Celebrating the Holidays 2020-Style
Celebrating the holidays 2020-style will likely mean that they are smaller, quieter, and distanced. But you can celebrate and mark these festive occasions – and you may even find yourself creating some new traditions.
Uncrowded Shopping
Start by skipping the mall and shopping with small, local businesses, or online. Not only is parking easier (or not necessary!) but the shopping environment should be less crowded. Or do the best of both worlds, and shop with small businesses online – like in our Fall Boutique.
Come shop our Fall Boutique online!
Why You Should Keep Doing This: Shopping small is important year-round, so support the businesses that sponsor your kids’ sports teams, and fundraise for neighbors in distress.
Easy to Mail Gifts
Think about items that can be shipped safely and easily – and without damage. As tasty as chocolate candy can be, it doesn’t always ship well. And be sure any glass items are being wrapped well to avoid them being shattered. Flat, non-perishable items are ideal, like a set or two of Color Street – or more ideas on this list from The Big White Farmhouse.
Why You Should Keep Doing This: Sending a small, thoughtful gift is easier than you think, and more special for your recipient than just another mass-produced holiday card.
The Guest List
In the end, you will connect with those who are likely physically closest to – probably those already in your bubble, or you will make careful choices about who to include. Silver lining: this is probably not the year where you will be a stuck at a long table with a drunk uncle or your least-favorite cousin.
Why You Should Keep Doing This: You should try to take the obligation out of your guest lists going forward. Life is short – celebrate with those who bring you joy.
Head outside – if you can
In parts of the country where weather permits, plan to eat and celebrate outside if you will be merging “bubbles” for any celebrations. Think about heat lamps, fire pits, and other supports to make this possible. Aim for midday, avoiding the chillier hours when the sun is setting.
Why You Should Keep Doing This: If you’re celebrating outside, then you can keep the chef company while they smoke or barbecue a turkey or ham. Or consider adding toasted marshmallows to your dessert menu.
Share recipes
Rethink your 2020 holiday meals – and cook smaller quantities of just what you like at home. Will you miss your aunt’s stuffing or your cousin’s pie? Then do a pre-holiday recipe swap to ensure everyone gets to enjoy their favorites, even if everyone is not all together.
Why You Should Keep Doing This: Often times we don’t think to ask for these recipes until it’s too late, and memories are failing or the originator has passed away. Recipes are a part of your family history – you could even make a cookbook with them.
Reminisce – or make new memories
Rather than just a holidays 2020 zoom with everyone saying “hi” from their little square, consider screen sharing videos or slideshows of holidays gone by. Or even just those favorite “first steps” and other milestone bits of media that no one except the family wants to see anyway.
If a watch party’s not your thing? Consider an online game like Code Names or one from Jackbox. Or this online scavenger hunt for all ages and group sizes:
Why You Should Keep Doing This: Even after we have big family meals again safely, there are always individuals for whom the day or evening runs too long (typically the very young, the very old and/or those with sensory challenges). By including an online option to continue the celebration, parents can tuck littles in bed and join in, or someone can drop off your great aunt at her place and not miss out on the fun.
Plan for next year – in person
Set aside some time to plan for next year’s celebration – ideally it will be in person. If we have learned nothing else in 2020, we have learned to appreciate precious moments spent in real life with both our biological and chosen families. So put some thought in how best to connect and include everyone.
Related Posts:
5 Holiday Food Traditions: Simple and Special
6 Ways to Rethink the Holidays for your Special Needs Family via The Piece of Mind Retreat
