I suppose it would be easy to skip hanging the stockings and trimming the tree before the season even begins this year.
After all, even the cheeriest Cindy Lou Who feels more like Grinch after this year. Sickness, turbulence, death and sadness crept into almost every area of our lives during 2020. And in our household, that ongoing struggle means many of our Christmas traditions will look different this year.
We won’t be attending holiday concerts or shows — perhaps one of my favorite traditions next to Christmas Eve services. Our Christmas Eve dinner out will more likely take the form of carry out. Our small group won’t be caroling at the local nursing home for the first time in over a decade. And due to compromised immune systems, we won’t celebrate in person with our extended family.
All of this change makes my heart ache. And if I’m honest it also makes me a bit frustrated with Cherie of Christmas past for not appreciating all of the above more. However, there are still plenty of holiday traditions that are both affordable and social distance friendly that we’ll carry on this Christmas. If you’re looking to add a new experience to your December or seeking to replace one not available to you this very unique year, you’re certain to find more than one on the list below to keep your season merry and bright.
Christmas caroling
Obviously, we won’t be going anywhere indoors to Christmas carol this year. However, if I can convince my crew, I’m hoping to sing a song or two in the neighbors’ front yard. Stay back, mask up and wear your festive best. Then belt out your favorite tunes. You may even opt to host a singalong over FaceTime or leave some festive cheer on friends’ and family members’ video doorbell cams.
Christmas light shows
This is the ultimate socially distanced Christmas tradition. From the warmth of your car, drive around to take in the sights of the season. We never miss the chance to visit Middle Street in Greenwood and have a few favorite neighborhoods to wander through every year.
You’ll get bonus points from your family if you have hot cocoa in travel mugs ready before you leave. If your budget allows, you may want to venture out to a paid light show like the Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds or Winterlights at Newfields (home of the Indianapolis Museum of Art). Paid shows more than likely will require an advance ticket this year, so book your experience ahead of time.
Holiday baking
Gingerbread will taste just as sweet in 2020. And health officials have declared dropping off treats and goodies as a relatively low risk activity. Obviously, be sure everyone in your household is in good health and then let the sugar fly.
Christmas movie marathon
‘Tis the season to rewatch a family favorite. Choose your all-time classics or watch a new-to-you flick as a family. You could even use the NetflixParty app or GroupWatch app to watch one of these classic films with friends and family near and far. Pop the popcorn, grab your favorite beverage and settle in with a snuggly blanket together.
Stream a Christmas concert
The arts community is adapting quickly to the restrictions on live theater. Many including the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and ballet companies performing “The Nutcracker” are offering streamed performances this year. Most of these experiences are ticketed; however, they cost around the same amount as a single ticket rather than one for your entire family.
Build a snowman or get outside
If the weather cooperates and we have a white Christmas, this year is a great one to play in the snow. That mask may even keep your face warmer. Even if we don’t see flakes fly, it’s still a great idea to take a winter’s hike or just a walk around the block. Snowball fights, sledding and even your own family holiday 5k will all be good for your mental and physical health this Christmas.
Crack out the Christmas cards
Return to a tradition you may have let lapse recently. Gather your family around the table to address Christmas cards and write Christmas letters. If you’re like me, you may even have a stash of cards you didn’t use in years past. Or you could get crafty and make your own, too.
Hide a holiday mascot
If you’re counting down the days to Dec. 25, you may choose to pass the time by hiding an elf. My kids missed this fad and I was kind of relieved. However, a few years ago, we took turns hiding a slightly creepy doll from my childhood and frightening each other. This proved highly entertaining for both kids and parents as we tried to one up each other. Perhaps it’s a roll of toilet paper or maybe a gnome or Santa, but this could be a fun and easy way to get your family into the spirit of the season.
Read a Christmas story each day
Each year, I invest in an Advent book to read to ground my soul as I move through a busy month of celebrations. We also have a children’s storybook that features a quick read each day leading up until Christmas that my mom gave me when I was 10 years old. Whether you have a volume of collected works or gather 25 individual books, reading a story until Christmas Day can be a powerful tradition for readers of all ages. And maybe this is a great year for grandparents or extended family to pick a book to read over Zoom, too!
Visit a live nativity
Bundling up is likely a theme of most social interactions this winter. Our family will be looking for a live nativity to visit as a part of our Christmas this year. Let me know if you have a favorite to suggest!
A different Christmas doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive or cheerless affair. In fact, you may discover a new favorite in the midst of this year’s holiday challenges. Be creative. Be open to something new. And keep that free-to-everyone, no-matter-where-they-are holiday spirit in your heart.
