9 ways to enjoy the holidays during COVID.
Nice try, 2020! You threw a lot at us, but you’re not gonna rain on our parade. Sure, many of us didn’t think we’d be celebrating the holidays during COVID, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to let that spoil our fun.
This year, holiday joy is what we make it. So let’s look on the merry and bright side with these social-distancing friendly activities to share with our loved ones.
1. Zoom to a Celebration
You might not be able to huddle in the same room for the usual gift unwrappings, menorah lightings or treat exchanges, but you can still enjoy holiday gatherings through the modern magic of video conferencing. So skip your cousin’s ugly-sweater party and invite friends and family near and far to your living room through Zoom. The upside? Less cleanup!
2. Make it a Movie Night
Do your loved ones like to check out the latest holiday flicks each year? Staying in doesn’t have to mean missing out. Stream ‘em! Or if you have a drive-in movie theater nearby, pack up the popcorn and enjoy a movie together safely from your car.
3. Let There be (Holiday) Lights
Used to strolling through the neighborhood gazing at all the festive lights? Avoid the foot traffic and hop in the car instead. You can even make an adventure out of it and explore nearby neighborhoods you can’t access on foot. And if your city or town hosts fun drive-through experiences, head over and get lots of pictures!
4. Leave Hand Sanitizer for Santa
Some kids may be concerned for Santa’s safety this year (he is, after all, in the higher risk category).
So instead of leaving milk and cookies out on Christmas Eve, leave some hand sanitizer for him instead, and maybe some reindeer masks. Mr. Kringle and crew will thank you.
5. Fast-Track Festive Feasts
Are the usual friends and family members staying home this year? In lieu of the usual holiday gatherings, seize the opportunity to simplify and order out. Find a nearby restaurant that can whip it up for you and deliver it to your doorstep contact-free. The best part is there’s no dish duty!
6. Make a Production Out of It
Love live theatrical performances this time of year, but can’t get to the theatre due to social distancing rules? Get family members into some silly costumes together and put on your own living room productions of classics like “A Christmas Carol.” Or enjoy this virtual production of “The Nutcracker” from The Washington Ballet.
7. Festival From Afar
Miss the fanfare and tradition of a public celebration? Create your own at home! Go crazy with the decor. Fill your table with sweets for Diwali. Mail gifts and favors to loved ones or leave a surprise on their doorsteps. Blast Christmas music (or Hanukkah, or Kwanzza, or Festivus).
You could even plant flowers or trees in your yard to celebrate the passage of the new year. Whatever you celebrate, the possibilities are endless.
8. Give Safely
Do you enjoy volunteering at community kitchens and elder care homes to bring meals and holiday cheer to those who are most vulnerable? You can help keep caregivers and older adults safe and still brighten their day. Instead of volunteering in person this year, send handwritten notes to seniors! The organization, Love for Our Elders is one of many nonprofits that send letters to seniors all year round.
9. Share a Book
One tradition that hasn’t changed this year is one best enjoyed indoors on a cold day: picture books! From the classics we grew up with to new and unexpected tales, you can still snuggle up with the kids and get into the spirit of the season with a book.
There’s just nothing like a good story to excite, transport and inspire wonder—this year more than ever. Check out these holiday favorites, many of which you can find on Epic.
See? We may be celebrating the holidays during COVID, but there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had. From all of us here at Epic, have a safe and happy holiday season! For more activities you can enjoy indoors, check out our post 10 Ways to Help Kids Fall in Love With Reading During the Holidays.
