Every month when I turn the calendar, I recall the fun and activities of our adventures last year. You know, the year when things were normal. I whine to my husband, sometimes even shed a tear or two, and then I pull up my boot straps and figure out how to make new memories this year.
I reminisce with my kids and play down last year’s experiences and then, with great gusto, I launch this year’s plan. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that our days are what we make of them, and this year is an opportunity to kick off some fresh and fabulous memories.
Curious what Christmas memories you can start this year? Here’s my list of what I hope to fit in … and if there isn’t time, options for years to come. Global pandemic or not, these are all grand ideas for bringing the Christmas spirit to life.
Deck the tree with homemade ornaments
Put a pause on your regular tree decorations and make salt dough or baked cinnamon ornaments. Pinterest is full of recipes and your crew will feel so proud seeing their handiwork displayed amidst the twinkling lights.
Commit to trying a complex recipe
My daughter recently took an online French macaron class and has since been schooling me on weighing ingredients in grams and whipping meringues to the perfect peak. Take the extra time at home this year to dive into a new recipe with steps or ingredients you aren’t familiar with. Worst case scenario you get takeout from an expert bakery/chef, best case, you establish a new skill!
Learn a new board game
I’ll admit, I went a little crazy ordering board games this Black Friday — there are just so many good ones out there and our closet needed a refresh. Bring on Azul, Disney Apples to Apples, and Uno Flip – we can’t wait to try out these new board games with a side of hot cocoa during our evenings at home.
Introduce a classic
As much as we love the new releases this holiday season (hello, Jingle Jangle is AMAZING!), don’t let the year end without sharing a classic with your kids – think White Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life. You could also go the book route and jump into a family read aloud like Christmas with Anne.
Christmas carol at a distance
I emailed a handful of our neighbors to let them know that one evening next week our family would be walking the neighborhood singing some of our favorite songs. Outside, on the sidewalk, just waving and sharing some of our favorite Christmas music. The responses were emphatic – our neighbors are literally overjoyed to hear that a gaggle of cute kids will be caroling at a distance!
Host an at-home spa day
Put on some calm, classical holiday music, bathe your kids with a festive bath bomb and then have them don bathrobes and slippers or their favorite Christmas jammies. Then, launch an at-home spa day complete with light appetizers, orange and cranberry-infused water, pedicures, and a peppermint lotion hand massage. I can guarantee this is something they’ll beg to do every year — and hopefully next year us mamas can sneak away for a spa day of our own!
Tune into an online production
I have on our calendar to watch an online production of Handel’s Messiah, The Nutcracker, and the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Normally we would only have the chance to attend one, but this year, from the comfort of home, I think we’ll be able to experience the beauty of all three!
Brainstorm 2021 goals
Teaching our kids to plan forward is essential to helping them stay optimistic. Now, at the beginning of December, set the platform for 2021 and together brainstorm some reasonable goals. Maybe don’t include that trip you’ve all been hoping for, but rather, discuss including a new skill they want to learn, an online class they’d like to take, or a friend they’d like to become pen pals with.
