How to Have a Fun, Socially Distanced and Isolated Christmas

By Michelle Bailey, MD

Well, we made it to December. What a year! Ups and downs, good and bad.It’s nearly the end of 2020. After a more casual and calm Thanksgiving, it’s now time to gear up for all the December celebrations including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve.

It’s a magical time and can still be magical even if we have to celebrate in a different way this year. I really want to stress how important it is to just stay at home with only your family unit. Rethink those travel plans; you can instead Zoom and FaceTime extended family members. Don’t get mask fatigue, continue to wear it properly anytime you leave the house. Get some cute matching holiday themed mask patterns and keep the kids interested in them. Buy pine tree or gingerbread soaps and make hand washing a delight to your senses.

Allow time this Christmas and holiday season for a little more down time, less stress, and just be present with your core family unit. No need to make another large meal; change it up with Christmas brunch, enchiladas, or home made pizzas. I think I’m making brunch!

Ideas for kid-friendly activities:

1. Snowball fight: even if it’s not a White Christmas here in North Texas, crumble up paper or empty out the sock drawer!
2. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies and be ready for sugar overload.
3. Board games: bring out the old favorites and play several rounds of age-appropriate games.
4. Christmas movie marathon!
5. Get active outside. Even if it’s brisk, put on that winter-weather gear and walk the dog, take a family bike ride, or play flag football.
6. Go on a drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights.
7. Enjoy a concert at home: many cultural centers now offer live-streamed concerts in the comfort of your home. Check into your favorite or even a new cultural event.
8. Reverse presents: have the kids clean out their toy boxes and drop off at a local donation center.
9. Make Christmas cards and drop off at nursing homes or assisted-living centers, to residents who likely will not see their own families for a big Christmas celebration.
10. Put on a fashion show! Pull out your old prom dress, dance costumes, or letterman’s jacket and let the kiddos take turns in mommy’s and daddy’s clothes. Tell them the story of the clothing item and why it’s so special.
11. Lights out! Sit in only the light from the decorated tree, candles, and fireplace, and read Christmas books together.

This year is one for the record books. Let’s do our part to give our children some happy memories this holiday season. It will put a smile on your face too.