Image: sweetlaniko / AdobeStock
The holidays are going to look different this year. Instead of shopping in person, many people will switch to online purchasing. Black Friday frenzies may only exist on the internet, and many families who travel during the holidays will stay at home this year. In spite of all these changes, you can still make this year special and memorable for your family by creating some new traditions.
Become a Local Tourist
Many people spend their holidays traveling, exploring a new destination, or visiting relatives. This holiday season—with pandemic-related travel restrictions in many areas around the world—travel plans are being canceled. If you're staying home for the holidays, why not live like a tourist for a few days? Book a stay at a hotel or B&B in a nearby town, visit a park you've never been to, book a reservation at that trendy restaurant everyone has been talking about, or scout the local shops for souvenirs. Your local tourism board should have plenty of sightseeing ideas. Best of all, you'll be supporting local businesses while spending quality time with your family.
Organize a Gift Card Drawing
Participating in a gift card drawing is easy, and family members from all over the country can take part in this activity without leaving their homes. First, decide on an amount of money to spend on the gift cards, for example, $25.00. Then, each person participating will purchase one gift card for that amount. The cards can be for restaurants, stores, music, and more. Just make sure to keep the card you purchase a secret! Assign each family member a number and instruct them to seal their purchased gift card in an envelope with their number written on the front. During a video get-together, each person draws a number, revealing the gift card and the gift giver's identification. Mail each gift card to the winning family member who drew the card's number.
Start a Family Movie Night Tradition
Normally, holiday activities with friends, family, school, or the office keep people busy. This holiday season, get-togethers will be restricted by social distancing rules, so it's the perfect time to start a new tradition: family movie nights! Dozens of seasonal movies are available on streaming services or from DVD rental outlets. Enjoy this special time together and create coziness with matching pajamas, snuggle blankets, seasonal mugs, cookies, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and popcorn.
Create Some Holiday Cheer with a Cookie Bake
Cooking has become very popular because people are not eating out as much as they once did, so planning a cookie bake day—or several—is the perfect fun project to bring holiday cheer. Select your recipes, purchase all the ingredients, and assemble the necessary kitchen tools. Bake an assortment of cookies, then package them in gift boxes for friends, family, and neighbors.
