Blogmas Day Two – Having a Merry (COVID-Friendly) Christmas

“Have a holly jolly Christmas

It’s the best time of the year

I don’t know if there’ll be snow

But have a cup of cheer”

Yes indeed. Songs allude to it, and movies mention it, but this certainly is the best time of the year! You can try your hardest to convince me, but there is genuinely no better time of year than Christmas. There are so many things that make this time special, including the fact that we have to wait all year just to enjoy it. Sugary, spicy desserts are everywhere you look, there is a constant soundtrack of Christmas carols, everywhere is festively decorated (does the excess of sparkles, baubles and tinsel make anyone else feel like they stepped into a snowglobe of Santa’s village?) and there is a never-ending list of magical ways to throw yourself wholeheartedly into all the holiday merriment. 

Except things aren’t quite the same this year are they?? 

I never thought I would ever ever quote Boris Johnson, but I guess this holiday instead of singing ‘falalalalalaaaaa’, we’ll be singing ‘tis the season to be jolly … careful’. Ugh, I can’t believe I wrote that, but sadly it is true this year. 

2020 has been … an unusual year to say the least. The optimist in me was hoping that we would be back to some semblance of normal by now, but it looks like we are stuck riding out this pandemic through Christmas. So for my Blogmas2020 post #2, what better post than one about how we can still have a good Christmas this year, even with all the covid restrictions in place? Let’s not let the pandemic crush the merriness. 

Take advantage of online shopping and ecards.

If shops aren’t open wherever you are, the modern era and online shopping has got you covered. Personally, I always found going out and doing Christmas shopping quite stressful, especially when surrounded by everyone else worrying about the same thing, so online shopping is a great solution. If you’re worried about getting all your shopping done, try to see if you can find a way to shop online (just be careful about shipping times). 

Online shopping though is not always as environmentally friendly so think about ways that you can avoid extra packaging or try to order everything for the same delivery if you’re choosing the online option this year (but more on having a more environmentally-friendly Christmas in another blogmas post). Also, if you’re worried you may not get to see everyone this year, why not create a beautiful Christmas ecard and send it out to everyone? Not only will it show you’re thinking of them during this special, and difficult time, but you also don’t run the risk of it not getting delivered on time or getting lost in the mail. 

Socially distanced or drive-by events.

Check to see if your town or city is hosting any covid-friendly events this Christmas. Social distancing doesn’t mean that there are no ways to enjoy the festivities. There might be a Christmas market, tree farm or another outdoor event that you can safely socially distance at. Drive-in movies could be a popular option (with traditional cinemas being closed, they are certainly making a big resurgence as a fun way to go out and do something without violating any restrictions), and are slightly more interesting than just watching a movie at home. 

Lastly, if the weather is nice, covid doesn’t mean you can’t go on a nice stroll around the neighbourhood to take in all the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. Or, if it’s a bit too cold, you could turn it into a drive-by adventure. No matter what you choose, just because we need to socially distance, it doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy Christmas. 

Decorate to the maximum 

We’re stuck inside and can’t really go anywhere, so why not make the most of that? You’re definitely going to spend a lot of time at home this year so you might as well use that time to turn your home into the postcard winter wonderland of your dreams. Bring out all the decorations, craft some new ones, and decorate as festively as possible this year. 

Make Christmas masks (or other Christmas crafts) 

Masks have become such a critical part of our daily essentials now I check for my mask before checking for my wallet. With that in mind, I think our masks could all do with a festive touch, so if you’re looking for a fun activity, or a way to make wearing a mask during Christmas not too frustrating, why not give your mask a Christmassy touch or make your own Christmas masks? They’ll definitely help make any Christmas photos this year look a little more jolly if you have to be wearing a mask. 

For the creative types out there, you don’t just have to stop with masks. Christmas crafts are one of my favourite things to do, especially when I have lots of spare time (which I think we all might have this year) or if I’m looking for fun things to do with my niece. Get those creative juices flowing and try your hand at some DIY cards, gifts or ornaments – who knows it might just become a Christmas tradition, and a fun way to make gifts for friends and family. 

Celebrate through zoom 

I think just about everything has moved from in-person to online over this year, so why not add celebrating Christmas to the list? Just in case you weren’t tired of spending the majority of your day on zoom lessons or zoom meetings, you could add Christmas dinner or a Christmas party to the list. Send everyone a Teams invite or a zoom link and host your party online this year. You could even do virtual carolling this year, or a baking evening? It might not be the same as normal (okay it’s definitely not the same as normal), but it’s better than nothing at least this way you still get to do some things and spend time with the people you love. 

25 days of Christmas movies

Nothing says Christmas quite like curling up with a vat of hot chocolate (loaded with whipped cream and mini marshmallows) under a nice fluffy blanket and binge-watching a few Christmas films to put you in the merry mood. Well, there are lots of great Christmas activities, but I don’t think you can get through Christmas without watching at least one festive film. Use the time at home to catch up on your holiday favourites, binge some cheesy Hallmark Christmas romances or watch some classics that you’ve never seen before. Watching a movie is the perfect way to wind down after a tiring day, or spend some relaxing downtime with your friends, family or partner, and at Christmas time, there is no shortage of appropriate films. 

Give back a little 

A great way to celebrate Christmas is to give back to those less fortunate. Christmas is a magical time, but it’s not always so jolly for some people, and it goes without saying that this year will be even harder for many. That’s why giving back is more important than ever this year. Let kids select some old toys or clothes to donate to charity, give away things that you don’t use anymore, or organise a food or clothing drive (via zoom!). A fun way to give back is by turning your crafting or baking days into something more. Instead of just making Christmas cards or DIY gifts for family and friends, you could make for essential workers, or simply give them to someone you think could use a little extra holiday cheer. If you’re doing lots of baking, why not give a box to a children’s home or a homeless shelter? Giving back will not only make someone else’s Christmas a little bit more festive, but it also makes you think about why we are celebrating in the first place and reminds us to be thankful for everything we have. 

And there you have it!! Christmas is definitely going to be different this year, that much is guaranteed, but who says that means it can’t still be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’? I know everyone is tired of the impacts of covid, believe me, I am too. However, we don’t have to let it ruin Christmas. We are so innovative and creative that just because things aren’t normal this year, it doesn’t mean Christmas has to be a write-off. Stock up on hot chocolate, create a Christmas playlist, queue dozens of holiday films and decorate to your heart’s content. Don’t let the restrictions get you down, because as I hope I’ve shown you today, we can still have a merry, covid-friendly Christmas this year. It just means changing gears a little and having a positive attitude about it. 

I hope you all enjoyed the first (official) post in my Blogmas2020 challenge, 23 to go … How are you going to be celebrating Christmas this year? Are there any traditions that you’re changing up because of COVID? What is your favourite part of Christmas? Also, I hope you’re ready to be hearing from me a lot more this month and be prepared to be smothered with enough Christmassyness to make Santa’s village feel like a regular town in the middle of June. 

I hope you’re all excited for this month! I certainly am (excited and nervous)

Lots of Love

Blondey on a Mission xxx (going to write another blogmas post).