10 Ways to Embrace the 2020 Holidays this season as a Family
Bing Crosby’s iconic song, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” takes on a whole new meaning this holiday season. Many of us will be homebound, unable to see extended family and friends. Despite the feelings of disappointment and isolation this may bring, these unprecedented circumstances can also be a unique opportunity to reclaim some seasonal magic with your little ones.
Take a deep breath. Live in the moment. Whether we like it or not, this will be a year we will never forget. Let’s embrace it and enjoy the smaller moments as a family. Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Gaze at the Bethlehem Star
On December 21, for the first time in eight hundred years, your family can view the perfect alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, creating what is known as the Christmas, or Bethlehem, Star. The best viewing will be the southwestern sky just after sunset. But don’t worry: if the conditions aren’t ideal that night, the conjunction of these two planets can be viewed from December 16-25. This is a once-in-a-lifetime family moment!
- Build a Gingerbread House
Who doesn’t love building a creation they can later eat? Building gingerbread houses can ensure hours of family fun. Whether you buy a kit from the store or go old school and make your own gingerbread and royal icing, it’s a sure bet there will be a lot of sweets consumed from start to finish. Feeling really ambitious? Up the ante and build a gingerbread village!
- Spend Time Outside
Time to burn off all that sugar from the gingerbread house building! Go sledding, build a snowman, or have a snowball fight. It’s Michigan: you might even be going for a bike ride or playing a game of basketball in the driveway. One of our fondest memories is playing soccer in the backyard on Christmas morning!
- Watch a Holiday Movie
Take the time to just unwind with your favorite PJs and a bowl of popcorn by the fire while watching one of your favorite holiday movies. While there are so many great classics, there are some new ones to check out this season too like Jingle Jangle on Netflix. Not into movies? There are a lot of fun holiday reality series: our family favorite is Rocket Around the Christmas Tree on the Discovery Channel.
- Make a Seasonal Craft
There are so many options if you’re able to swing by the store and pick up some kits for holiday crafts like ornaments, wreaths, or even just a coloring book. There are plenty of DIY ideas out there as well. Or, have your kids make up their own ideas. Put a box of art supplies in front of them and let them have at it!
- Go for a Holiday Lights Drive
The beauty of Christmas lights puts everyone in the holiday spirit! Why not pack up the kids and some cocoa and enjoy a leisurely drive to admire the hard work and creativity of your neighbor’s decorating skills? If you’re looking for a bigger “night out,” you can purchase tickets for DTE Energy Music Theatre’s “Magic of Lights,” now through January 2nd. Check out their website for more information.
- Launch a Candy Cane Hunt
Just like an Easter egg hunt, there are a lot of variations with a candy cane hunt. You can buy candy canes and hide them around the house or make paper ones to place in inconspicuous places. Make it a night hunt in your backyard and grab your flashlights! Whether you’re playing teams or solo, this activity can be as easy or challenging as you like.
- Have a Holiday Dance Party
If you have little ones, chances are you’ve broken out into song and dance at some point while at home. Embrace the desire to let loose by blasting your favorite seasonal tunes and dancing like nobody’s watching!
- Read Some Holiday Books
There are so many great books out there! Make a point to read one as a family every night before bed. Find a favorite? Read it again. Have your little ones read to you. Looking for new ideas? Our list of 24 holiday picture books has you covered to get you into the spirit!
- Start a New Family Tradition
This holiday season is the perfect opportunity to start a new family tradition. It can be as simple as going for a family walk or creating a new dish for Christmas brunch. Our family plays games every Christmas Eve. In years past, we’ve played Guesstures, Catch Phrase, LCR, and Password. Sound fun? We invite you to share in our tradition!
Have fun making this a holiday season that you and your children will look back on and remember fondly.
