Let’s face it, the 2020 holiday season is going to look different for us this year. In order to keep our loved ones safe during the pandemic, many of us have opted out of our normal holiday traditions, which usually includes celebrating with our family and friends.
I know it sometimes feels like we’re constantly being told what we can’t do during the holidays, and it sucks. It’s easy to focus on the negatives and things we can’t control, but now, more than ever, it’s time for a shift.
As I’m shifting my focus on the things I can control, I realized that there are actually so many things we can do this holiday season to still make it memorable; we just have to adapt a little. Here are some ideas for you and your family on how to adapt to 2020 for the holidays.
Celebrate Holiday Traditions Virtually
Although we can’t be in-person with our extended family members, we can still celebrate virtually. Now that we’ve been in this pandemic for a while, most of us have gotten the hang of hosting virtual events – and even using apps to enhance these parties.
Virtual Christmas Eve Party:
Are you missing that in-person Christmas party that you go to every year? You can host it virtually. My family and I are doing a Christmas Eve party where each household wears matching family pajamas. The party will include games, music, and of course, your own food and drinks.
Virtual Gingerbread House Making:
My best friend and I have set up a virtual playdate where we’ll be making gingerbread houses together with our kids. It’s a great way to catch up with friends and also to get your kids into the holiday spirit.
Tree Decorating Party:
Instead of having your extended family over while decorating your tree, try hosting a virtual tree decorating party where everyone joins a video call and decorates their Christmas tree at the same time.
Virtual Christmas Breakfast:
One of my favorite things to do on Christmas day is to go over my family’s house to have breakfast and open Christmas presents. You can host a virtual Christmas breakfast. Take it up a notch by mailing your gifts beforehand so you can all open them on camera.
Socially Distanced Holiday Celebrations
Another great way to adapt to the holidays is to participate in some socially distanced fun. Here are some good ideas that follow the social distancing guidelines.
Drive Through Light Shows:
There are many events going on in the Twin Cities this year to help you safely enjoy Christmas lights from the comfort of your own car. Valleyfair is hosting Christmas in Color which will include an animated light show synchronized to holiday music. Glow Holiday Festival will be held at the Minnesota state fairgrounds, which will include over a million lights, art, and a festive gingerbread house. For a full list of light show options, check out the Twin Cities Guide to Holiday Lights.
Drive-By Christmas Party:
Host your own drive-by party by inviting friends to drive by your house to pick up goodies made (or bought) by you and your kids. Handing out hot chocolate could be an added bonus.
Decorate Someone’s Lawn:
2020 has been tough for most of us. One way to bring holiday cheer into someone’s life is to surprise them by decorating their yard with holiday lawn signs. You can rent a custom yard sign from a local vendor that will set everything up for you.
Gift Drops to Your Neighbor:
Spread some holiday cheer in your neighborhood by giving cookies or candy to your neighbors. Ring the doorbell and leave the gift at your neighbor’s front door.
Give to Charities or Food Drives
What better way to celebrate the holidays than by giving back to your local community? Here are a few ideas of places you can donate.
Toys for Tots:
The mission at the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. You can support by providing a financial donations or by donating a toy. This year, you can actually shop, select, and donate a toy through the Toys for Tots virtual toy box.
Second Harvest Heartland:
Many food shelf locations have seen a huge increase in those who need food since the pandemic began. Second Harvest Heartland provides services and programs to help feed our community. You can help by providing them with a financial donation or dropping off non perishable foods at one of their drop-off locations.
Celebrate with your immediate family
Although you might choose to skip celebrating the holidays with extended family, there are so many traditions that you can start with your household family members that you can still enjoy this year.
Make a big deal about decorating your house:
If you don’t do this already, help your family get excited about decorating your home this year. While decorating your Christmas tree, make sure you blast your Christmas music while sipping on hot chocolate.
Indoor Christmas scavenger hunt:
Create an indoor Christmas scavenger hunt that you can do with kids. Whoever finds all of the holiday themed items first, wins!
Kids crafts:
If you have young kids, Pinterest has a ton of holiday themed crafts that you can do with your kids. Or check out the Target holiday aisle during your next shopping trip. This will help them get into the holiday spirit.
Plan the most epic Christmas movie list:
This is probably my favorite part of Christmas. Create a list of Christmas movies that you can watch each night in December. I actually have a list of family movies and a separate list of non-kid Christmas movies for our weekly date nights.
Bake cookies:
I love baking cookies with my family. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in holiday fun.
With this year looking a bit different over the holiday season, it’s easy to struggle with all that we can’t do. So let’s keep growing the list of things we CAN do to celebrate this fun season. Comment below with ideas of what your family is doing to bring on the cheer!
