Around this time of year, we are usually getting ready for our friends’ holiday parties, bracing for the crowded malls to finish our gift shopping, and overall just enjoying the presence of others. There is a magic in the air that no one can deny. However, it’s 2020, and it sometimes feels that Miss Rona has selfishly sucked up all the magic for herself, ruining it for the rest of us. While it is easy to succumb to wallowing in sadness, there are ways to rise above it. These four socially distanced holiday activities can help you keep the holiday spirit alive:
- A Holiday Light Drive Thru
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“Get in loser, we are going to go look at Christmas lights” would definitely come of Regina George’s mouth this season. There are multiple neighborhoods and establishments that have set up beautiful decorations that come to life at night. Sometimes, they are synchronized with music, but no matter what, they are mesmerizing. Hop into your car with your household and find a holiday light drive thru. Bring some hot chocolate or eggnog along to really get into the spirit. Friends can even be safely included by caravaning in separate cars. If your town does not have an established drive thru, do not worry. A simple Facebook or internet search will pull up houses that go all out with owners who love to attract people and share their spirit.
- Deliver Cookies To Your Neighbor’s Doorstep
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This year has been filled with baking, from quarantine banana bread to holiday cookies. Many people believe that one of the ways to show love is through food. Bake some extra batches of cookies and leave them on your neighbour’s doorstep for them to pick up! Just make sure your hands are clean and you are wearing a mask when handling the desserts that aren’t for yourself.
- Zoom Christmas Movie Night
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We are probably all tired of hearing the phrase “over Zoom,” but the app has its benefits. Instead of using it for class, use it for a movie night. Set a date with your friends, pick a Christmas movie, and stream it together. While you aren’t together in person, there will still be laughter, great conversation, and your usual entertaining holiday gossip. Eat some of the leftover cookies you baked for your neighbors as a snack, and you are all set for a virtual holiday get together.
- Virtual Secret Santa
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Who doesn’t love a good Secret Santa? Thanks to virtual random name generators and online shopping, it is still possible to have one. Make sure the price limit, everyone’s names, interests and addresses are in a shared document. Put everyone’s names in an online random name generator to assist in choosing who you will be Secret Santa for. Once you have your person, have at it with the online shopping, and ship their gift directly to them. This pandemic can’t stop fun surprises or gift giving.
We don’t need the physical presence of others to still celebrate or feel the magic that defines this season. Let’s go into the holidays and enter the new year with the faith and belief that we can still enjoy life, and that one day, we will all be safe again. Happy holidays!