The holiday season is upon us and COVID cases continue to rise. We want to partake in traditional activities; however, we need to be cautious to protect others and ourselves. This year we may have to alter some things we typically do; however, this does not mean we can’t celebrate the holidays.
There are ways we can embrace this time of year. Ways that will allow us to find the holiday spirit and still connect with those we love. Ways in which we can honor old traditions and create new memories joyfully.
At Home
BAKE: Get out your family’s sugar cookie recipe. Make a double batch – ice, decorate, eat, and enjoy. Make gingerbread houses and have a family decorating contest. Celebrate the winners by roasting marshmallows in your fireplace.
DECORATE: Put up your decorations early – hang your stockings, string some lights, set up your nativity scene. Put your Christmas tree up and reminisce of past Christmases as you place ornaments on the branches. You could make new, homemade ornaments or string popcorn for a garland to put on the tree. Remember, the popcorn garland can be hung in the trees outdoors after Christmas to give the birds a treat!
ENTERTAIN: Have a family movie night featuring your favorite holiday movies. Eat the popcorn leftover from your popcorn garland project and enjoy a hot chocolate bar – cocoa, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, shaved chocolate for the top. Go Christmas caroling in your home, roaming from room to room. Turn it into a karaoke night featuring nothing but Christmas music. You could call it caroloke. Gather your family together, bundle up, and go caroling the old-fashioned way. Serenade your neighbors who might be feeling a little lonely given the situation this year.
In Your Community
SCAVENGER HUNT: Create a list of items to look for as you drive around town. A turkey, snowman, inflatable Santa, an Arctic animal. Get creative, have fun.
SHOP: Support small businesses by buying local. Many businesses offer the option of online ordering, while others offer private shopping sessions. Buy for those you love, while supporting the friends in your community.
TOUR OF LIGHTS: Put on your warmest PJs, jump into your car, and turn on the Christmas music. Tour the lights in your neighborhood and greater city, or partake in a drive-thru winter light festival. Let the twinkling lights be a reminder of the star that led the wise men to Jesus.
Be a Blessing to Others
CALL YOUR LOVED ONES: Call or video chat with family and friends. Share the reasons you are thankful for them, talk about past holidays together, and tell them you love them.
DONATE: Donate food to a food bank, socks to a homeless shelter, or toys to a family center. Put spare change in Salvation Army’s red kettle; participate in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Contribute to your favorite nonprofit organization.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS: Compliment someone, shovel your neighbor’s driveway, or pay for that peppermint mocha for the person behind you at the coffee shop. Don’t be surprised if random acts of kindness start finding their way back to you.
Although this year may be a little different from years past, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the holidays. By following COVID guidelines, and getting a little creative this year, we can still safely celebrate, showing love and respect to one another. And, as the song goes, tis’ the season to be jolly…and safe.
