It’s been one heck of a year. Christmas is going to be tough—which, really, should make this time even more precious than usual. I’ve listed a few suggestions for getting into the Christmas spirit. Hopefully they will help, and if you have any others please feel free to drop them into the comments!
- First of all, give of yourself. Knowing you’ve helped someone can enhance the season in ways nothing else can. If you’re able, purchase non-perishable foods from the grocery store and drop them off at the local food bank for those less fortunate. Giving always bring a lift to the heart.
2. Plan a virtual get-together. If you have a computer, set up a Zoom meeting or something similar. Send out invitations, same as you would to a physical get-together and have everyone plan on getting dressed up exactly as if you were really going to someone’s house for the holidays.
3. In line with the above, how about a virtual Secret Santa? Have everyone pick from the list of invitees to the above get-together and each person can mail a $5 gift (or a handmade one—that could always be a theme—handmade) to the person they’ve picked, to be opened at the “party”.
4. Right now, begin watching as many holiday movies as you can manage—whether you’re into Hallmark Christmas romance movies, old classics, kids’ flicks, comedies or some of the newer favorites (you can check out my blog – 10 Holiday Movies I’d Watch Any Time of the Year – Revisited for some suggestions new and old). Or read something Christmas-y, for yourself or to others.
5. Start playing those Christmas tunes early! Radio stations often begin playing Christmas music right after (or before) Thanksgiving. Sing along and encourage those in your house to do the same.
6. If you have young ones (or even not-so-young-ones) around the house, craft early and copiously. Check for blogs—there are many giving instructions on items to be made with objects around the house! Bright paper chains from construction paper are quick and easy and can be draped everywhere, lol.
7. Put strings of Christmas lights up around your door now. Even without the usual flux of visitors, you can still make the house festive for your family and the bright lights around your entryway always help greet the season.
8. Create some Christmas cards for those closest to you. Have your kids help.
9. Plan a cookie exchange. Email family and/or neighbors and have each person create their favorite cookie recipe. Small batches can be dropped off (still exercising social distancing) or mailed to people on the list and everyone will end up with a delicious variety of cookies for Christmas.
10. Plan a social-distanced caroling event. At the time arranged you can either all meet on-line and sing your hearts out or, if a neighborhood-type event, meet outside and sing while maintaining safe distance (your voices can be heard through a mask). Practices can be held virtually, which will help in creating a feeling of camaraderie.
Okay, that’s it for now. Something else may pop into my head and I’ll blog an addendum.
In the meantime, keep the faith, as they say, and remember that we’re all in this together.
robin maderich - write-brained scribbler and crafter-on-the-loose 