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Do Holiday Crafts
Whether you DIY gifts, festoon garland, or assemble a Christmas village, hosting a family crafternoon is one of the most fun ways to get into the spirit. Turn on some classic Christmas music, warm up a mug of hot chocolate, and get to work. To spread a little holiday cheer, hand deliver your handiwork to elderly neighbors who could use a little company.
Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
As if you needed another excuse to binge watch something on your favorite streaming service. There are plenty of holiday movies to watch on Netflix this year, such as Dolly Parton‘s Christmas on the Square.
Participate in a Secret Santa
This tradition goes by several other names, including “Pollyanna,” and it’s played by families and office coworkers alike. How does it work exactly? Participants select a name at random (usually out of a hat), then shop for a small present—typically under $20 or so—for that person. Sometimes, offices may opt for a White Elephant, or Yankee Swap, instead. The concept is similar, but in these cases, participants draw gifts blindly out of a bag, trading prizes until the game concludes with the last pick.
Make a Gingerbread House
Whether you buy your own kit or build a gingerbread from scratch, one thing’s for sure: This is a sweet (pun intended) tradition the whole family will adore. If you’re really feeling confident in your abilities, up the stakes by entering a local gingerbread house competition.
Host a Cookie Swap
Christmas cookies are a holiday staple, but there’s only so much baking one person can do. Expand your horizons by hosting a neighborhood cookie swap. Each person bakes a few dozen of a single variety, then everyone gets together for an evening of festive merriment to split the haul. Make it extra-safe in 2020 by planning virtually, and doing a doorstep drop-off on the big day. Then, reconvene on Zoom to decide who won “star baker.”
Make a Yule Log
This French confection, also called the buche de Noel, is a log-shaped cake traditionally served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve, according to Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas.
Attend Midnight Mass
If you belong to a Christian denomination that offers it—and you can keep their eyes open long enough—midnight mass is a cozy, often candlelit way to celebrate the reason for the season. Though the CDC advises against packing churches amid the pandemic (capacity limits vary from state to state), you can make your church’s virtual broadcast feel more intimate by mimicking the ambiance in your own home. Turn down the lights, cozy up on some floor pillows, and light plenty of candles.
We hope this inspired some new and exciting Christmas Traditions for you and your family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
