During any other December, everyone would merrily sing the tune: “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” However, in 2020, it’s safe to say you’re more “sick of home” than “homesick!” Although Pfizer is now testing COVID-19 vaccines, health authorities are still concerned about a recent spike in coronavirus cases. For your family’s safety, the CDC recommends planning an at-home Christmas celebration in 2020
During any other December, everyone would merrily sing the tune: “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” However, in 2020, it’s safe to say you’re more “sick of home” than “homesick!”
Although Pfizer is now testing COVID-19 vaccines, health authorities are still concerned about a recent spike in coronavirus cases. For your family’s safety, the CDC recommends planning an at-home Christmas celebration in 2020.
Unfortunately for mommas, the CDC doesn’t have any guidelines for kiddo cabin fever! While bingeing Disney+ works for a while, there are many more creative ways to make the most of this crazy Christmas season. If you need a few festive celebration ideas for families, then this is the blog post for you!
Four Family-Friendly Holiday Activities for a Safe Snowy Season!
Book A Virtual Call With Santa Claus
While it’s not possible to visit Santa in person this year, that doesn’t mean your kiddos can’t give Kris Kringle a virtual call! As long as you have a Zoom account, your little ones can make sure Santa hears their 2020 wish list.
Sure, it’s not the same as sitting on Santa’s lap, but it’s still pretty cool to have a quick video chat with jolly Old St. Nick! As a bonus, most professional Santa services have customizable options, including American sign language and faith-based sessions. So mommas can easily create the perfect Christmas hangout for their preferences.
There are many different Santa call-in services to choose from, but a few of the best-reviewed include JingleRing and Sam’s Club’s Virtual Santa Visit. For more virtual fun, Macy’s also put together a fun “Santaland” webpage where kiddos could watch Santa videos and play fun festive games.
Bring Your “Vacation Home” To Your “Home Home!”
Due to all the recent travel restrictions, taking that long-awaited winter vacay may be out of the cards this year. However, nobody’s stopping you from transforming your home into a tropical getaway!
If you frequently take a trip during the winter, why not decorate your home for a fun staycation? Find a few DIY art projects related to your family’s favorite destination and sprinkle these designs throughout your home. You could also organize your weekly meal plan to suit your family’s preferred location.
As an example, if you love going to the Caribbean during Christmas, have your kiddos make fish designs with cardboard tubes or a mason jar aquarium. For dinner, why not have your kiddos prepare spices for a savory jerk chicken or measure the raisins for a non-alcoholic bread pudding.
As long as you stick with your chosen destination’s theme, you’re sure to add some extra “sunshine” to your home’s holiday décor.
Make Merry Masks With Paper Plates
There’s no need to run out and buy costumes for your favorite Christmastime skits. Instead, I recommend encouraging your kiddos to get crafty by making their own paper plate masks!
Whether your little ones want to play Santa, Mrs. Claus, or even the Grinch, you can easily find inspiration for paper plate mask designs online. Grab all of your crafting goodies to give your “little elves” all the tools they need to embellish their masks. While crayons, glue, and googly eyes will get the job done, I’d recommend adding fuzzy pipe cleaners and decorative paper for extra pizazz.
Once your kiddos have their masks ready, why not stage an improvised Christmas show? Or, better yet, hold a festive family photoshoot. You’re going to need a selfie stick for these phenomenal pics!
Spruce Up Your Tree With DIY Ornaments
Who says you need to spend hundreds of dollars at Hallmark to decorate your tree? One of the best family-friendly activities is making DIY ornaments. As a bonus, these hand-crafted ornaments make fabulous gifts for friends and family!
There are hundreds of DIY ornament guides online, but here are a few of my favorite ideas:
• Make a funny “melted snowman” with salt dough and paint.
• Add some “citrus flavor” to your home with dried orange ornaments.
• Practice fire safety by making a few glittery paper candles.
• Glue felt pieces and googly eyes on a tongue depressor in the shape of everyone’s favorite Frozen character: Olaf!
• Use a walnut shell, googly eyes, a red pompom, and felt to create a cute Rudolf ornament.
To All the Mrs. Clauses Out There: Please Stay Merry This Winter!
2020 may have been a Grinch—but that doesn’t mean we have to become grumpy green monsters! Just like the Whos in Whoville, let’s try our best to come together and end this year on a jolly note. I sincerely hope these activities will help keep kiddos cheerful (and mommas merry) this hectic holiday season!
So, are you going to add one of these activities to your at-home holidays? Or do you have a few unique holiday activities planned? If so, please DM me on Instagram @windycitynanny with your most fabulous holiday ideas. XOXO!
