Holiday celebrations and family time may look different this year due to the COVID pandemic, but there are many ways to engage in joyful activities while keeping yourself and others safe. In keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations on low-risk activities, we have put together a few suggestions for ways to enjoy time with your loved ones this year that may help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your fellow community members from illness.
- Ice Skating or Sledding
If you are lucky enough to have snow, set aside a day to go ice skating or sledding. Rediscover your inner child by making a snowman with family or friends and reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate!
- Outdoor Gift Exchange
An outdoor gift exchange where friends or family members swap gifts is an enjoyable way to spread holiday cheer. Consider designating a theme for everyone to stick to such as books or food. Gag gifts are always popular and likely to score some big laughs!
- Giving
Organize your kitchen and have each family member choose some canned food to donate to your local food pantry. Be sure to check that the expiration dates aren’t sometime soon.
- Virtual Holiday Movie Marathon
Make a list of your favorite holiday movies and host your family and friends to a video session where you can all watch the movies at the same time from a safe distance. Keep the chat window open so you can be together and share in the laughs.
- Winter Farmers’ Market
Visit an outdoor market and soak up the holiday spirit with baked goods, holiday decorations, Christmas trees and wreaths. Winter markets stay open year-round and many enjoy fresh and local produce.
- Virtual Game Night
Consider some friendly competition by hosting a virtual game night with friends and family members over Zoom or FaceTime. Bring back UNO, the beloved card game you used to play at summer camp or stick to the classic, Monopoly.
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