I know it may seem like there are plenty of things missing this holiday season like being able to travel to visit family, seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree or watching the Radio City Rockettes, having in-person holiday get togethers and more... but believe me there is still plenty to do! If you're like me and love the holidays, here are 15 things that you can still do this year! 🎄
Throw a Christmas Movie Marathon with close friends / family (+ make custom hot chocolate) ☕ 🎥
Visit Christmas Light Displays (local) [Ex. Magic of The Lights @ PNC Bank Arts Center] 🕯
Go Ice Skating (where permitted and open) [Mostly open on weekends with reservations] ⛸
Bake cookies, pie, and try out various holiday recipes! (Check out Pinterest for holiday inspo!) - Fun addition: Call your friends over FaceTime or Zoom and do a group baking challenge. 🍪✨
Visit the Rockefeller Tree if you are IN New York (Yes, it is still happening with reservations!) 🎄
Decorate for Christmas & go get a real Christmas tree! (Use Pinterest or YouTube videos for inspiration!) ✨🎄
Speaking of decorations... Spend some time making DIY Holiday Decor. Grab some friends or your family, chip in for the materials, and get started! [Here are some of my favorites: DIY Yarn Tree, DIY Loop Yarn Wreath, DIY Chunky Blanket ]
Do some Holiday Shopping (via online & safely in store because stores are doing weeks of deals this year + check out my Holiday Gift Guide if you are stuck!) 🛍 🎁
Visit Hershey Park or Six Flags for their Holiday celebrations.(i.e: Six Flags Holiday In The Park & Hershey Park Christmas in Candylane) / Visit Peddler's Village for some small town fun or Longwood Gardens for beautiful light displays! ✨
Throw a socially distant s’mores / hot chocolate get together outdoors with friends and family. You could even project Christmas movies onto the house if somebody has a projector! [Ideas for S'mores & Hot Chocolate "Charcuterie" Board: Hot Chocolate & S'mores] ☕
Do a Secret Santa / white elephant exchange with friends via contactless drop offs and mail. [Here is a Secret Santa Organizer] 🎁
Listen to plenty of Christmas music! (Spotify Playlist)
Reserve a rooftop igloo for fun family dining & cocktails. [Ex. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten]
Throw a Virtual or Socially Distant Gingerbread House Making Party! If you don't want to buy a gingerbread house kit or make gingerbread, you can just use honey graham crackers and regular icing that you can buy from the store. If you want, you can find plenty of Royal Icing (a.k.a Gingerbread House Glue) recipes on the internet to help you out. 🏠
Get your photos taken with Santa and/or get your pups to take a photo with Santa Paws! There are plenty of socially distant opportunities nationwide. Make sure to do some research online. Most malls are still offering packages with reservations, and places like Hershey and Six Flags are also offering visits with Santa. 🎅
Hopefully we'll be closer to getting back to normal for the 2021 Holiday Season, but for the time being, I hope you are able to enjoy the spirit of the season as much as you possibly can while staying safe!
xo Gabi