Parents need to rethink how they celebrate Christmas. Family reunions and Christmas parties are discouraged for the sake of infection control. Though many hope next year's Christmas will see these traditions return, it does not hurt to start holiday traditions that live on even without physical contact or presence.
Trust Children's Creativity
Rachel Bradley Williams, a psychotherapist and clinical social worker revealed how children can use their imagination and creativity to be problem solvers, USA Today reported. She reveals it is beneficial for children to feel control over the holiday process, especially at a time where the pandemic seems out of control.
Williams encourages parents to allow kids to think of creative ways to celebrate Christmas amid the pandemic. "It can take some pressure of the parents and your family can start new traditions that outlive the restrictions."
Try New Cultural Holiday Traditions
Make the most of the pandemic holidays to teach your kids about the culture of other countries. You can trace your family roots for ideas on how your ancestors may have celebrated Christmas. Alternatively, research cultural traditions that interest you and your children, then recreate those this year.
Another option is to try Christmas goodies from other countries. Heiße schokolade, anyone? Stress not, it is simply German for hot chocolate. Learn with your kids how to say "Merry Christmas" in other languages. The possibilities are plenty.
Ornament Swap
Connect with friends and family this year despite social distancing. Swap Christmas decorations and ornaments. It is like hitting two birds with one stone. You save money on new Christmas décor and also get a feel of Christmas at home with your loved ones.
Video Call with a Purpose
Sing, Dance, and Play
Instead of a quick holiday greeting on FaceTime, think of a shared activity you can do through video calls. Have a dance party, sing your favorite Christmas carols, or let grandchild and grandparent play a game over Zoom. Even scavenger hunts and Bingo can be played on Zoom.
Bake and Cook
Share Grandma's famous apple pie recipe and bake together long-distance. A grandparent or grandaunt can teach the grandkids a favorite family recipe. They can bake and decorate Christmas cookies together too, even virtually, Metro Family Magazine shared.
Read Books
Storytime is also easy to do through video chat. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles can also send prerecorded videos of them storytelling a Christmas favorite.
Family Gatherings
Finally, now is the time to don those festive attires and Christmas sweaters in a family-only video conference. Encourage kids to open Christmas gifts in a video call so givers can see their reactions.
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Be a Secret Santa
Get your kids to put together a care package for relatives you cannot see because of the pandemic. Do not forget neighbors and friends who live nearby.
You can also order a holiday meal for takeout for your loved ones. Another great idea is to make a donation in behalf of someone else. Think about how you can honor someone you care about.
Going Back to the Real Meaning of Celebrating Holiday Traditions
Psychiatrist Carolyn Sammon reminded that every family will have to go through rough holidays. There will be Christmases when the family is grieving, struggling with illness or unemployment. This time, it is the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Holiday are never perfect, but we need to allow ourselves to grieve then accept what we cannot do this season," Sammon shared. Traditions help families connect through generations. It is vital to remember the message we want to communicate, be it of religious or ethnic origin.
