I’m a sucker for traditions, especially around the holidays. So I’m struggling hardcore with the fact that a lot of our usual Christmas fun is canceled.
If your family is like mine, you’ll be noticing a lack of perusing the mall, holiday parties, and a huge void where there used to be family gatherings with extended family.
While it’s certain that this Christmas will be different (VERY different) this year, it doesn’t have to be a disappointment. With a likelihood of more time on your hands and the desire to think outside the box, there’s a ton of options to make this holiday season one for the books.
Safe Santa Visits
If your family makes it a practice to hit up the mall to visit the Big Guy and trade candy canes for a photo keepsake, I have great news: Santa is STILL coming to town. There are tons of options for your kiddos to visit with Mr. Kringle in some innovative, socially distanced ways.
A number of websites are available to book a virtual tour of the North Pole and have a visit with Santa himself along with a video keepsake of the whole event and a photo. Cabelas, along with some other retailers, have gotten creative by making a socially distanced “Wonderland” enclosed in glare-free plexiglass to keep our elderly Santa stay safe while still being able to talk and pose with him. A quick Google search will show you options both online and socially distanced in-person in your area.
Socially Distanced Caroling
Bundle up with your immediate family and tour the neighborhood with some caroling cheer. I vividly remember doing this when I was a kid and it felt so magical. One perk of the technological advances of 2020 is the perk of playing instrumental music via Bluetooth speaker to keep everyone in the same key to make sure your singing is a gift to neighbors and not a punishment.
Baking
This is always a go-to holiday activity, but why not take it up a notch this year? Try out those fancy cookies you’ve never had time to undertake before. Take a stab at that gorgeous royal icing that makes cookies look so professional, or make your own gingerbread house.
Family Zoom Ornament Party
This year my mother-in-law sent each of her four children’s households a package with all the materials to make specific tree ornaments. She is hosting a Zoom meeting for the grandkids and giving instructions as all the kiddos craft in their own homes together.
Family Movie Marathon
Get in your Christmas PJs and watch all of the Santa Clause movies or make your way through the three installments of Home Alone. Commit a day to it, full of treats, cuddling, and sitting in front of the tree.
Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt
Do your kids love lights as much as mine? From the moment the first strands are spotted on our drive home from work, it becomes a nightly event to see all the new decorations on our route. Take a family drive in a new neighborhood with a good light reputation. You can even print out a Light Scavenger Hunt list or Bingo Cards and make a game of it!
Outdoor Wonderland Walk
So many towns have amazing outdoor light walks, or even people in the general public who go to extreme decorating effort and open their property up to the public for a gorgeous experience. Grab a cup of cocoa and bundle up for a walk in a winter wonderland.
Give Your Holiday Loungewear an Upgrade
I usually drop a bit of money on new outfits for the family to wear at our annual family Christmas party. This year, however, that isn’t happening. Instead of focusing on being bummed out about it, we each got a fun holiday sweatshirt to cozy up and wear throughout the whole season.
Write Letters to Santa
You’d be amazed at the fun you can have with letters to Santa. The United States Postal Service has instructions on how to send (or answer) Santa requests. You can also get super magical by having your kiddo receive a letter from an elf in the mail. You can request a letter from Santa or write one your sneaky self. Even grab a North Pole postmark stamp to make it extra official. Your child will be amazed at the level of inside information their elf has (and it just might keep them motivated to stay on the nice list).
After all, Christmas isn’t canceled.
Just the opposite, it has the potential to be one of the best ever!
