How To Have A Safe Christmas During A Pandemic
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"Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
– Theodor Seuss Geisel, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Similar to the people of Whoville (from How the Grinch Stole Christmas), we may be feeling like Christmas- and the whole holiday season- was stolen from us this year. Many are feeling a little bummed out about having to spend Christmas during a global pandemic apart from family and friends. There’s no need to fret, because Christmas is near, and although this year Christmas will be different, we can all still spread some Holiday Cheer.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Christmas and the holiday season will be a little different. NJ’s Governor Phil Murphy said, “This is NOT THE YEAR for Christmas as usual, or New Year’s Eve as usual. Please do not hold a large, indoor family Christmas gathering or an indoor New Year’s Eve party. We cannot take the risk of these celebrations leading to a spike in new cases and hospitalizations…This is the year for a small Christmas with those in your immediate family bubble”. The reality is that we are in the middle of the second wave of this pandemic, and as much as we long for a traditional Christmas, this year we’ve all had to learn to be grateful for our health, and the health of our families. The best gift to give our loved ones this year is to be considerate of their health and work hard to keep everyone safe and limit potential exposure. Although difficult, avoiding seeing family members outside of your household is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe and healthy. We will miss not being able to gather with everyone this year, but there are still so many ways to have a jolly Christmas.
One way of celebrating the Holiday Season is by making a list of what you are grateful for this year. We can become consumed with what we are missing out on this Christmas, instead of reflecting on what we have. Everyone has been affected by this pandemic in one way or another, but throughout the year we all have many reasons to be thankful.
Partaking in socially distanced, and safe Christmas Activities is another way to enjoy this Holiday Season, especially for the little ones in your home.
Go See Christmas Lights
Whether you take a walk around your neighborhood, or get in your car and drive to a town that’s decorated from house to house in Christmas lights, a trip to see the lights can bring a sense of wonder and joy to your family. You are sure to increase your holiday spirit while looking at the light shows, and most importantly, this is a safe activity for your family to do this Christmas season.
Bake Cookies for Santa
Your child(ren) have waited all year long for Mr. Claus to come and deliver gifts under their Christmas tree. After Santa’s long trip around the world, he’s sure to want some Christmas cookies. This is a very loving way to create memories with your family this Christmas. The best part of it all… you can bake whatever types of goodies your family loves! Santa eats all types of cookies- from traditional family recipes to gluten, peanut, and even dairy-free cookies… Santa is allergy cautious, after all.
Deliver Gifts to family and friends
One way to still see your family members this Christmas is by driving by their home on Christmas Eve/Day.
Happy Holidays
Make sure everyone is wearing their masks, stop by your relative’s home and drop off their Christmas gift at the door. Then, go back in your car (or walk 6 feet away from where they will be) and call them to come outside to pick up their gifts.
By doing this, you are still able to see your relatives, and spread some holiday cheer, all without putting anyone’s health at risk.
Happy Holidays
Christmas Movies
After a long day of opening gifts, rocking around the Christmas tree, baking cookies for Santa, and trying to hear those sleigh bells ring, watching Christmas movies with the entire family is sure a way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company this holiday season. Your children will grow up and treasure these movies because it will bring them back to the moments they spent with you on Christmas Day.
Here are some Christmas Classics for the entire family to enjoy.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Disney’s The Santa Clause (1, 2, & 3)
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa Paws
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
The Polar Express
Christmas will surely be different this year. Our circumstances are difficult, but the magic of Christmas is still in the air, and it is sure to help you and your children have a memorable Christmas. If there are any Christmas traditions or activities you want to hold on to, try to find a safe alternative for this year. If you normally attend religious services, check first- many houses of worship are offering a virtual service this year. If you are missing your annual Christmas Dinner, the family could plan a Zoom call where everyone can eat dinner together while on the call. Anything is possible around the holidays, and there are plenty of ways for everyone to feel holly, jolly, and healthy this year. We hope you have a fantastic Holiday Season and New Year!