The current pandemic has stalled many activities around the world. During the height of the health crisis, many celebrations were canceled to adhere to social distancing measures. However, if there is one celebration that most will not postpone, it is the Christmas season. Families can still enjoy holiday season bonding activities during the pandemic, provided they practice minimum health standards.
Pro-Tip: Limit Number of Guests
As much as possible, have a bonding session with a close relative. If someone recently traveled to a coronavirus hotspot, it should be understood that they cannot celebrate with you in person. For family members with no exposure to the virus, it may be acceptable to have a gathering, but the total number of guests should be limited, and should ideally be more than 20 people.
Activities to Try for Christmas Bonding
Here are some activities you can try with your family this pandemic Christmas:
Go Camping
While travel restrictions have eased in some states to restart the economy, it does not mean that it is safe to travel. If your family Christmas tradition involves traveling, you may want to play it safe this year and travel to a nearby area. One idea is to go camping instead. Visit a National Park and explore the beauty of nature. There are tons of activities you can do while camping. During the day you can go hiking, and at night you can bond over a campfire and share stories. Make sure to pack the essentials, particularly food items that your kids will love. This butter cookie recipe will surely be a hit for your little ones after a long day in the woods.
Host a Zoom Cook-Out
If a short trip is something you don't want to consider during the pandemic, you can still enjoy the Christmas season with your family. Having an online bonding session via the Zoom conferencing app is an excellent idea to try. Take it a notch higher by hosting a cookout. Have everyone prepare their best Christmas dish simultaneously. The one who gets the most likes wins! The meal could be anything that they can whip from their kitchen.
Have a Creative Gift Contest
Christmas season won't be complete without gift-giving. Since there is a pandemic, buying the best gifts can be rather challenging. Therefore, it would be a great idea to have everyone come up with a creative gift.
Sing Christmas Carols
The threat of the pandemic can be challenging for most people to cope with. It can be stressful and depressing to think about potentially contracting the virus. While singing Christmas carols may not erase all these anxieties, it can offer a temporary respite. These songs can bring hope and promise of a better future.
Support a Charity
If your family is not severely affected by the pandemic, why not help someone who may have had trouble due to the pandemic? Supporting a charity and holding food or clothes drive can bring cheer to someone this holiday season.
Decorate Your Home
Celebrations this year will be a lot different than what you have been used to, and that's okay. Still, the pandemic should not be an excuse for you to skip the decorating of your home. Spend time bringing the festive spirit into your home. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Having a Christmas tree and lights can be enough to liven up your space.
The pandemic is taking its toll on everyone. While we have to live in the new normal, there are still things we can do to adapt to these changes and celebrate family Christmas with cheer.
