Introduction
The holidays are almost here, and they could not have come soon enough! Since 2020 has been a very interesting year, many of us are looking for new ways to celebrate together. No matter if your family is spread across the country or just up the street, the logistics of the holidays can be a nightmare. That’s why it’s great to think out of the box and generate some new solutions. Here are some creative ways to spend your holidays in 2020 and beyond.
Remote Entertainment
Whether it is because of social distance or long distance, not everyone is able to spend the holidays under the same roof. That doesn’t have to stop you from spending quality time with your loved ones, though. Now, most streaming services offer a watch together feature allowing everyone to watch their favorite shows at the same time, no matter where they are. There are also third-party options if you don’t all have the same apps.
There are plenty of other ways to use technology to help you connect with your friends and family during the holidays. If you enjoy playing games together, why not try something like Jackbox? Available on everything from your smartphone to big name consoles like XBOX and the Nintendo Switch, Jackbox games are the ideal solution for your remote party game needs. Just make sure you set up a time to talk over Zoom or FaceTime so you will be able to see each other face to face and interact in real time as you play.
Connecting with Care
If you and your family are not big on shows or games, sometimes all it takes to feel a connection is a great conversation. Set aside some time during the holidays to really connect with your friends and family. Not every talk has to be serious or emotionally involved. Take a little time to check in on one another and connect more than just over social media. If you are unable to physically spend time with them, a simple phone call or video call can help make all the difference. It may seem a little silly, but set up your phone or tablet at a holiday dinner so you and your family can all have dinner together even when you’re apart. Try sharing some of these easy holiday recipes, make them individually and then connect via the video call. You may find this a fun solution for the unique problems of this upcoming holiday season.
This year has been especially difficult for everyone. If you have older parents or family members with health conditions, checking in on them during the holidays is extremely important. Many of them may not want to venture from their homes too much especially as the winter weather begins to take hold. Ordering presents ahead of time may be wise this year with delivery services predicting a season of delays. Are your loved ones in need of daily health essentials? Get over the counter wellness supplies delivered by utilizing an on-demand service. Some apps can have these and other health essentials delivered within hours. This doesn’t have to be limited to your own family, either. Check with your neighbors or your church families to see if there is anyone outside your family circle in need of some extra attention. Little measures like these can leave a lasting impression on your family members and community individuals in need of extra care. This is the season of giving, after all.
DIY Solutions
If you are looking for a new activity for you and your family this holiday season, why not try some do-it-yourself holiday decorations? You’d be surprised how easy it can be to create your own Christmas ornaments or other holiday decorations. If you have little ones, they will love using their hands to get crafting. Don’t have all of the items you need? Try using a There are even some additional DIY ideas that can make the home cozier for yourself or set the mood for your partner. You are only limited by your imagination!
Since most of your time has been spent at home lately, separating your work from home life, your family life, and your self care life may seem next to impossible. Try creating individual spaces around your home for each specific facet. For instance, if you do work from home, try keeping that in a separate office room or in a corner of a bedroom where you can leave it alone once you are done working. For family time, deck out the living and dining room with white lights and some festive ribbon or centerpieces. Looking to get the kids involved? Turn your family room into a blanket igloo filled with your favorite at-home entertainment like those Jackbox games or storytime with their favorite book.
Be Your Own Event Planner
Coordinating events can be a real hassle. The trick is to plan around existing events! Schedule your activities around the Thanksgiving Day parade so everyone is able to spend a little time together. Does your meal prep not allow for that? See if you can squeeze in some time for the big game. The same goes for the winter holidays. Each year, holiday specials and sporting events seem to make their way onto the TV. This is a great opportunity to schedule time with loved ones for a communal watching experience!
Tired of being stuck in the house? Check around your local area for festive events your whole family can attend. Here in Toledo, a popular attraction is the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo! In addition to the awesome animals at the zoo, these Christmas displays are truly a sight to behold. Instead of going on the town, think outside the box or make some room in the backyard for your kids’ favorite outdoor activities that are great for any age. Another holiday favorite activity is driving through neighborhoods to look at outdoor holiday decorations. This is a free option that, for many, can be just as enjoyable as going to a walk through display, even if it isn’t quite as immersive.
Conclusion
No matter how you decide to spend your holiday season, think creatively about what options you have at hand. 2020 has been a unique year, and as we continue into the holiday season, be smart and safe in your decisions. Above all else, though, make sure you carve out some time for your friends and family. At the end of the day, we only have each other and the connections we share. Hopefully some of these tips will help you create some lasting memories and new holiday traditions!
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 