There's no question that 2020 has been a challenging year for parents and kids. It feels like, out of nowhere, everything about everyone's daily lives changed. So many have had to pivot every aspect of their lives from working from home to kids doing Zoom school, and even how they go grocery shopping. While many parents and their kids have been able to make the most of it, it hasn't been without many sacrifices.
Considering all the things kids have had to give up this year — from a normal school year to birthday parties to playdates to visits with grandparents — it's no wonder that so many parents are trying to make the holiday season feel extra special this year. So for those looking to try being extra this holidays season, we've rounded up some ideas.
Decorations Galore
Typically, the focus of holiday lights is on making the outside of the house look festive to make the neighborhood stand out. While that's still a fun thing to do this holiday, level up the excitement by decorating the inside a little more (or a lot more) than usual.
Make Christmas a Weeklong Event
Many of us can't travel for the holidays this year. We get to make our own rules, which means if we want to have a weeklong event instead of one morning, so be it. Open a present each morning the week of Christmas for a full week of the whole shebang of presents and magic that comes with it.
Keeping Our Traditions
"For Christmas this year, we are keeping lots of our usual traditions like an Elf on the Shelf, Christmas baking, decorating the house, and opening PJs on Christmas Eve. We're changing up traditions with Zoom gift openings, and Christmas movie nights." — Tracey G, mom of 3.
Zoom With Family & Friends
Typically, the holidays are a busy time where we have to run from one place to the next to see our friends and family. This often means we don't have time to make these moments with everyone we would love to, but that can be done with Zoom. Set up quick 15-minute calls or go for a few hours.
Make it a Movie-a-Thon
This holiday, we deserve to slow things down and really take the time to unwind and relax. Find a movie theme that the whole family can watch based on the age range in the family. Try out movies that were the parents' favorite when they were young, or ones no one has seen before.
We're Focusing on New Love
"This is one I'm struggling with because we always go all out for Christmas. Last year, we did the Six Flags Great Adventure Holiday in the Park. We do all the light shows. I buy too much. My kids don't need many things, so I'm just not sure how to create those special memories. I think I am going to just be more present with them at the moment. And let fate take care of creating special memories. Also, by chance, we took in a rescued kitten right before Christmas, and she has been the true gift we all needed!!!" – Dawn A., mom of 2.
Make Fun Masks
We know that so much of this year has been about face masks that have become important to keep ourselves and those around us safe. This holiday, spend some time with the kids making masks fun again. Turn it into a photo shoot after spending time crafting all the different ones for the season. Grab the instructions from Design Improvised.
Time to Eat a Festive Meal
During the holidays, we often feel so rushed and stressed out when making the meal for the family's holiday festivities. This year, instead of sweating bullets in the kitchen, slow down, bring the kids into the kitchen and teach them how to make the signature side dish and spend time together.
An Activity Advent Calendar
"I'm planning on making an advent calendar with a fun (but easy, because mama is tired) activity every day for my kids. And yes. I'm already behind!" — Chaunie B., mom of 5.
Embrace Trying New Things
There's no going around the truth that this year will be so different for many of us when it comes to our typical traditional holiday. Instead of using that framework as a negative, twist it and do all the things that have always been on the "want to do" list that in previous years, there just didn't seem to be enough time for.
Virtual Santa & Hope
"I'm gonna try to do a virtual meetup with Santa. Probably some hot cocoa parties and drown myself and my family in holiday movies to act as bubble wrap from the sh-tastrophe that is 2020." — Serena, mom of 2
Write Down the Thanks for the Year
It's been a whirlwind year, and there's no question about that, and if we had to list all the things that have gone wrong this year, we'd be writing for a while. Instead of focusing on all the things that are gone, different or negative, this holiday, take a day to celebrate and honor all the good things that have happened this year.
Start an Experience Advent Calendar
"Not specific to this year, but we do an 'experience Advent calendar' every year, where we have an activity each day. Some of them are 'preparing for the holidays' activities like cutting down a tree or making Christmas cards, some are service activities like choosing to 'give' an animal through Oxfam, some are crafts like paper snowflakes, some are religious, like saying special Christmas prayers, and some are just fun like watching Christmas movies." — Shannon B., mom of 2.
Just Slow Everything Down
This might sound obvious, but making it a mandate for a holiday this year is the next level. Let go of the pressure to make a perfect day. Give the kids the gift of time and being fully present, and that's really the best recipe needed to make a holiday full of memories. Let them open and play with their presents for hours — what else is going on anyways?
Go for a Drive & See All the Lights
There's likely going to be a lot more holiday lights on the outside of people's houses this year, and that means the family can have a fun evening spent driving around the neighborhood looking at all the lights. Hit up a drive-thru Starbucks for some hot cocoa and hit up multiple neighborhoods. It's a fun way to be able to get out and make memories while staying safe.
Holiday Theater Drive-In
"I'm taking my 4-year-old to a live holiday theater performance at the drive-in. We stay in our car the whole time and use the radio to hear the audio. I plan on surprising her, bringing some tasty holiday snacks along and having us both dress up fancy to 'go to the show' (I might even wear makeup.)" — Katie C., mom of 2.
