Navigating the holiday season can be stressful enough, without the added anxiety of such an unprecedented time. With parties and large gatherings out the window, many of us may be wondering what exactly we are going to do to keep spirits up and the holidays alive these next few months. While celebrations will, undoubtedly, look a bit different this year, there are still fun, easy and safe ways to make the most of this holiday season, and these are my top 5:
Have a no-contact gift exchange with your friends
Photo by Jess Bailey on UnsplashThis is one easy way to carry on your favorite gift-giving traditions in the safest way possible. You can still set a theme or a price limit, in traditional gift exchange fashion, but rather than gathering, leave the gifts on each other's doorstep or in the mailbox. You can then open your gifts over a group facetime or zoom call!
Holiday photo challenges with friends or loved ones
Photo by Anna Auza on UnsplashIf you enjoy keeping up with your Instagram feed or planning and editing photos, this is for you. Have a themed photo challenge with friends. Create a few guidelines, an overall theme and let the creativity run. Some themes could include holiday party looks, ugly sweaters, favorite holiday characters, holiday glamour, etc. You can post them under the same hashtags and create a poll for your followers to decide who had the best shoot.
Go on a holiday light tour
Photo by James Wheeler on UnsplashPersonally, nothing gets me more in the holiday spirit than seeing lights spread throughout my town. This is an easy option for all my people who don't feel like leaving the car. Grab some hot chocolate and your favorite holiday cookies and tour the lights of your town. There's something nostalgic and heartwarming about a lit neighborhood street or downtown, and this is one festivity that is sure to keep you safe, yet spirit filled.
Try out some new recipes and bake your favorite holiday treats
Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on UnsplashTrust me, I'm no pastry chef, but when it comes to the holidays there's something in the air that makes baking a wonderful pass-time. Get creative! You can try out new recipes you've always wanted to try, or host baking competition videos with friends. Make it your own at-home Cupcake Wars, setting a timer and baking with all your friends over zoom. Let the best holiday chef win!
Host a virtual Holiday pajama and movie night
Photo by Samira Rahi on UnsplashWhile we all, undoubtedly, would like to be surrounded by our closest friends for holiday pajama parties, this year things are looking a bit different and bit less social. That doesn't mean, however, that the themed pajama nights have to end. Host a zoom party with all of your best friends, where pajamas are the night's must and a holiday movie marathon awaits. Whether in person or, this year, over zoom, nothing beats taking part in the holiday traditions that you love most with your favorite people.
