What a year 2020’s been!
Yeah, thankfully, it’s coming to a close. But not before it takes the year-end celebrations down with it.
Oh, I forgot about the canceled Christmas and New Year parties. A Christmas without the merriment and gifts...
You sound like Jo March from Little Women! “Christmas won’t be Christmas without presents.”
Well, don’t you agree?
Not completely. I can think of a few ways to celebrate Christmas and keep the season’s spirit alive despite the pandemic.
Can you?
Most of us would agree that without personal gifting and greetings, large get-togethers and parties, and those jolly and warm hugs, (all of which are still looking risky this year), Christmas would just not be the same. But, there is no need to bypass this year’s festivities completely and hole yourself up indoors. There are still ways to celebrate Christmas and squeeze as much fun as you can out of it. Let’s see what you can do to keep the Christmas spirit alive and kicking!
Christmas celebrations during the pandemic
Since the world (at least the current, living generations) has not gone through this unprecedented situation before, there is no reference point on how to celebrate Christmas in the pandemic. But then, this just gives even more scope for creativity. You can be assured that whatever you do will at least be new and one-of-its-kind! So, here are 5 Covid-safe Christmas activities that can make your Christmas special. You might find that with some traditions, only some tweaking is necessary. Here we go.
1. Gift an experience
How about gifting an experience rather than a product - a massage for your dad/mom, or a ‘Get-out -of-the-Kitchen Day’ Card, or a week-long Clean Laundry coupon? With house help in short supply this season, these might be the most cherished gifts. If you would like to give something tangible, use the Treasure Hunt approach to giving it, so you mix the element of mystery with surprise - the memories of the hunt will stay on forever!
You could also gift someone an e-learning class. Like a baking class, a meditation session, or an art and craft class (perhaps to make Christmas decorations!).
For those loved ones who stay far away or are alone, you could always do your Christmas shopping online and send a gift by mail. Just make sure that you shop early so you get the best deals and choices. Also, send the gifts in advance in case they have to be quarantined for a while. So they can be opened on Christmas Day!
- To truly make someone’s day (and year!) memorable, leave a secret surprise outside the house of a neighbor who stays alone. Call and let them know something is waiting for them though, so they don’t worry about the safety of touching your gift!
- One of the most popular Christmas celebration ideas at work (even during covid) is Secret Santa. However, ensure you follow all safety precautions with this game.
2. Make it a DIY year
There is something so warm and homely when you do it yourself (DIY). Here are some ideas to fill your holidays with pieces of YOU.
a) Cards: If your last experience of making a Christmas card was back in school when your art teacher instructed you to do it as part of a class assignment, here’s an opportunity to revisit your creative side. It will be a delightful surprise for your loved ones to get a personalized card this year. After all, we all miss the era of letter writing. It is also a good opportunity for you to pen down your heartfelt thoughts and wishes. A Christmas blast from the past!
b) Homemade decorations: You could make your decorations at home this year perhaps using the cartons and covers from your online deliveries. Make hats out of paper, snowmen out of paper plates, and other decorations to hang up with bits and pieces around the house. It will also be a good way of recycling scrap in your house. You could also decorate your house with real plants and flowers. Your contribution towards a green Christmas! Just go all out this year - decorate your house festively. It will lift your (and the onlookers’) spirit.
c) Home-cooked meals: Some big positives of the pandemic include the return of home food as the kitchen fires have been burning in most homes. Just as online shopping has soared this pandemic, homemade delicacies have also made a big comeback.
And the Christmas holidays are a great time to experiment and make seasonal specials (Christmas pudding sounds just divine right about now!) Whip up some tasty yet healthy Christmas recipes. These also make great gifting ideas - home-baked cookies and plum cakes are quite the rage, especially in this season.
- Cook an extra meal or two with someone in need and share it. You will feel a few inches taller at the very least!
3. Make it a family day
You must have accumulated so many must-dos over the year. This is the perfect time to execute them with your family.
- Do a 1,500 piece jigsaw puzzle with your children
- Spend an afternoon playing board games together - rummage your closets for Scrabble, Pictionary, Monopoly, and Taboo
- Have a Karaoke night of singing
- Watch a movie
- Bake cookies
- Trim your bonsai plants
- Reminisce together with old videos and photos of your family
- Make plans for holidays you will go on in the future
- Engage in gardening
- Make Christmas-special face masks - you could try a Santa mask or reindeer mask or one of the elves.
These activities will set the tone for relaxation and togetherness.
4. Host a virtual party
What better way to celebrate with everyone than to have a virtual get-together? So, you cannot call them all home and make a party of it. But, you can ‘share’ your Christmas dishes and wishes with everyone all at once and recreate the good ol’ family reunion online.
Remember to include some games. Dumb Charades and Pictionary can be played almost as effectively online as in person. You could also play with art and craft hosting competitions among families - making paper hats or smoothies in less than 5 minutes and sharing your methods and recipes.
5. Take a stroll around your street or apartment complex
Go for a Christmas walk around your street or apartment. While going to stores and enjoying the beautiful decorations may not be on the cards this Christmas, you can still enjoy the lights and decorations of your neighbors. Don’t forget to take your Santa mask. The sightseeing will then be a two-way affair!
You can also sing carols as you go along. Just ensure you maintain social distancing and avoid going door-to-door. Feel the warmth and glow of the lights around...and within you!
So, even if elbow bumps are the only physical touches that are allowed this season, don’t fret. Every day is adding to the hope that the world will become ‘normal’ again. Just bide your time for now. And enjoy the Christmas spirit that no pandemic can take away from you. Spread warmth with your smile, share your love virtually, radiate light to those in the dark, and the essence of Christmas will be intact!
If you liked the idea of gifting an experience, you might like to gift an unforgettable experience with the Online Meditation & Breath Workshop. Unlimited joy, improved health, and blissful peace - all wrapped in one package!
(Written with inputs from Dr. Prema Seshadri, Faculty, Art of Living)
