4 COVID-Safe Ways to Get in to the Holiday Spirit!

It’s that time of the year again -- the string lights are up and Mariah Carey is back on top of the charts! December means it’s officially the “most wonderful time of the year”, and with the countdown to 2021 comes tons of holiday cheer and festivities. However, these celebrations may look a little different this year. Social distancing guidelines, stay-at-home orders, and closures of restaurants, bars, and stores may seem to dampen the mood, but it doesn’t mean we can’t get into the holiday spirit safely and enjoyably! Here are some ideas for making this holiday season merry and bright while keeping your distance:

1. Bake Themed Cookies

December is the best month for fellow sweettooths like myself! Not only are grocery stores filled with pre-made cakes, puddings, and cookies, the endless amount of themed supplies available are sure to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. No matter your cooking skills, there are recipes out there for every level of experience. Popular grocery stores like Trader Joe’s have unique kits and mixes for beginners, and more advanced chefs can gather some basic ingredients along with fun sprinkles and cookie cutters. So grab your family members, roommates, or pets and head to the kitchen to satisfy those sugar cravings!

2. Sing Holiday Karaoke

Some, like me, begin listening to their Christmas playlist well in advance of the official holiday season. Others prefer to wait until peak festivities to unleash their inner Michael Bublé. A sing-along is a fun way to exercise those vocal chords and step into some holiday cheer. Not sure where to start? Consider checking out the Disney Holiday Singalong, now streaming on Disney+, to belt your heart out along with your favorite artists!

3. Binge-watch Christmas Movies

There is nothing I love more than putting on some cozy pajamas, curling up in a blanket, and putting on a holiday classic! A few personal favorites that I must watch during this time each year include Elf, Love Actually, The Polar Express, and the Home Alone series. If you’re looking for some newer ones to add to your list, Netflix continues to launch entertaining Christmas movie franchises each year -- some top ones include The Princess Switch, The Christmas Chronicles, and A Christmas Prince. For fans of romance, Hallmark movies are go-to pick-me-ups that transport you to a holiday wonderland and fulfill dreams of a kiss under the mistletoe. For others, some may even argue that Die Hard is, in fact, a Christmas movie!

4. Drive-thru Christmas Lights

While it is difficult to get out of the house to walk through Christmas light displays this year, consider going to a drive-thru show near you. Not only are you staying safe by social distancing in your car, but you also avoid the hassle of bundling up into countless layers and walking in freezing temperatures. Most major cities install drive-in light displays where you can tune your car’s radio to move along with the show. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, be sure to check out WonderLAnd and The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey. If there are no exhibits nearby, a simple ride around the neighborhood is also a festive way to support your own community!

A socially-distanced holiday season may be different for those used to celebrating with friends and family. With a little bit of creativity, there can be many ways to spread the holiday cheer around your own home. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly!