Hello everyone!

Over the past week or so it was really hitting me how different Christmas/holidays are going to be this year. With smaller gatherings and the traditions that make Christmas, Christmas no longer happening I couldn’t help but feel a little down. Today however I began to shift my thinking and realize that considering the year we all have had we should be grateful for health, family and friends no matter where we are and what we are doing. Yes, things are smaller this year and we are all staying at home or close to home but that does not mean that we can’t make the best of it and even start new traditions. In this post I have put together some ideas to still make Christmas bright and enjoy the wonders of the holiday season.

1. MATCHING PJ’s

My family has always been one to wear matching pj’s on Christmas morning but we thought why not kick it up a notch this year as we are going to be spending most of christmas day lounging in our pj’s and watching movies. This year we got matching pj’s along with slippers and a robe. It’s a very simple thing but it elevates the day and makes it feel like your “dressing up” and keeps things fun. Plus think of all the adorable and cheesy family/friend photo opportunities.

2. MAKE A HOT CHOCOLATE/EGGNOG STATION

Really the key to making this Christmas season bright is to elevate anything and make it “EXTRA”. Hot chocolate and eggnog are staple drinks for the season so why not make a station with a pre-made batch of each, and some toppings to add a personal touch. It will be so fun and easy to go to throughout the day to get a yummy beverage to enjoy and feel festive.

3. DRESS UP

Option one is to stay in your pjs all day and who knows that may already be one of your families traditions, however option two is to get dressed up; dresses, heels, makeup and all for the occasion. Dressing up will be such a nice switch up from the loungewear we have all been wearing over the past year and make the day feel like something special. Its a time to celebrate so have some fun, put on the cute dress you have been dying to wear all year. If you want some outfit inspiration for what to wear this holiday season I have a whole blog post here 8 Holiday Outfit Ideas

4. DRIVE AROUND AND LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

This is a very simple idea but something that my family will for sure be doing this year. I find that most years when it comes to Christmas I am inside all day visiting family and eating all the yummy food. However this year would be a great time to take advantage of exploring the beauty of Christmas by going to see all of the lights in the neighbourhood. You can bring some hot chocolate to sip along the way and play some Christmas music as well.

5. CRACKERS, NAME CARDS, MENU

I did not know what to title this one as it doesn’t have an exact name but it goes along the lines of my previous point of being extra. I feel that even though a lot is different this year, certain things do not have to change nor should they. If you go all out with your table settings, make a big meal with all your favourite dishes, and decorate your house to the nines, don’t let what is going on stop you. Get those Christmas crackers, make a menu and place it at each place setting, set the mood with some candles and christmas music even if its not the same large gathering your used to. It is still time to celebrate and if doing those things makes it feel like Christmas for you then why not still do them.

6. MOVIE MARATHON

Another idea/tradition that I think would be super fun to incorporate is to have each person in your family select a Christmas movie they would like to watch. That person could also provide a snack and drink of their choosing to go along with the movie. This is the perfect idea to do throughout Christmas eve and day or even the days leading up to Christmas.

7. BAKE OR MAKE A GINGER BREAD HOUSE

Baking and making ginger bread houses are usually something that is done prior to Christmas but since things are a little more relaxed this year why not save some for the day of. It will be a fun activity to get everyone involved in and you will have a sweet treat to enjoy in the end.

I have so many Christmas recipes on my blog is you want to check it out:

CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES

HOT CHOCOLATE SPOON BOMBS

JAM FILLED COOKIES

8. ORGANIZE A FAMILY ZOOM

Zoom has really been the main form of communication all year so why not set up a large call with all your family members and/or friends. It will be a nice and safe way to see ‘be together’ that day. You can incorporate some Christmas Trivia as a little game to play. Another idea to have was to give a list of ingredients to make a festive cocktail to each person who is going to be on the zoom call. That way you can all participate in the fun activity of making the drink and enjoying it together.