With COVID-19 still looming over us despite all the vaccination efforts, it looks like we’re in for another pandemic holiday celebration this year. At this point, we should already get used to the new normal. Experts believe that a vast majority of people will still likely observe certain COVID protocols even when this health crisis is over.
People who have somehow adapted to the pandemic-induced changes will opt to stay at home more rather than go back to the office. In fact, there is an impending threat of mass resignation once businesses and companies start recalling their employees back to the workplace.
Given this type of mindset from the general public, we all should also learn to adjust the way we celebrate the holidays. Even if COVID is starting to fade, thanks to the massive vaccination programs and safety protocols, health experts claim that it is not going away any time soon. For now, the best we can do is to be as creative as we can be when it comes to our holiday celebrations.
Here are some new normal holiday tradition ideas you can start with your family:
- Zoom family meeting in matching PJs
Buy matching PJs and send them to family members or relatives that are far from you and have a holiday slumber party, Zoom-style.
- Gingerbread house building contests
Gingerbread houses are easy to make, especially those that come in assembly kits. Challenge the family to a build-a-gingerbread-house contest and see who builds the most creative and sturdiest piece. While it is a competition, don’t take it too seriously that you miss out on the fun it’s supposed to bring.
- Advent calendar reading list
For parents or grandparents who have little ones at home, instead of doing an Advent calendar, give it a little bookworm twist instead. Wrap some books and only open one book to read to them per night.
- Create a unique wish list to promote selflessness
We’re all used to making holiday wishlists. However, instead of making a list of things you wish to have, why not try making a list of things you wish for other people? This is a good activity to develop compassion, generosity, and sensitivity in young kids.
- Make holiday-themed TikTok videos
TikTok is a big thing nowadays among young people. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Download the app and start making holiday-themed TikTok videos. Decide what type of content you want to upload. You can make videos about cooking, shopping hacks, decorating ideas, fun holiday family activities, silly dances, and more.
- Watch games and sports in silly holiday-themed outfits
Pick whichever event you want to go to and enjoy a good game in different courts for sports with the rest of the family dressed up in silly holiday-inspired outfits.
- Send out care packages for loved ones
For those who enjoy hosting parties in a pre-COVID world, try hosting virtual parties this time. One good way of making your guests feel valued is by sending them care packages they can open, use, and consume on the day of the party. Just make sure you ship them out ahead of time.
- Look for a new holiday-themed recipe and have a go at it together
One of the best and simplest traditions to build around Christmas time is to look for new recipes you can use for the holidays and try cooking them as a family. There’s plenty of readily available resources online. You can even find great recipes for delicious treats in different cookbooks or by exchanging recipes with other folks.
- Go camping in your living room or backyard
COVID might prevent us all from having outdoor adventures with our families during the holiday season but that doesn’t mean we can’t have an adventure at home. Take out your camping gear and dust them off. Set up camp in your backyard and camp out for a night. Resist the urge to retreat into the comfort of your home. The idea is to rough it at home even if it doesn’t really make sense. If you don’t have a backyard, you can always set it up in your living room.
- Practice thankfulness
Lastly, a very good holiday tradition to establish in your family is thankfulness. Learn to look at life from the lens of a thankful heart. This allows you to see how blessed you are despite everything that’s happening. Start by making a daily list of five things you are grateful for and share them with the rest of the family during dinner. As time goes by, you’ll have a hard time limiting the list to only five things that you’ll eventually have to expand.
It might take a little getting used to but adaptability has been one of mankind’s positive traits. We’re able to make the most out of any card handed to us, including holiday celebrations in a pandemic. All it takes is a little creativity and lots of love and we’ll all get through.
