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It’s Christmas time. A time filled with wonder and joy, familiar songs, beloved traditions, and unbelievable smells. I remember the magic that Christmas used to hold when I was a child. Somewhere along the line, I lost that sense of awe. It didn’t happen when I realized that Santa wasn’t real. Or when I realized the struggle to create a memorable holiday for my children. Rather somewhere in between…
This month on the calendar marks the end of another year. A heck of a year, at that. Another 365 days that I’m not completely satisfied that I’ve lived according to my purpose. That I’ve not mothered with enough intentionality. That I’ve not wholly been on the outside who I feel I am on the inside. Blame stress, finances, social isolation, Covid, seasonal depression, whatever… This year just seems harder than ones before.
I know so many of us are struggling right now. From Health Care Workers, to Teachers, to Every Day People. We can’t get together safely with extended family like we used to. We can’t go Christmas shopping like we used to. We can’t do…. much of anything like we used to.
So what do we do when it’s hard to find the magic in Christmas?
Here are some things we can do:
Create New Traditions
What is something you’ve wanted to do as a Christmas tradition, but haven’t? Maybe it’s a picture with matching pajamas, Christmas Eve cookie baking, or doing an Advent calendar. Or, in the spirit of 2020, maybe you want to do a toilet paper drive for a local food pantry. Find it. Do it.
Video Chat with Family
Okay, so we cant all get together like in years past. But what we can do is still exchange gifts and open them in video chats like Skype, Zoom, Webex, or FB video chat.
Camp Out Under the Tree
Spend Christmas Eve Eve (December 23) by having a family “campout” around the Christmas tree. Sleep on the floor in sleeping bags while enjoying the beautiful lights from the tree.
Send Christmas Cards to an Eldercare Facility
So many of our elderly are isolated from family due to their increased risk of Covid and infection rates in community living facilities. Find a place local to you. Make Christmas cards for all of the residents and deliver them.
Make Homemade Decorations
Create personalized ornaments for this year. You can use these ornament ideas or cook up some salt dough ornaments.
Jingle a Neighbor
Surprise a neighbor with a little gift… Maybe a hot cocoa kit, a popcorn/movie basket, or a cookie decorating kit. Just a little something to make them smile.
Adopt a Person/Family in Need
People in service industries are out of work. Or missing work due to positive tests. Look for a local family to “adopt” for Christmas. This can be found in local “Pay it Forward” groups in your area on Facebook.
Have a Holiday Movie Marathon
Spend a day/night watching nothing but holiday movies. Get some great holiday movie ideas on pinterest.
Decorate Your Yard and House
Spread holiday joy to neighbors and passersby with a lovely light and/or decoration display.
Go on a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Pile in the car and go on a Christmas light scavenger hunt. Before you go, grab and print our free Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt printable.
Virtual Gingerbread House Contest
Have a virtual gingerbread house contest with friends and family you can’t meet in person with. Share the images on Facebook for friends to vote on. The winner gets bragging rights until Christmas 2021 when we hopefully will be able to meet up in person again.
No matter what you plan on doing this holiday season, please cut yourself some slack. We can’t do it all. And this year has been hard. Be thankful, be safe, be well.
