Christmas is on the way… but Christmas and New Year’s eve will look a lot different this year.
Instead of celebrating together amongst a crowd of friends or big and boisterous family parties, most likely, you will spend this holiday season in a very small close knit family circle, perhaps reading a book on the couch, perhaps covered with a warm blanket, and possibly alone. The fact that this holiday is going to be significantly different from others does not mean that it cannot be as festive and memorable as in previous years. You still can have an equally significant and enjoyable celebration, especially since this year holidays are more important than never before. The last 9 months have been difficult for all of us and we deserve a bright and positive holiday. What makes Christmas memorable? GIFTS, FRIENDS, FAMILIES and the CELEBRATION itself.
I would like to share my gift ideas for Corona Christmas that are designed to experience these 4 aspects: GIFTS, FRIENDS, FAMILIES and CELEBRATION while being socially distant and socially responsible:
Some GIFT ideas:
As a Professional organizer, I am, of course, still suggesting we all turn to clutter-free gifts, but as you purchase a gift buying local made/selling gifts this year is very important…. It’s time to support local producers wherever we can. And local is more likely to be more carbon friendly as well.
This year was a hard year for everybody… why not to look back and put together all the accomplishments, funny situations, achievements of your family members, your friends and make a personal scrapbook or photo album of “Corona-2020, the year to remember”. In the future when we have defeated the Corona Virus and returned to normal life, we will cherish the memories that today are far from being cherished.
A cute simple gift for kids – check out this personalized video of Santa, which you can order here. I am not endorsing nor do I get paid to endorse it but I did stumble across it and I did actually buy one for a couple of my grandchildren. I’m sure there are many just as cute and interesting “out of the ordinary and perfect for COVID” ideas.
We all love consumable gifts: a basket set of cheese, a basket of fruits, a bottle of nice wine, cognac or whisky, how about a box of chocolate? You can buy this in our local stores.
Wouldn’t it be nice to receive a Christmas delivery from your favorite local restaurant, bakery, coffee shop! Be creative, surprise your family and friends and support your local community.
Clutter free gifts could be a gift card/voucher/membership for any local sport classes for after-pandemic use ….yoga, swimming, golfing, horse-back riding, bowling, tennis, skiing, skating, biking, etc.
What about a gift card/voucher/membership to online craft classes, art classes, dancing, cooking, etc.?
What about the CELEBRATION?
We can’t get together in person but it doesn’t mean you can’t see your friends and family on Christmas. Send everyone a Zoom link and host your party online. You can have a lovely celebration by playing games, making funny toasts to each other, singing Christmas songs together. Make your own Christmas festive mask to fully accomplish the celebration. Be creative, surprise your family and friends.
Pick up a photo, order a big-size print and make your own custom puzzle for your fun activity or better yet give it as a present.
Other remote and socially distant ways to get together. Christmas karaoke is another way to have fun. Making Christmas ornaments together, opening presents – all this you can do through the zoom group chat. And what about for your loved one who is unable to leave their home this Christmas? Think about taking a walk or slow drive through your neighborhood and video record the neighborhood Christmas lights and decorations and share them with family/friends via live streaming or delayed broadcasting to those who can’t leave the house.
Pandemic changes our life, and we are responsibly social distancing, but we still can bring happiness and festivities and warmth into our hearts and the hearts of our loved ones.
Let’s celebrate in spite of all adversities.
The list of Christmas songs:
“8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child
“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
“This Christmas” by PJ Morton
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Sam Smith
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
“Last Christmas” by Carly Rae Jepsen
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Sprinsteen
“Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers
“My Gift Is You” by Gwen Stefani
Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill
“Snow in California” by Ariana Grande
“Auld Lang Syne” by James Taylor
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé
“The Christmas Song” by Ne-Yo
“Carol Of The Bells” by Lindsey Stirling
“Make It To Christmas” by Alessia Cara
“What Christmas Means to Me” by John Legend
“Hey Sis, It’s Christmas” by RuPaul [feat. Markaholic]
“Believe” by Josh Groban
“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Pentatonix
“All I Want (For Christmas)” by Liam Payne
“Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by Jess and Gabriel
“Santa’s Coming For Us” by Sia