Safely Celebrate the Holidays

It may feel like we need some holiday cheer more than ever this year, but it is still important that we celebrate safely. This doesn’t mean you have to completely miss out on our favorite traditions, but you may need to make a few changes to the way you experience the holidays this year. Below are a few ideas on how you can make this holiday season safe and fun.

 

We’ve all gotten better at doing things virtually this year. And there are plenty of holiday traditions we can do virtually as well! Try a virtual gift exchange by mailing gifts to friends and family and then opening them together on a video calling platform. 

 

You can also do fun activities like holiday decorating or baking with friends and family through video call. Get creative and have some fun holiday festivities with those you won’t get to see in person this year.

 

There are also several services that offer virtual Santa visits. Going to see Santa in a crowded mall this year is not the safest option. Instead, visit with Santa in your own home using a video calling platform.

 

Even before the pandemic, many people enjoyed driving through the neighborhood to see holiday light displays. So pile your family, or those who live in your immediate household, into the car, turn on some holiday music, and check out the light displays. Maybe this year, you can branch out to some of the surrounding neighborhoods you haven’t seen before.

 

Baking is a great at-home activity. Make your favorite holiday treat, try some new recipes, or have a family gingerbread house decorating competition.  Once you’ve made your treats, drop some off on your neighbors’ doorsteps to spread some holiday cheer.

 

This is a great at-home activity for kids and kids at heart. Write letters to Santa, get creative with decorating the envelope, address the letters to the North Pole, then put them in the mailbox for a little holiday magic.

 

One of the best ways to take part in the holiday spirit this year, is to give back. Talk with your family about making a donation to a favorite charity. Or write letters to your local health-care workers, thanking them for their hard work this year. You can also send letters or gifts to people living in a senior living facility who may not get to spend the holidays with their family this year. 

 

Keeping everyone safe has meant missing out on some things throughout this year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the holidays. Even if it looks a bit different this holiday season, we can still embrace the things that matter most while keeping ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.