9 Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Safely This Year

1. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon

Whether you’re searching for akid-friendly classicto enjoy with the family or afestive rom-comto give you all the feels, we’ve got you covered withthe best holiday moviesthat you can stream right now. The CDCrecommendscelebrating virtually or with members of your own household (aka anyone who resides and shares common spaces within your home or apartment). With clever apps like Houseparty and Gaze,you can easily watch togetherwith your loved ones, even when you’re apart. Set aside an entire day for the event and bring on the bottomless eggnog.

2. Visit with Santa Virtually

We never thought we’d feel nostalgic for the lengthy lines and crying children that are signature to any mall Santa photo experience, but—courtesy of 2020—here we are. So, what’s the pandemic-proof pivot on the real deal? The CDC website actually has a section at the bottom ofthis pagedevoted to Santa Claus visits (yes, another 2020 joke should be inserted *here*). Their recommendation: virtual Santa meet and greets. (Yep, they’re all the rage this year.) After all, your kid still needs a way to update Santa that they’ll be absolutely gutted if they don’t see aNintendo Switchunder the tree. But which virtual Santa visits are the least bizarre and most fun? We rounded up ourtop five picks.

3. Indulge in a Virtual Wine Tasting

We’re no strangers to a virtual happy hour, but the holidays call for something a little more special. A Zoom wine tasting is a great way to discover new varietals with friends while pretending you’re at a gorgeous vineyard in Napa (instead of the same house you’ve been in for eight months). You could, of course, figure this one out by yourselves by choosing wines available to all, or you could enlist the services ofSommelier Company提供sommelier-guided葡萄酒和威士忌tastings in a virtual format, via Zoom and Webex video conference. (They’re also able to ship wines or whiskeys to each participant, nationwide.)

4. Do a Festive Craft

Whether youDIY a tree ornament,craft your own dreidelor createa modern Kinara, kids (and grown-ups, too) will love tackling a festive project and showing off their hard work in time for the big celebration.

5. Create a Shared Holiday Playlist

Nothing gets us into the spirit quite like music. Plus, it has a way of setting the atmosphere inside your home. To create a cozy and inviting vibe, curate a memorable playlist by asking your family and friends to add their all-time favorite holiday song. It’ll feel like your best friend is right there with you when your karaoke classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” comes on.

6. Host a Virtual Gingerbread Competition

If making your own slab of gingerbread sounds too ambitious, don’t worry: There are tons of great kits that you can buy online (you can’t go wrong withthis mini gingerbread village, $27) and we’ve got a fewgingerbread house floorplansto help you think outside the (candy-covered) box. To make it socially distant-approved, mail the same kit to your sister and brother who live across the country and ask that everyone snap a photo of their final creation.

7. Bake Treats for Friends and Neighbors

It’scookie-baking season, folks. And just because you aren’t having dozens of people over to your house to eat them doesn’t mean you have to bake any less. Instead, take your goods on the road and deliver tasty care packages to friends and family in your area. Since there's currently no evidence to suggest that handling food or eating is directly associating with spreading the virus, you're in the clear according to theCDCandFDA. Just make sure to either drop your box and run orwear a mask and maintain a safe distancewhile chatting outside.

8. Go on a Self-Guided Christmas Light Tour

‘Tis the season for ogling other peoples’ houses. Hop in the car and go for a drive around the neighborhood for a fun, socially distant and festive way to celebrate the season. Just don’t forget to bring some of thosesnowflake sugar cookiesyou baked for the ride.

9. Set Up a Candy Cane Hunt

Why should Easter have all the fun? Instead of eggs, hide (or “hide,” depending on how young your kids are) a bunch of candy canes around your house, yard or even neighborhood. Encourage kids and parents to mask up, then watch them go absolutely wild trying to find the most, fastest.