The jolliest time of the year is getting much closer. We’re officially days away from sporting our Santa hats, donning our Christmas jumpers and feasting on some good food.
But the 2020 Christmas festivities will always be remembered as the time we tried to stay away from our loved ones as opposed to of opening our homes to relatives and friends. This doesn’t mean though, that the pandemic has to dampen the spirits and make us throw the Christmas tree baubles away early.
Let’s all remember to follow the Health Department’s recommendations and still enjoy Christmas, at a social distance. And if you need some help on how to spread the joy whilst staying safe, we’ve got some tips to share!
KEEP EVERYONE ENTERTAINED AT HOME
As opposed to running around the brightly-lit streets, 2020 Christmas is all about enjoying family time at the safety and comfort of our own home. Keeping little feet and hands, as well as grown-ups entertained is not always the easiest exercise.
So, the best thing to do is to plan the holidays ahead with a list of activities both kids and adults can get a kick out of. Think of the merriment baking Christmas cookies will bring about. You could download holiday banners for kids to colour, watch a festive movie together or stock on stationery supplies for them to create their own baubles to hang on the tree. This is the perfect time to create new traditions that could last for generations; such as making your own Christmas wreath or putting your green thumbs to work by nurturing some seeds into well-loved plants.
KEEP IN MIND LOCAL BUSINESSES
2020 has been a tough year for everyone. Looking for last-minute gifts? Support your local enterprises – big or small – and help them weather through the burdens this pandemic has brought about. Many businesses are happy to help their customers keep themselves safe by offering delivery, even for last-minute purchases.
MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS CARDS
Pull out odds and ends from the haberdashery cabinet and let your imagination run wild with funky designs for your handmade Christmas cards. Use buttons for baubles and cotton wool for snow, washi tape for fancy decorations or stick a family photo to make it more personal.
HOST A VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY/LUNCH
Are you worried that staying away from our loved ones might hinder the jolly feelings from making an audience this year? Physical distance doesn’t have to mean complete absence, though.
Thanks to COVID, we now have a multitude of software programs at our disposal to see our beloved through the screens of our phones and PCs. Stick a computer at the head of the table and munch on some roast turkey whilst chatting away with relatives at a distance. It will be a guaranteed hit without the chance of running any health risks.
DO A FAMILY SECRET SANTA
What’s more fun than opening presents? Seeing others’ face light up with joy when opening theirs! Secret Santa has been bringing the festive fun for ages and this year, is no excuse. Even if all your presents are ready – encourage everyone to purchase a small, inexpensive trinket and see who manages to guess who the gift-giver is.
ORGANISE A CHRISTMAS JUMPER COMPETITION
Sporting Christmas jumpers on Christmas Day has already become a staple in many households. The tradition knows its origin from years ago, when many grannies used to knit festive jumpers to their nephews and nieces… predominantly illustrating old-fashioned and quirky designs.
Nowadays, these jumpers are easily purchased off the rack from many stores. Get all your own household members or set up a virtual meet-up with distant ones to put one on and coordinate a competition to award the title to the ‘Best Dressed Santa Helper’. The prize? A scrumptious box of chocolates!
GO ON A PRESENT DELIVERY ROUND ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Give your closest people a call and let them know Santa is going to make an early appearance! Stuff the car with all your gifts and drive around to hand-deliver them. Place presents on doorsteps, give the doorbell a ring, keep a two-metre distance and shout ‘Merry Christmas!’ when the door opens.
CREATE A SPOTIFY LIST WITH YOUR FAMILY’S FAVOURITE FESTIVE MELODIES
Is mum a fan of Dean Martin? Do your teenage children love Ariana Grande? There’s truly a Christmas anthem for everyone! Let those speakers breathe merry vocals throughout the holidays and share the link with the rest of the family members to enjoy.
TRICK A NAUGHTY FAMILY MEMBER
Santa might be on quarantine this year, so it’s up to you to decide who has been naughty or nice! Turn the fun up a notch by getting a big box, fill it with scrap paper and place some charcoal in the middle. Wrap it up nicely in festive wrapping paper and display the name of the lucky recipient. Watch them excitedly open the big gift whilst their faces crack with laughter when they see what’s inside!
Got any ideas of your own? Share them with the rest of us through the comments section on our Facebook page. Wishing you a safe and healthy Christmas!