Holiday Spectacular
6 Covid-Safe Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
This time of year is all about being together with friends and family. But restrictions on the ability to physically gather don’t have to mean forgoing a festive season. Celebrate the holidays (at a safe social distance) with these family-friendly activities.
Take a Holiday Lights Tour
Let the kids stay up late, put everyone into their warmest coats, and take hot cocoa to go as you stroll through your neighborhood checking out all the decorations. If it's too cold—or the best displays are further afield—pile everyone into the car and blast holiday music as you drive.
Host a Virtual Cookie Swap
If gathering to bake tray upon tray of cookies is one of your favorite traditions, keep it going this year as a virtual event. Have everyone bake together (but in their own homes) over Zoom. Then, each person can do contactless drop-offs, you can meet up outdoors to swap pre-packed boxes. If your group isn’t local, send packages to each other through the mail.
Online Volunteer as a Family
Giving back to the community, and teaching kids about giving, is one of the most meaningful parts of the season. Search online using sites like VolunteerMatch.org for opportunities that best suit your kids’ ages and interests, such as sending cards to isolated older adults or writing notes to families receiving emergency pantry bags.
Do a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Write your own, or find a prefab printout, like this one from Etsy. Send the whole family on a chase, and reward a full card with opening the first gifts of the season.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Get a fresh, gorgeous tree—and make amazing family memories—by taking a trip to a tree farm. Whether you chop it down yourself or buy one that’s already been cut, your kids will love the adventure… and the (mandatory) cookies and hot cocoa. Farms are perfect for distancing (lots of space, fresh air) but make sure to find out Covid precautions and policies before you go.
Do a Video Call with Santa
The photo opp in the mall likely isn’t happening, but that doesn’t mean your kids can’t have a visit and make their wishes known. Various companies, like JingleRing, are offering live video chats while others offer pre-recorded messages, so you can choose what works best for your littles. Prefer snail mail? Get out the stationary and send their wishes to Santa a letter the old-fashioned way.