Home for Christmas: Five Ways to Have a Merry (Socially Distant) Celebration
Taking proper precautions against COVID-19 won't stop for the holidays. While hosting in-person gatherings that are the same as years past may not be possible, there are ways to have a holly jolly Christmas while keeping everyone safe.
A Twist on Traditions
Consider the traditions that your family finds most important, then try to find new ways to observe them safely. If everyone gathers to decorate the Christmas tree, arrange for a videoconference where family members decorate small trees in their own homes at the same time. You can mail each family member their favorite ornament to hang and share the same stories that you would if you were together in person. If Grandma always reads to the kids on Christmas Eve, set up a video call that evening so she can continue the tradition from a safe distance. Santa impersonators at the mall may no longer be available, but your child can still write a letter and send it to the North Pole.
Outdoor Magic
If you do want to gather with local family members, find activities for the family that can take place safely outside. Sledding is a classic, but you can get creative; set up a scavenger hunt in the woods for little ones, go cross country skiing with grown-ups, or try snowshoeing for the first time. If you're in for a white Christmas, start a snowball fight or make a snowman. Those in warmer climates have even more options for outdoor fun.
Merry and Bright
Many towns put up annual elaborate Christmas light displays, and this year will be no exception. Wear a mask and stay a safe distance from others when going to a walking tour or enjoy the scenery from the safety of your car. If a formal light display isn't available near you, take an evening to drive through local neighborhoods and admire everyone's hard work on yard displays.
Food for Thought
Seasonal flavors are heavily tied to the holiday experience. Enjoy all of your favorite flavors of Christmas, even if you aren't having a holiday gathering! If you love homemade eggnog or other party drinks, scale your batch down or give some to friends and neighbors, following proper distancing protocol. Craving cookies? Make a batch, then mail the rest to family and friends or freeze them to eat later. Meet up with loved ones virtually and enjoy a cup of cocoa or another holiday treat. Even something as simple as starting your day with a peppermint mocha can put you in a festive mood and make your holiday season a little brighter.
Consider a Compromise
Taking current guidelines and the health status of everyone involved into account, you may be able to arrange dinners or other gatherings with a few guests. This works best if everyone involved is local, the location has a low case positivity rate, and all attendees make an effort to quarantine or get tested for COVID before the event. Wearing a mask and staying a safe distance from each other is still a must! Seeing a few trusted loved ones can ease the pain of not getting a traditional family holiday.
Christmas in the time of a pandemic will be a new experience for everyone to navigate. With a little time and planning, you can have a happy holiday at home.