So this is a weird year, maybe the weirdest year in recorded history. Because of the sheer oddity of the time we live in, the Christmas season has been hit or miss for me lately, I think it’s the lack of going in stores and hearing Christmas classics, office Christmas parties and activities, and the anticipation of traveling to see my family, many of whom I only see one time a year.
But instead of turning into a Scrooge, I’ve decided maybe it’s time to start some new holiday traditions, and revamp some ones I always do so they won’t die because of the distance.
1. Gingerbread House Competition
I’ve been doing this tradition since middle school, but unfortunately the group won’t be together so we’ll have to do our competition virtually. This one is easy, get a gingerbread kit from any local grocery store for each “contestant”, set your rules, and have your judges ready to go. My family is going to set up a FaceTime or Google Hangout on Christmas Eve and have our Gingerbread battle together no matter what.
2. Holiday Movie Marathon
This is a tradition I typically do with my boyfriend and is an easy one to do alone or with immediate family. You could also do it virtually, Disney+ has a group watch feature built in or use Netflix Party. Grab some (spiked) hot chocolate, comfy and festive pajamas, snacks, and a cozy blanket for your binge watching pleasure.
For movies to kickstart you, This Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf are both on Netflix! Or watch one of the many corny holiday romcoms they’ve been released, my favorite is the Holiday Calendar.
3. Christmas Brunch
This is one I’ve never done before. But, it’s a great idea to celebrate the holidays with your friends no matter how far apart. You could have themed dishes, a Secret Santa exchange on Zoom (or the Houseparty app that already comes with games built in), an ugly sweater contest and holiday mimosas (if you brunch like that).
4. Go See Christmas Lights
An easy one, you likely were going to do anyway. Take that drive or stroll to see some Christmas lights. Make sure to crank up the holiday tunes, if you have Apple Music feel free to use my Very Merry Playlist!
5. Bake Some Holiday Treats
So turns out I kinda enjoy baking and cooking, let’s call it a Pandemic Discovery. After making chocolate chip cookies from scratch earlier this year, I’ve decided to make those again (because yum) and try my hand at shaped sugar cookies.
Do you have any holiday traditions you’re modifying this year? Let me know in the comments!
