Santa is accepting video chat calls, fyi.
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Like everything else, the holiday season has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control has officially stated that minimizing social gatherings, especially for the holidays, is recommended due to health and safety concerns. But just because you may not have the same exact Christmas plans as you did in year's past doesn't mean you have to be bored at home. In fact, there are so many different ways to stay entertained and get in the holiday spirit at home—like baking as many Christmas cookies as humanly possible, for example. It's time to get creative this year and come up with some new traditions so we can keep one another safe as we head into the new year. 'Tis the season!
1
Have a Christmas movie marathon.
Sure, Hallmark movies are great, but maybe you prefer binge watching the classics. Get the popcorn ready and queue up your faves, because a movie marathon is a must.
2
Host a virtual holiday party.
Zoom and Google Meet have become the norm for holidays this year, so make that link and send out a calendar invite this month. Bonus points if everyone makes their favorite holiday appetizer to enjoy on the call!
GET CHRISTMAS APPETIZER RECIPES
3
Wear matching pajamas with your family or roommates.
The best fashion statement you can make this holiday season is some festive pajamas on Christmas morning. Better yet—match with your family or roommates so your entire pod looks great.
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4
Send gifts to far away loved ones.
Gift giving is always such a fun part of the season, and you can still make someone's day by sending them something to put under their tree. If you make them promise to wait until the 25th to open it, you can even plan a video call so you can see their reaction.
SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
5
DIY an at-home photo booth for a photoshoot.
Up your Instagram game with an at-home photoshoot that can be made even more jolly with some on point props.
6
Bake cookies for Santa—and yourself!
You have to leave a plate of cookies out for Santa as per tradition, but make sure you have enough so you can enjoy them, too.
GET CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES
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7
Make a holiday-themed puzzle.
Puzzles are a great way to keep yourself—and the kids—occupied this holiday season. Pick one up that has a nice wintery scene to set the mood for the big day.
8
Make Christmas breakfast from scratch.
Opening all of your presents from Santa will probably make you hungry, and this Cinnamon Roll Bake is one of the best ways to fuel up for the day's festivities.
GET CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST RECIPES
9
Create your own tree ornaments.
Homemade decorations make for sentimental keepsakes. When you craft ornaments from scratch, you can gift some to loved ones and turn the whole process into a new family tradition.
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10
Make a festive co*cktail...or three.
For those 21+, you can have your very own personal holiday party at home with all the festive co*cktails your little heart could desire. We have a lot of options to choose from, so consider this your December drink menu.
GET FESTIVE co*ckTAIL RECIPES
11
Read a classic Christmas book.
Make memories by reading a classic Christmas book to your little one to get them excited for the big day.
12
Plan a family game night at home.
Family game night is always a good idea and it will be even more special when you play under the twinkling lights of your tree.
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13
Video chat with Santa himself.
Keep the magic of the holiday alive with a personalized video call or message from ole Saint Nick. Santa Club allows you to purchase live video call sessions or pre-recorded messages from the man himself, with a keepsake video for you to look back on for years to come.
14
Sing Christmas songs at home with a karaoke night.
Show off your pipes and host a sing-off at home with all Christmas songs on deck. Who's calling dibs on "All I Want For Christmas Is You"???
15
Send heartfelt Christmas cards.
This year has been challenging for everyone, and a heartfelt, handwritten Christmas card is a sentimental way to show people you've been thinking of them.
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16
Build a snowman.
We're all dreaming of a white Christmas. If it actually happens near you, take advantage of it! Building a snowman is a fun thing to do together as a family, and it's the cheapest lawn decoration you can have.
17
Make an extravagant Christmas dinner from scratch.
If you typically go to a relative's house for Christmas, this year is the perfect opportunity to test out your own cooking skills. This Beef Wellington is a great main dish for your holiday meal.
GET CHRISTMAS DINNER RECIPES
18
Go sledding.
Sledding is such a fun winter activity to do with the kids, and it's always nice to warm up with a mug of hot cocoa afterwards.
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19
Deck the halls with all the Christmas decorations you can find.
If you're spending your holiday at home, you should make it as cozy as possible. They say "Deck the halls" for a reason, and having gorgeous decorations throughout your house will put you in the mood for celebrating, no doubt.
20
Enjoy a drive-thru Christmas light show.
In many areas you can see mesmerizing Christmas light shows via drive-thru. This ensures safe viewing and minimizes big crowds.
