To cap off our strange year, our holidays will be different too. We’re in lockdown again (or, as I like to call it: “Time-out”). And, like any angry child, I’m a bit cranky. I don’t care if the big people are telling me it’s for my own good, I don’t like time-outs. Apparently, I’m not alone because when I went shopping today I saw a sea of people with unsmiling, angry eyes above their masks.
It started me thinking, what can we do to make this season fun again? Here are a few ideas:
- Hang lights everywhere. This is not the year for perfectly placed lights (unless you hire it done). Instead, think: “quantity over quality”. Hang as many lights as you can in whatever haphazard way you choose. Put some inside, outside, on bushes and in older kids’ rooms. We need light right now. (I have a very crooked string on my back deck and around my birdfeeder. They’re silly and they make me smile every night).
- Glitter nail polish. Need I say more? Whenever I’m in a funk I brush on some glitter polish and I instantly feel better. There is no age limit on glitter! Wear it in your hair, on your face makeup or on your clothing.
- Masks. Okay, we have to wear them, so buy fun ones, holiday ones, funny ones, any kind that will make people smile.
- Christmas books. Get on your library’s website and order Christmas books. There are mysteries, romances, and more with holiday covers and themes. I just did this and it really gets you in the mood.
- Picture books. On Pinterest or the library’s site, search “kids’ Christmas books”. There are the most gorgeous books available with illustrations sure to melt your heart. Read them out loud together.
- Delivery Box. Our delivery drivers are going to be extra stressed this year. I keep a wooden box on my porch that says: “We love our delivery people”. I stock it with water, soda, protein bars and candy bars. I’ve received lovely thank-you notes on package forms from my drivers. Anything to bring a smile to their faces!
- Forts, PJs and Movies. Kids are feeling the stress in our world and they don’t like the changes that affect their traditions. Christmas pageants are cancelled and we can’t eat out, but we can make grand blanket forts, have pajama days and movie nights. They’ll think of the 2020 holidays with fondness for the rest of their lives.
- Support Small Local Businesses. What a great year to shop local. This is a tough time for business owners. Tip extra, ask how they’re doing (and listen to their responses) and buy a little something whenever you can.
- Family Santa. Plexi-glass in front of Santa? A cardboard cutout of the jolly man? These are two solutions our regular Santa spots have offered this year. Instead, we chose a family member (that you’ve quarantined with) and he will wear a Santa suit for pictures. My husband has been growing out his beard since early November. The grands are very excited.
- Grocery Store Antics. Your store is out of your holiday favorites? Make a game out of it with the kids. Choose silly foods instead. Have them create a menu. Do a theme night (red and green foods, a certain nationality, etc.). Turn the scarcity into something fun.
- Music. Music soothes the soul. I personally love the early Christmas music being played right now. It makes me happy. Use music to keep your family’s spirits up. Play: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, or “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas”. Have a dance-off in the living room.
These are just a few ideas to make the season bright again. Extra points for things that spread kindness and joy onto others. What would you add to the list?
Read more of Ann’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
