It’s no secret that 2020 has been VERY different, and pretty difficult for everyone. With all the uncertainty and restrictions, it can easily feel like our holiday season won’t be quite as special. But what if all the upheaval could mean we actually appreciate our holidays together MORE?

Here is a list of ways we can make this 2020 holiday season one of our most magical seasons yet!

1) Gratitude

Thanksgiving is coming up, and what better time to talk with those you love about what you ARE thankful for? It’s ok to admit that things are hard, and talk about that with your family, but let’s not forget to appreciate together what we have! It can really turn our holiday season around!

2) New Traditions, or Twists on the Old!

Do you have a family tradition for the holidays that can’t quite happen the same way this year? That’s ok! Now is a great time to create new traditions, or even just make some adjustments to the old! Do you always watch the same movie on Thanksgiving night, but this time all the relatives won’t be here? That’s ok! Maybe set a time to all sit and watch it over distance, and maybe even FaceTime or Zoom call to watch it together! Do you enjoy pulling out the ads and planning your Black Friday shopping, and this year feel it won’t be as fun? Add some good wine or sangria to the planning! There are so many ways to stay connected, and enjoy traditions, old and new!

3) Play Games!

Fun games like holiday trivia are a great way to enjoy time inside, whether all together or over Zoom! Create your teams, keep score, and have a blast! You can even have fun creating your own trivia questions, based on your friends and family!

4) Be A Helping Hand

Every year finds people in need, but 2020 has perhaps created an even larger need for many people. Meet that need in any way you can, as a family! Hand out cash to stressed out grocery shoppers, pay off Christmas gifts secretly that are on layaway, donate your time in a shelter or soup kitchen, bake cookies for volunteers and first responders, and more! Get creative and have fun with it! It’s always great to be giving and helpful, as a family.

5) Holiday Scavenger Hunt

It’s always fun and relaxing to drive around in your pajamas with some hot cocoa, Christmas music on, and look at the pretty lights on all the houses! But if you want to take it up a notch, you can add a scavenger hunt element to your evening drive! Make a list of things you need to find, such as trees in windows, candy cane decorations, Santa Claus yard decor, and so much more!

6) Book Exchange/Cozy Reading Time

It’s always fun to exchange books for the holiday season, and it’s even more fun to pick a day or evening to sit inside with cozy blankets, warm drinks, and a good book! Read your individual books while you’re all gathered together, or read a story aloud as a family!

7) Baking Day/Cook- Off 

It’s fun to do a whole day of baking holiday treats and get the whole family involved! And don’t worry, you don’t HAVE to keep all of the cookies — you can package them up and give them away to neighbors and friends! Want to add a competitive element? Do a bake-off or a cook-off! Form your teams and see who can make the best chili, the best chocolate chip cookies, or any other favorites! Bonus: You’ll have lots of food to freeze and come back to throughout the season!

8) Make Decorations and Put Them Up

Decorating together is a ton of fun, but it can also be really fun to MAKE different decorations together! Use photos you have, or craft supplies, or make a paper chain full of holiday wishes and blessings. The possibilities are endless!

9) Movie Marathon and Letter Writing

Cozy up on the couch, grab some yummy snacks, and watch your favorite holiday movies! If you have kiddos, help them write a letter to Santa while you’re watching!

10) Enjoy The Santa Claus Experience

Many places aren’t having Santa this year, or are putting him behind plexiglass, far from the kids. That doesn’t feel very magical. I want your holiday season to be so magical that you’ll remember it for years to come, so I decided to create an entire Santa Claus Experience! Your child will spend an entire session with Santa Claus, looking through the Naughty or Nice List, doing an activity together, sharing milk and cookies with Santa, and more! Not to mention, you’ll have gorgeous art quality photos to display in your home, helping you remember the magic through the generations! This may just be your new favorite tradition! For more info and to book your Santa Claus experience, click here! Will you remember the magic?

I hope you have a happy and magical holiday season! And as always,

I’ll be there for you!

Mandy