Whether you’re the queen of all things Christmas or you keep things lowkey around the holidays, we can all agree that Christmas is going to look a little different this year. And if you’re blue about not getting to celebrate all of your family traditions this holiday season (or you’re looking for some new ones to start!), we’ve rounded up 50 ways to experience Christmas this year.
Between Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and all of the other streaming channels out there, there are plenty of Christmas films out there to watch! We’ve even rounded up a list of our favorites!
Food banks can always use a few extra helping hands around the holidays, and many of them are experiencing a shortage of volunteers this year. So if you have the time and energy, consider giving back!
Grab your mask and your immediate family and spread some socially-distanced cheer with some caroling! Just remember to observe a six-foot distance from others that aren’t in your circle.
Everyone could use some thoughtful snail mail this holiday season! If you typically send out a mass holiday email to friends, now’s the time to step up with something a little more intimate!
Now’s the perfect time to perfect that cookie recipe! You can also have a decorating contest with everyone else in the home.
Round everyone up and take a drive around the neighborhood to see all of the colorful lights!
Time for some Christmas crafts! Get the family together and have everyone create their own ornament for the Christmas tree.
Christmas pajamas are too cute! Order holiday pajamas for the entire family and take a photo on Christmas morning!
You may have hired a professional photographer in the past, but let loose this year. Have some cute props or have everyone wear funny holiday sweaters and pose for a picture!
Don’t get overwhelmed with gifting this year. Instead, narrow it down and gift everyone one thing they need, one thing they want, and a book.
Instead of a short phone call for the holidays, get everyone together for a fun Zoom meeting! Look around for some funny holiday virtual backgrounds, show off your tree, or even have a Zoom session while everyone is unwrapping their gifts.
We may all be tired from unwrapping gifts and preparing our holiday dinners, but since it’s probably going to be just the immediate family this year, it’s a great opportunity to try a new breakfast!
There are plenty of Christmas playlists out there (this one is great!), but get creative and add your own holiday favorites into the rotation!
Whether it’s topped with tons of marshmallows or spiked, hot cocoa can really hit the spot. Get creative with some new toppings and treat yourself!
Switch up your usual menu this holiday season and bake something new! (This is a great opportunity to use your cast iron!)
If 2020 has brought us anything, it’s even more puzzle options to pick from. Reach for a holiday-themed puzzle or shop around for something that you’ll definitely want to show off on social media.
All of all the 50 ways to experience Christmas, this is definitely the most crafty. Explore all the wreath DIYs out there, find one that suits your tastes, and get to crafting!
You don’t have to dedicate a night to baking — there are plenty of gingerbread decorating kits out there! Pick your favorite, grab your family (or schedule a Zoom) and decorate to your heart’s desire!
Sometimes just sparking a candle can make all of the difference in the world!
Whether you’re set to receive snow or not, you can bring it inside with an easy paper snowflake DIY!
Explore other cultures’ Christmas traditions! You may read about one that you may want to adopt in your own family.
‘Tis the season to craft a delicious holiday favorite! Perfect that mulled wine recipe and be sure to share.
Did you make these garlands when you were younger? It’s time to pass on the tradition! And just in case it’s new for you, there are plenty of popcorn garland DIYs out there to help you get started.
Poinsettias are known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico (Spanish for “flowers of the holy night”). Place them outside your front door for some festive flair! (Also note that they can be poisonous for some pets!)
If mulled wine isn’t your thing, get cracking at that homemade eggnog recipe.
Since live ballet probably won’t be happening this year, stream this Christmastime favorite with your family.
Christmas definitely looks different this year, but it’s still a great time to play games with the family. Check out these Christmas Bingo sheets and schedule that Zoom call to make sure the extended family can play, too!
This one is pretty self-explanatory! Grab a pen and some cardstock and send out some cards.
There are so many cute options out there!
Shop around and buy a new family game gift to play this year!
There are so many good letter-writing campaigns out there for the holidays! Look into your local nursing homes and hospitals and inquire about a mailing list. Also, check out the Holiday Cards For Military challenge.
You can now have a Zoom visit with Santa Claus at any time of the year all over the world! Book your call to see the North Pole, ask questions, get updated on your “Naughty or Nice” status… and so much more.
Switch up your menu this year and add a new dish!
Treat the family pup to some dog-friendly cookies!
Get creative with some fresh ways to display Christmas and holiday cards.
Buy Elf On The Shelf and check out the creative ways to stage him in your home.
Put some extra cheer in your season and perfect a holiday cocktail!
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where there’s snow, take advantage of it!
If you’ve never been able to cook the traditional Christmas dinner of your dreams, now’s the time to mark that off your list!
This is one that everyone will love and the best part? It doesn’t require any prepwork!
Gather everyone around to read this classic!
Get some wine and schedule an hour or so to catch up with all of your friends!
Compete with your friends or family to see who can decorate the ugliest sweater!
Gather your closest girlfriends and some wine and host a virtual paint and sip!
Check out the best trivia games to play with friends!
Grab your craft supplies and decorate cards for friends and family!
Since we can’t safely go out to those holiday parties, bring the festivities to family game night!
Meals on Wheels operates in virtually every community in America to address senior hunger and isolation. Check your local chapter to see how you can help this season!
We’ve already covered writing letters to our friends and family, but take the time to make sure everyone is creating a list for themselves too!
Related Article: Between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you need to set aside a little downtime. Prime Women has the recipe for holiday bliss: pour yourself an eggnog, search your TV listings or check Amazon Prime and queue up some holiday spirit. Below is our recommended list of best Christmas movies, with something for everyone to enjoy!