Is it just me, or is time flying by?
March and April felt like they stretched on forever. Then I blinked, and all of a sudden, we’re talking about Pumpkin Spice lattes and Christmas shopping.
But what will the holiday season look like this year? How are we able to keep the holiday season alive even with all the curveballs 2020 has thrown at us?
The 2020 holiday season is bound to be drastically different, and the buzzword I’ve seen brands use lately is “REIMAGINED.”
“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is being reimagined this year!”
“Disney Christmas 2020 to be reimagined!”
The word “reimagined” feels appropriate for the times we’re living in right now. Because even though the holidays will be significantly different, it doesn’t mean that the holidays are canceled.
It just means that we need to get creative!
There’s an opportunity for us to shake up some of our long-standing traditions and add some new ones that could last even after coronavirus.
There are still many ways to make the most out of the current circumstance. No matter what the situation looks like this year!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Decorate your space for the holidays
I have lived in my apartment for almost five years, but this is the first time I’ve committed to home decor.
We are spending more time at home than ever before, so why not spruce up your space a bit for the holidays this year?
You don’t need to go too crazy (unless you want to, of course!). But swapping in a few holiday pieces can affect the vibe in your space.
So, open up that Pinterest app and start getting inspired!
Make your own decorations or gifts
Why not put that new quarantine hobby to use? Throw on that holiday Spotify playlist and get to crafting!
Crafts and hobbies can help take your mind off of everything happening in the outside world.
It can also be a great (and sometimes cost-effective) way to add some holiday cheer to your space or even add a personal touch to your gifts this year!
Plan “get-togethers” with friends and family
And, I’m not talking about your regular old Zoom “happy hours.” Why not plan a themed get together?
Aloha Christmas, anyone? Or, maybe Great Gatsby themed, so you get an excuse to GLAM UP!
It’s fun to have something to look forward to and get ready for, so anything is on the table.
Bonus: Match your food or drinks too! Whatever helps make it feel as though you’re all together.
Virtual Secret Santa
Ok, ok. So this could potentially be a coordination NIGHTMARE but stick with me for a second.
Everyone digitally draws anonymous names and sends gifts straight to the recipient’s house by a specific date. (Make sure there’s a Google doc with everyone’s information.)
Then plan a themed Zoom/Google Hangouts/whatever get together and open presents.
It’ll be secret Santa, but like, not so secret when the gift shows up (unless you guys have ideas on keeping the gifter’s name anonymous – then comment below please!).
Send cards
Send handwritten holiday cards to your friends and family, or maybe make your own cards to send.
You can even go a step further and send letters to seniors in nursing homes who may not have families through nonprofits like Love For Our Elders.
Other organizations to send your messages to can be found on the Write on Campaign’s resources page if you’re interested!
Support nonprofits this season
Now more than ever, nonprofits need your support. They work tirelessly year-round to support their mission, and this year has brought on all new challenges with COVID-19.
Providing support to these nonprofits could be a great way to elevate how you give this season.
Here are a few ways that you can help:
- Donate – every penny counts right now
- Volunteer to lend a hand
- Use your voice to raise awareness for causes and link nonprofits
Start looking for gifts early from your local or small businesses
Holiday shopping is definitely going to be a bit different this year. Many people will be doing the majority of their shopping online and earlier than ever before.
The uncertainty of being able to shop in-stores could be an opportunity for you to discover local or small businesses online instead.
When you buy small, you get the chance to see who you’re purchasing from and read more about their story.
It’s a more personal transaction than if you were to go shopping in a mall or at big retailers.
My friends and I usually visit our local holiday pop-up markets here in LA. Those have not been possible this year due to coronavirus.
BUT, Unique Markets has reimagined how to do local market pop-ups. Every month they do a virtual pop-up market with curated small business vendors that fit the month’s theme.
Or, check out the We Are Women Owned’s 2020 Virtual Holiday Pop-Up featuring all women-owned businesses!
Finding virtual pop-up markets like this can make it easier to find new artists and online shops.
Etsy is a good place to explore as well if you’re looking for something in particular.
Holiday movie watch parties with your friends
Remember when Netflix launched the Netflix Party earlier this year? Well, now other services like Hulu and HBO have similar options, so why not take advantage and stream a holiday movie or show with friends?
For those 21 and over, maybe supplement with matching holiday drinks. Or, if you’re like my friends, turn it into a drinking game.
Festive food
Holiday food is my favorite food. There’s just something so comforting about the food we get to eat traditionally every year.
Holiday get-togethers will be different this year, but maybe the food doesn’t have to be!
Perhaps this is the year you learn to make your aunt’s famous stuffing. A family recipe exchange could be fun.
Or, your aunt with the famous stuffing can lead a virtual cooking session with whoever wants to learn.
Get yourself a little something
TREAT. YO. SELF.
Whether it be spending a little extra on decorations to make your space feel more festive or splurging a little on those really cute pajamas you saw at Nordstrom’s.
If it makes you happy and it works within your budget, why not? You deserve it.
Check out this post for some gift ideas to give yourself this holiday season.
Leave a comment
What other ways can we REIMAGINE this holiday season? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below!
Subscribe
Wanna know the best way to stay up to date with all the latest posts? Subscribe to receive my bi-weekly newsletter highlighting my latest blog posts and life updates that I may not write about in the blog!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Leave a Reply