Won’t Be Home for Christmas? 5 Easy Ways To Make the Most of a Socially Distanced Holiday

While many things are getting back to normal across the world, the holidays are still not going to look like what they did pre-pandemic. Many of us still can’t – or are choosing not to – travel, and that means we won’t be surrounded by loved ones again this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find new ways to celebrate and spread some good ‘ol fashioned Christmas cheer.

Sure, you might not be hosting Secret Santa, having office parties, or caroling around the neighborhood… and while it’s perfectly okay (and normal) to mourn the loss of these traditions, it’s important to remember that we can always create new traditions.

And it’s even more important to remember why we’re doing this in the first place…

At the very root of everything is our health. Staying healthy is the best gift you can give your family and friends, so while it’s difficult (VERY DIFFICULT) to be away from loved ones during the holidays… it is just the reality of what many of us must do.

With that said, I also think it’s important to discuss the loneliness that this can bring to so many of us across the world. Being isolated from our family and friends (and for such a long period of time) can throw us into extreme depression, loneliness, and bouts of high anxiety. And the truth is, that loneliness happens to all of us, all of the time. I mean, you can literally feel lonely in a room full of people, right?

The trick to avoiding the lasting impacts of loneliness, in the middle of a global pandemic?

Cultivating authentic connection. And while yes, physical interaction (and touch) is fantastic for this, there are ways we can get creative to replicate the happy feelings that snuggling with your bestie can give you.

So whether you’re holidays will be with you, yourself, and yule… or if you’ll be sharing the Christmas joy with a small group of people, here are 5 fool-proof ways to enjoy your holidays this year.

1. Host a virtual party… duh!

Everyone can still get together to enjoy good food, good drinks, and good company… it might just have to be through a screen this year!

There are lots of ways you can make this one fun! Matching PJs, ugly sweaters, or even a Christmas costume party where you dress up like your favorite Christmas movie characters! You know, like the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, Cindy Lou Who, Santa, etc.

Pour your cocktails, sing, dance, chat, and enjoy your time together.

2. Drive-through light shows

If you live in somewhat close proximity, why not meet in the middle to do a drive-through Christmas light show? Cities all over the world are getting creative with mixing up their annual “Christmas Walk”, so instead of decking out parks, city blocks, and downtown areas with festive lights galore… take a cruise through the deck-outed block, and let the holiday magic light up your soul.

But sorry… no holiday cocktails allowed on this one.

3. Watch a movie together… no, seriously

Ah, technology… isn’t it great? You can literally spend the entire day binge-watching Christmas movies with your sister, who lives halfway across the world. Teleparty, or originally known as Netflix Party, is a way to link up with loved ones and host a long-distance movie night! You can synchronize video playback, and even add a group chat- to Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO.

(Holiday cocktails encouraged 😊)

4. Spread Joy

As a group, you can decide that you want to give back this holiday season. Remember that small individual contributions, when added together, can equal a massive impact!

There is a lot of fun and creative ways that you can spread joy to those who need it most this holiday season… Even by writing a letter to Santa! If you write a letter (or as many letters as you want!) to Santa using Macy’s Believe program, you are donating to the Make-A-Wish foundation and helping to give children hope and joy by literally making their dreams come true! Give joy to the kids who need it most.

“Hope is essential for waiting wish kids who are isolated and vulnerable.”

5. Donate / Volunteer

Let’s remember the roots of the holidays, and the real meaning of Christmas… is giving to those in need. If you can’t celebrate the way you traditionally do, why don’t you celebrate by donating canned food to a local food pantry? Or go through your closet and find some warm clothing you can part with… Buy toys for children who won’t receive any… You get the idea here.

There are so many ways you can give back to your community. And I guarantee you that after a day spent donating and giving to those in need… you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on a single thing because you’ll have received the best gift of all… which is giving someone else happiness, safety, or hope.

Selfless giving fills us with deep satisfaction, contentment, gratitude, and fulfillment.

The Most Wonderful Time of Year?…

The holidays are about more than giving gifts. I know, I know… that’s what Christmas has come to be associated with. And don’t get me wrong, I love giving/receiving gifts just as much as the next person… but if you can’t afford gifts this year, or if you’re unable to exchange gifts with friends and family due to social distancing restrictions… there is absolutely no reason to stress over it.

Instead – make a nice meal for someone, give a handwritten card or a handcrafted item. Take the time to video chat with someone who is lonely and isolated. Give the gift of your time, attention, and affection.

Speaking from personal experience, these homemade touches are what truly make the holidays a special time of year. It’s about giving love, and spreading cheer (yep – for all to hear). And you don’t need to host your annual Secret Santa Party in order to do that!

Let love lead you in all things you do this holiday season. Comment below on a new holiday tradition you’ll be doing this year!

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