How to spend your holidays at home
“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays…” Those infamous lyrics have a whole new meaning this year. When you’re home for all the days, being home for the holidays sort of loses its appeal. Though you may be feeling slightly stir crazy, the holidays can still be special.
While many are scaling back their celebrations, it doesn’t mean the holidays are cancelled. So no matter what that means for you and your family, we have some tips to ensure your holidays are as close to normal as possible.
Keep the traditions you can
Whether you opt for a virtual version, or you create your own micro-version, do what you can to keep those holiday traditions alive. Try making your grandma’s pumpkin pie yourself this year if you’re not going to be able to see her, and give her a call while you’re baking. Depending on logistics, drop off prepared dishes for loved ones who may be celebrating alone.
Bring on all the holiday music and movies. Have a zoom dance party. Prepare your own glögg, glühwein or whichever mulled wine your family traditionally serves. If your child can’t visit Santa this year, write a letter instead. There’s no stopping Santa.
Dress for the occasion
Just because you’re not attending or throwing your usual big bash, or you’re not going to be attending any religious services, doesn’t mean you can’t still bust out your holiday’s finest. Tartan, sparkles—whatever your typical holiday attire entails—make sure it’s freshly pressed and ready to go. Let’s be honest, you’ll probably be changing into those matching-family pjs a little earlier this year, but you can still take the time to try and dress for a celebration.
Deck out your home
Take any holiday decorating up a notch this year and try to really relish your decorated space. Whatever holiday you celebrate, or even if you don’t celebrate any, make your home as comfortable and cozy as possible, and enjoy the extra family time (or me time).
In years past have your Hanukah celebrations felt cut short when you knew your entire family had to be up and at ‘em the next morning? Maybe this year you can let the celebrations linger just a bit when you factor in your non-existent commute.
Have you spent hours stringing lights and hanging ornaments on a Christmas tree just to spend every weekday in the office and every weekend out at various holiday events? If there’s any kind of silver lining in this rather unfortunate year, this is it. You’ll definitely have time to enjoy that tree this year.
And if you’re not one for festive decorations, or don’t celebrate any winter holidays, try adding in a little extra warmth to your home—a fur throw, a wooly cable-knit blanket or velvet pillows instantly up your home’s cozy vibe.
Use the good dishes
Yes, those ones that are reserved for special occasions only. Whether that’s a full china set or a fancy pitcher, ice bucket, you name it, now’s the time to break it out. Set the table with a wintery theme, make your favorite drinks and have that fancy meal. It doesn’t matter if you’re cutting your celebration from 40+ people to 10, from 10 to four or even if you’re just having a me, myself and I celebration, pull out all the stops.
So even though we’re all kind of over being cooped up at home (and just 2020 in general), try to remember, “For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.” Think back to some of your most chaotic holidays and try to appreciate the peacefulness of a smaller celebration. And if you love the chaos, just keep reminding yourself that this is only temporary. Next year you can go back to trying to squeeze 25 of your relatives at your dining room table.