It’s December, and we’ve started talking to relatives and friends about what everyone is doing for Christmas. I am already hearing some older relatives have decided to self-isolate at home, as they are most at risk for COVID-19. Some relatives are in areas that have imposed a new lockdown, where COVID-19 cases are still rising and many hospitals are being strained to their limits.
I can remember last Christmas when it was “normal” and we all celebrated our traditions and festivities, not knowing that it might be the last “normal” celebration for a while. But let’s not lose hope. We have to accept that it’s different this year, but we can try our best to celebrate the goodness of the season.
What are some ways you can celebrate while self-isolating?
Decorate your home
Even if you know you will not be having any guests coming to admire your decorations, do it anyway. Get your decorations up both indoors and outdoors. You and your family will feel cheery once you are done. I know because we just put up our decorations ourselves.
Bonus tip: Make some holiday decorations for things you already have lying around – paint some pinecones, create paper crafts, or assemble a wreath.
Watch your favorite Christmas movies
We all have our favorite Christmas movies that we life watching year after year. A few favorites:
- Scrooge (the musical from 1970)
- Home Alone (1990)
- A Christmas Story (1993)
- The Santa Clause
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- Polar Express (2004)
- Die Hard (1988) – yes, it’s a Christmas movie at our house 😉
Cook an old family recipe
Every family has a few cooks who always bring their treasured dishes to celebrations. Call your grandmother, mom, aunt or uncle and ask them how to make that special dish. A lot of recipes are lost once a family member passes away if no one shows interest. Your relative will feel needed, and you get to try making something traditional.
Your home will smell wonderful too!
Make holiday cards
If you’ve stopped sending holiday cards years ago, this year is a good time to revisit that tradition. To make them extra special, make them yourself. There are lots of easy ways to make them.
Send out gifts early
If you are going to miss the annual get-together and gift exchange, make sure you send out your gifts as soon as possible.
Do an exercise video together
You may not be able to meet up for holiday walks or hikes, but you can do an exercise video together. Find a video you can do with your friend, and do it at the same time, while you are also video-chatting.
Try one of these:
Attend a live-streamed Christmas service
Many churches live stream their services since many people are unable to attend in person. You and your family can “attend” Church together on Christmas Eve or Christmas. You may be far apart, but experiencing the service and praying together is something you can do at the same time. Prayer can bring people together in ways we may not fathom.
Do good
Although you can’t show up in person, you can still do some good and spread some joy. Donate toys for kids, send cards to nursing home residents or help a family in need.
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Give the gift of prime:About the author:
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
