Now that the autumn has come and gone, the winter holidays seem to have snuck up behind us! With Hanukkah coming to a close and Christmas coming up in just a week, for instance, it feels like 2021 is truly just around the corner.
As we attempt to get organized with some last-minute holiday prep, it’s important to remember that things are going to continue to feel different for quite sometime due to COVID-19. A socially-distant holiday season can feel stressful and worrisome, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Below, we’ve compiled six of our favorite ways to celebrate the winter holidays from home. Read on to discover how you can still use this time to embrace tradition, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and have a memorable holiday experience.
Spend quality time together.
Many people have annual traditions that are typically enjoyed face-to-face. If you’re missing your loved ones extra this year, you’re not alone! While avoiding travel is one of the more responsible ways to enjoy the holiday season in 2020, this doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways you can come together.
Try cracking open a photo album or sharing a fun memory with a friend. Technology is on our side, so schedule a video call in order to embrace traditions virtually. There are so many activities you can still take part in this way, from virtual movie nights to gingerbread house competitions.
Come together to support local businesses.
Times are tough for all of us this year, and local businesses have been struggling to stay afloat. Dedicating yourself to doing your part to support your community in some way is perfectly aligned with the holiday spirit. If you have some last-minute gift shopping to do, local artisans and shops might have exactly what you need.
Whether it’s a homemade body scrub, candle collection, or art piece, there are plenty of creations available that you’d be amazed by. You just have to know where to look! Local Oasis LV and Neon Cactus Vintage are two of our favorite local venues in town. You could also try The Writer’s Block for a good book, or WuveHandmade for some stunning jewelry!
If takeout is more your speed, try picking up a dish from Island Malaysian or Divine Dosa & Biryani. Alternatively, you could order bags of coffee from Founders Coffee or Vegas Coffee. The options are endless, and local business owners truly appreciate your patronage. When you shop small, you’re directly contributing to someone else’s livelihood!
Try making something by hand.
Wintertime is perfect for craft inspiration. After all, there are so many possible ways to take advantage of your creativity! You could cut up paper snowflakes to hang throughout the house, try your hand at knitting or crocheting, make some one-of-a-kind jewelry, or paint some pottery! Whether you make a little something for yourself or put your heart into a gift for someone else, making items by hand proves to be a great way to express yourself.
Learn a new recipe.
Haven’t you heard? Hot cocoa bombs are very in right now. Why not try your hand at molding some yourself? If you prefer a regular cup of comfort, there’s no shame – but it might be fun to try a new recipe of some kind! Baking is one of the most rewarding ways to craft something delicious, and it can even turn into a healthy competition! Gingerbread houses, anyone?
What’s your favorite thing to craft in the kitchen this time of year?
Marathon your favorite holiday films.
If I asked you what your favorite holiday movie is, chances are you’d have an answer ready. There are so many seasonal films to choose from, whether you prefer classics or new releases! Boot up your favorite streaming service or pull out an old DVD, curl up with a fuzzy blanket and your comfiest pajamas, and grab a snack. Holiday films are heartwarming, funny, and often full of hope – and we could all use a little optimism this year.
Find a way to give back.
Virtual volunteering is a great way to remember what the holidays are all about. You can easily gather supplies for a socially-distant drop-off, such as for canned goods or articles of clothing, or research local opportunities for putting together hygiene kits.
Do you have room for a furry friend to stay with you this holiday season? If you’re able to tackle some extra responsibility, why not take the time to foster? Fostering helps provide a safe haven for animals in need and contributes to their ability to build relationships and find a suitable home. The holiday season often results in overcrowded shelters, so contact a rescue in your area, like the Animal Foundation or NSPCA, to see how you can help, whether it’s by taking in a new friend or dropping off some supplies.
There are also virtual letter-writing opportunities available year-round. Throughout the pandemic, many different communities, such as those in nursing homes, have experienced immense loneliness due to visitation limits and safety protocols. This loneliness is likely only amplified during the holiday season. Frontline workers are another group of people who are coping with many difficult emotions this year. Consider writing a thoughtful letter to let someone know that you’re thinking of them or to say thank you for the work they do. Who knows – you might even find yourself a new pen pal!
And of course, if you have the means, making a monetary donation to a cause you care about is another generous option!
What are you looking forward to this holiday season? Let us know and be sure to follow along @zooorewards and @zooorewards_jp!
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