Christmas is going to look a little bit different this year for a lot of families…ok A LOT different. Unfortunately, due to the current global situation most people will not be able to meet up with extended family. Regardless of how you celebrate though, there is still a ton of fun to be had and memories to be made. Here are some great ways on how to safely celebrate Christmas away from family during Covid.
While some people may actually be lucky and live close to family where they can celebrate in very small groups, we know that the majority of people will just not be able to celebrate with extended family. But instead of feeling glum, let’s look at the silver lining. By not having to travel to see family or get the house ready for visitors, take this time instead and hang out with the family that is right in front of you. Yes, we know you see them all the time and yes, we know you are dying for a getaway, BUT this virus isn’t going to last forever and we will all be back to our usual hustle and bustle in no time. Right now though, we get to hit the pause button. And that is the best gift of all this Christmas. Here are some great ways to do that and really enjoy the season!
Movie Time
Kids out of school? Surprise them with a Christmas movie marathon. Throw screen time out the window this day and let each family member pick a Christmas movie to watch. Close the curtains, put a do not disturb sign on the front door, pop some popcorn, start a fire, turn off all electronics, and really enjoy each other’s company. Here are some great family-friendly Christmas movies to get you started!
- The Grinch (2018)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1967)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- Home Alone (1990)
- Home Alone 2 (1992)
- The Polar Express (2004)
- The Christmas Chronicles 1 (2018)
- The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
- Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018)
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
- Frosty the Snowman (1969)
- The Santa Clause (1994)
- Jingle Jangle (2020)
- Elf (2003)
- The Star (2017)
- A Christmas Story (1983)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Klaus (2019)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
- Arthur Christmas (2011)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
- Jack Frost (1998)
- Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
- Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town (1970)
- Arthur Christmas (2011)
- Die Hard (1988) —- Just seeing if you were paying attention! Obviously this is not a kid’s movie.
Get Your House Smelling Good!
Bake and then bake some more! Nothing quite screams the holidays quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from the oven. I dont know about you all, but every year I tell myself I will bake holiday treats the week of Christmas and every single year I end up running out of time. This year, we have all the time in the world! Here are some great recipes you can try!
- Pan Dulce
- Tiramisu
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Sugar Cookies
- Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
- Butter Cookies
- Breakfast Sausage Casserole
- Croissant Chocolate Bread Pudding
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Go Big or Go Home
Nothing helps me get over my sadness better than having something to look forward to. So this Christmas why not plan to have a huge celebration next year? Jump on AirBnb and find a large house that you all can rent for next year and invite all of your extended family! Most places currently have great sales in order to entice travelers back or very lenient cancellation policies. Having a plan in place will help everyone feel better about having to celebrate Christmas away from family during Covid this year!
Give Back
Lastly, the most important thing to remember is that while we might not have everything or everyone we want this year, there is always someone that unfortunately has a lot less. We should always remember to be grateful for what we have and take this opportunity to give back. Many families have lost their jobs this year and will not have the money in order to give their kids a nice Christmas. Call up your local donation centers and ask them what they are in need of and accepting. Grab a box and together with the family, collect things that are needed. You can have the kids decorate the box with Christmas drawings or stickers and then all drop it off together. It’s great to teach kids the importance of giving, especially this year.
Remember, don’t look at this as a quarantine Christmas. Rather, look at this time as a gift for your family. Enjoy the moment. After all, as the old saying goes “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
While this article was about how to celebrate Christmas away from family during Covid, many of these ideas can be used for almost every holiday or situation. Let us know in the comments below how you are celebrating this year!
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