The holidays will look different this season, due to the year we've had in 2020. In most parts of the country, it's not safe to see people, even loved ones, outside of our own household, which means there will be lots of at-home holiday celebrations this year. But that doesn't mean families have to feel apart even though they will be apart physically.
Nor do the holidays have to be any less magical. We came up with a few ideas, and some products, that can help people who can't celebrate the holidays with others this year still feel close and connected by holiday cheer. Plus, these ideas will be a great change of pace for parents and kids stuck at home due to virtual learning. And while the activities may be low key, they will definitely still have the holiday spirit — and lots of fun creativity.
Feel Close With Friendship Lamps
$90
from
Urban Outfitters
Friendship lamps were around long before social distancing, for friends who wanted to feel each other's love and presence without actually being physically there. And they would make a great gift this year for loved ones who can't visit for the holidays. If one person touches their lamp, the other one will light up.
Have a Movie Watch Party
Watching Netflix is one of the most fun and safe things families can do together while staying in and staying healthy. It also has a cool "Watch Party" feature that allows people to watch a show or movie at the same time and write comments to each other.
Schedule Video Chats
Zoom fatigue may be a thing for many people, and we get it, we do. But seeing families on the holidays, even if its on video chat, can really help a person's mental health. Sure, it's through a screen but it's a lot better than nothing these days.
Write Letters
If video fatigue has gotten everyone down, there is more than one way to stay in touch with loved ones during the holiday season. Writing letters can be cool again. It not only helps connect family members or loved ones the old-fashioned way, but it gives us all something to do at home.
Mail Gifts & Holiday Care Packages
Of course, letters aren't the only things that can be mailed this holiday season. Mail gifts to spread cheer and stay socially distant. It might even be easier this way! think about it: No big wrapping jobs necessary.
Read Christmas Stories With a Facebook Portal
While video chats, Zooms, and Facetimes are all perfectly acceptable forms of communication, Facebook has a tablet-like device made just for video-chatting. It includes features that allow kids' books to be read through the video and the software adds fun visuals.
Have a Baking Exchange
The health crisis has inspired a lot of people to bake at home, and just because we're having a socially distant holiday doesn't mean we have to miss out on one another's yummy holiday baking. Cookies and other treats can be safely mailed. Organize a holiday exchange and get excited for the treats to come right to the doorstep.
Start a Holiday Gift Mail Chain
Speaking of mail (yes, again, because there are lots of fun things to be done through the mail and bonus! it'll help USPS), gifts can be sent through the mail as part of a game. Send themed gifts on certain days or play Secret Santa or White Elephant by mailing the gifts.
Buy Matching Family PJs
$30
from
Hanna Anderson
The matching pajama trend has caught on in recent years and, we can see why. They are comfy, are fun to match with loved ones and make for great Instagram photos. This year is the perfect year to start with the matching PJs for those reasons. People will stil see them in photos!
Try Cooking a Family Recipe at Home
One of the few benefits of this health crisis is spending a lot more quality times with loved ones, like the kids. Take the opportunity for more bonding time by recreating a family recipe or a recipe that would have been made for everyone in a normal year.
Make Holiday Cards To Send
Why buy expensive holiday cards when there is time to make them? Making cards to send to family and friends makes for a great activity for the kids and can even be a better card. The kids can write about their years and get creative.
Plan a Virtual Paint & Sip (Cocoa) Night
Paint and sips, or the fun activity where people used to come together for a follow-along paint class while sipping drinks, can't really happen safely right now in most places. But families can organize their own at home over video. Kids can participate with hot chocolate. Just have a family member lead the art.
Pick a Virtual Fitness Class for Christmas Morning
Families have different traditions over the holidays, from decorating Christmas trees to lighting the Menorah together or baking cookies. Some families who love fitness would likely run 5Ks on Christmas morning or work out together. Since that can't happen in person, a virtual class makes for a fun alternative.
Hold a Virtual Gingerbread House Contest
Gingerbread houses are not only a quintessential symbol of Christmastime, and the holiday season in general, but they're a scrumptiously fun activity for all members of the family, young and old, to do together. Have everyone in their own homes get a kit and hold a contest for the best house. Compare in a group text or video chat.
Have a DIY Gift Night
Crafting is a classic holiday activity. There are lots of ideas for kids and adults both online, and there are lots of ideas for DIY gifts. DIY gifts are great because they're easier on the wallet and really come from the heart.
Pick a Charity for Everyone To Donate To
Some families usually volunteer together over the holidays to give back. But it may not be safe to do in person this year. But it's still possible to give back. Everyone in the group can decide on a charity together and make a joint donation.
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