The novel coronavirus has taken many things from us this year: Time with family and friends, vacation and travel plans, and the freedom to move about without 6 feet of space or a mask. As the pandemic rages on, it might feel impossible to keep the Christmas spirit alive for you and your family this year. However, there is a greater opportunity to feel the spirit of the season than you think. If you are looking to get Santa right in 2020, no matter what, here are 10 tips to help.
Tip # 1: Put Safety First
The best gift you can give this season is the gift of safety. CDC guidelines recommend limiting the size of holiday parties based on the ability of attendees from different households to stay 6 ft apart. Family members should also take care to wear masks, wash hands, and follow all state and local pandemic protocols before and after attending any social gatherings.
Tip # 2: Embrace Outdoor Holiday Fun
Rather than inviting members of other households to indoor celebrations, meet friends and neighbors for outdoor activities where you can be socially distant and wear masks. Activities such as hikes, ice skating, and walks to view neighborhood Christmas lights are great fun this time of year, particularly if followed by cups of hot chocolate.
Tip # 3: Set New Expectation
Another tip for keeping the holiday spirit alive is leaning into the moment. Schedule a family meeting to explain to children what traditions might have to change and bring everyone together to create new ones appropriate for our current way of life.
Tip # 4: Be A Secret Santa
You don’t have to be in the office to take on the role of secret Santa. Organize a secret Santa exchange with friends and family by setting spending limits, creating a contact list with home addresses, and scheduling a date by which all secret Santas must ship gifts to the recipients. Once delivery is complete, you can schedule a virtual secret Santa reveal party.
Tip # 5: Plan A Holiday Cook-In
Another tradition to consider this year is a holiday cook-in. Schedule a time to cook a meal or a special treat with distant family members on a group video call. You can mail everyone the recipes and non-perishable ingredients in advance of the cook-in. Then let everyone do a taste test and give their opinion of the recipe on the call.
Tip # 6: Have A Holiday Movie Marathon
During the holidays, there is no shortage of family-friendly movies to watch and enjoy. This year the movies are more inclusive of different types of families and relationships than they have been in a long time. Some great ones to check out are Jingle Jangle, Happiest Season, A Sugar and Spice Holiday, and Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.
Tip # 7: Drop Off Holiday Treats or Meals
Another great way to keep the holiday spirit alive is doing nice things for others. Cooking meals, cookies, or other treats to gift to neighbors, friends, and relatives is a great way to get the whole family involved in passing the joyous holiday spirit to others.
Tip # 8: Open Gifts Virtually
If you can’t have the normal crowd around the Christmas tree this year, host a virtual gift exchange on Zoom or FaceTime. This lets the gift-giver see and enjoy their loved one’s reaction to their present even if they can’t be there in person.
Tip # 9: Enjoy New Twists on Holiday Carols
From Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to Nat King Cole’s “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” enjoying updated recordings of classic Christmas songs is a great way to keep the Christmas spirit going all season long. Here’s a list of 10 new Christmas albums that you’ll want to put on your holiday list.
Tip # 10: Give Gifts That Gift Back
Now more than ever, it’s important to find ways to help those that may be having a hard time this year. One way to do this is is by giving gifts that give back. From face masks to puzzles, there are many gifts to give this season where a portion of the proceeds goes to charitable causes.
Need more holiday help? We’re here for you. Contact Angela F. Brown and Associates with your family law matter today so we can help you make sure that this season remains a happy one for you and your family.
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