14 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Home
The holidays in 2020 will certainly be different, but there are plenty of ways to spread cheer while keeping your family safe.
Mail Cookies to Loved Ones
No matter how close or far your loved ones are this year, you can spread some holiday cheer by mailing holiday cookies to them. After all, everyone loves receiving surprise packages—especially when they’re filled with homemade treats.
Visit with Santa—at Home
Not comfortable going to the mall to take pictures with Santa this year? Your kids can still get quality face time with the big guy if one of your family members is willing to don a Santa suit and play the part.
Read these stories about meeting Santa that will fill you with holiday spirit.
Have an Outdoor Cocoa Party
If the weather is mild enough, why not have a small outdoor gathering with extended family after dinner? Set up socially distanced chairs in the backyard—and maybe a fire pit, too!—and let everyone indulge in some delicious hot chocolate.
Prepare a batch of treats for the night with our 60 greatest Christmas cookie recipes of all time.
Watch Christmas Classics
What better way to celebrate the holiday than with a Christmas movie marathon? There will be a whopping 40 new Hallmark Christmas movies this year, and you can always revisit classics, such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and Elf.
For some cinematic inspiration, check out our round-up of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Play Secret Santa—Through the Mail!
Just because everyone can’t get together doesn’t mean you can’t play Secret Santa. Have everyone draw names as usual, then you can just mail gifts to your recipient—it will make guessing who picked you even more challenging!
Check out our Canadian gift guide of 50 problem solving presents under $50.
Video Chat to Open Gifts
Your can still gather your family around the Christmas tree to open gifts this year—even if it’s only virtually. It’s easy to set up a video chat using Zoom or Facebook Messenger, and it will allow you to share the holiday spirit face-to-face.
Make sure your space looks festive before the call—here’s how to decorate for the holidays according to your zodiac.
Plan a Special Christmas Breakfast
Since you don’t have to get up early and hit the road on Christmas, why not plan a lavish breakfast for your family?
Try something new this year with these holiday food traditions from around the world.
Create a Lovely Light Display
Transform your home into a festive winter wonderland using a variety of outdoor Christmas decorations. Let kids pick out fun pieces of decor to display in the yard, and go crazy with Christmas lights, wrapping them around your home, bushes and trees. This activity is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Don’t miss these holiday decorating ideas from across Canada.
Host a Virtual Gingerbread House Competition
You can get a little friendly holiday rivalry going by inviting other families to participate in a gingerbread house competition. Each participant has to build a show-stopping gingerbread structure, and you can post all the pictures on social media and let your friends and family vote on their favourites.
Use this easy gingerbread cookies recipe to create any shape your heart desires.
Organize an Ornament Exchange
Connect with loved ones this holiday season by hosting an ornament exchange. Depending on how many people are involved, you can send homemade decorations to every participant or have everyone draw names.
Did you know about these secret meanings behind classic Christmas ornaments?
Send Handmade Holiday Cards
Instead of simply buying holiday cards this year, why not make them yourself? Even if they’re a little rough around the edges, the homemade sentiment is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Check out these DIY Christmas decorations anyone can make.
Have a Virtual Ugly Sweater Party
Don’t let those ugly sweaters go to waste! There are plenty of ways to host a virtual party over video chat, and everyone will be able to show off their most questionable holiday attire.
Schedule in a marathon of the best holiday episodes of TV shows on Netflix.
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a fun seasonal activity where it’s easy to practice social distancing, especially if there are local ponds where you can avoid crowds. Invite a few friends to meet you for some afternoon skating, then enjoy a thermos of hot chocolate after.
Don’t miss these 99 genius tips that’ll make your holidays much better.
Give Back in Your Community
It always feels good to give back during the holiday season, so why not make it a family activity? Check out what your local food bank needs for donations, and put together a box of supplies for families in need. Who knows, it might even become an annual tradition.
Next, here are 10 ways we already know the holidays will look different.
