more appealing.
Get Involved with Charity Work
Even though we’re staying home, we can still give back. Many organizations need donations, and you can involve your family by contributing toys, cash, or even your time to help those in need.
Schedule Virtual Gift Openings
While video calls can’t replace the in-person experience, they can still be enjoyable. Plan to unwrap gifts together via video chat, spreading the excitement throughout the month to avoid overwhelming Christmas Eve and Day.
Capture the Moments
Even if you’re not going anywhere, you can still document the holidays. Share photos with friends and family to remind us all of the joy we can find during this time. Consider ordering matching family pajamas for a fun photo opportunity, and don’t forget to arrange a virtual visit with Santa!
Play Holiday Music
Elevate your mood with festive tunes! There are plenty of new Christmas albums this year that cater to every taste. For classics, you can’t go wrong with artists like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald.
Bring Back Family Game Night
Whether game night was a staple in your household or something you did in the past, now is the perfect time to revive it. Gather snacks and play games that everyone can enjoy, like Uno or BINGO, which is always a hit.
Write Letters to Santa
Encourage your kids to write letters to Santa, complete with milk and cookies left out on Christmas Eve. They can even send a letter through USPS for a special reply!
Treat Yourself
As parents, it’s easy to focus all your energy on the kids during the holidays. Remember to budget for some treats for yourself, whether it’s a cozy new pair of pajamas or your favorite coffee to enjoy on Christmas morning.
While this holiday season may look different from what we’re used to, I’m optimistic that with thoughtful planning and a positive attitude, we can still create a warm and joyful stay-at-home celebration.
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In summary, while this holiday season may differ from previous years, with creativity and planning, we can still celebrate joyfully at home.
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