Pivoting Plans: Christmas Family Fun in 2020
This pandemic involves pivoting, not only for businesses, but for family arrangements too. Covid-19 has brought with it a raft of shifting plans, cancelled events and unusual lockdown birthdays.
As we inch closer to Christmas, it’s becoming clear that the festive period will also be a bit different this year. But just because Christmas as we know it is on hold until 2021, doesn’t mean we can’t make Christmas 2020 memorable. Here is my list of ways you can indulge in festive cheer.
Shop Small
With nonessential retail shops closed until early December, there’s never been a better time to reconsider where you spend your pennies this Christmas. Supporting local, small businesses keeps trade going in your community and directly supports other families, too. Many small business owners have found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place this year: watching their profits dwindle whilst also being ineligible for a chunk of the government grants. Shopping small supports our struggling makers and small businesses, boosts the arts, and nets you unique presents and gifts.
Keep an eye out for curated online Christmas markets that bring small businesses and consumers together for discounted shopping in the run up to Christmas. These online-only events mean you can browse for gifts from the comfort of your home, whilst adhering to local and nationwide lockdown restrictions.
Recreate the magic of the markets
Whether you went for the mulled wine or the bratwurst, December without the allure of the Christmas markets seems foreign. Of course, you can recreate many of the Christmas market classics in your own home. Most high-street supermarkets sell mulled wine spicing sachets, just add the vino of your choice! A slow cooker will make the process effortless, but you can get away with a simmering stovetop pot, too.
For the bratwurst, check in with your local butcher, or a quick Google search will yield a number of mail-order bratwurst companies offering authentic German sausage. How you cook them is up to you: your domestic oven or grill will work fine but no one will stop you from bundling up and lighting the barbecue. Lederhosen optional.
Make new traditions
We matched the first lockdown with a slew of unique ways to celebrate and connect with friends and family, whether it was drive-by birthday celebrations or standing in someone’s front garden and waving to them through the double glazing. We need to tap into that same spirit of resilience and ingenuity. Pile the kids in the car with flasks of hot chocolate and mince pies and drive through your local area spotting Christmas lights and decorations.
Recreate the lockdown doorstep photos with a festive flair and have a go at decorating your own house with Christmas lights. Bring everyone together by partaking in virtual versions of family traditions. Gather everyone for a festive family Zoom call for virtual carol singing, an ugly jumper competition or even a mince pie bake along.
Resurrect some old favourites
With much more time on our hands as we head into December, it can be a great time to resurrect some old holiday favourites we’ve not had time for in our busy 21st century lives. Hand-make your Christmas cards this year. Make a gift for a loved one and spend an evening stringing a garland of popcorn and cranberries for the tree.
Remember that this is just for now
Coming to grips with a pandemic Christmas can feel strange and difficult. Remember, though, that this is just for now, not for always. Challenge yourself to find the beauty in the lockdown. Come up with ways to make the holidays fun-filled and stress free, because when our children think back to their Christmas memories, we want this year to stand out for the right reasons.
Some good ideas here will try some of them with the kids during lockdown
We all have to find safe ways to keep busy and keep our spirits up!
Some fabulous thoughts!