This Christmas I was going on a cruise. My boys and I were ready to kickback and relax on the open sea, enjoy wonderful food, and feel the sand of a warm beach. Unfortunately, our world is still not ready for cruises.
After breaking the news to my boys, the four of us discussed and planned our Christmas 2020 activities. We decided our house would be full of Christmas joy and decorations and we would have one of our best holiday celebrations ever. Here’s what my boys and I have planned for our “Home for the Holidays” Christmas 2020. Maybe you can try these ideas too!
Christmas lights: we love Christmas lights! I didn’t know how many different opportunities there were in the Austin area to see Christmas lights. I Googled Christmas lights and the list goes on and on. The best part, we can see them from our car or walk outside on a trail and continue to maintain social distance.
Christmas movies: this mom of three boys does not get to enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies, but we do enjoy Elf, A Christmas Story, Toy Story Christmas short, Shrek’s Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and Die Hard. Yes, it’s a Christmas movie! We have watched them already. Some outside and some inside, but always together and always laughing.
Family game nights: from chess to Clue, we have every game covered. The time together and a little friendly competition is good for the soul.
Online Christmas shopping: as impersonal as it sounds, it really can be fun and thoughtful. Just think… NO GIFT CARDS! This is the time that you really need to think about the person you are shopping for and what they would enjoy and what you want to give to them to make them feel loved. Sometimes I just see an ad and think that would be perfect for…. or sometimes I just think what could make….smile! It has really been fun coming up with ways to surprise my family and friends, and doing it online keeps me and my boys safe!
Utilize technology to keep in touch with your loved ones: Thanksgiving was spent with just me and my boys, but I spent the morning Face Timing my sister while we cooked our turkeys. It was like we were doing it together! I can’t wait to cook my ham this Christmas with my sister through Zoom/Face Time.
Do what makes you happy: this has been a rough year. Find your favorite tradition and do it! Find what makes you happy and do it! Find your Christmas spiri
Have a merry Christmas and happy holidays! And remember, “There’s no place like home for the holidays….”
Also, I’m sure someone needs this reminder; DON’T FORGET TO MOVE THE ELF!
Let me know what you tried! Comment below to let me know or other ideas you might have for our socially distant year!
