Ho, Ho, Holy Crap! Looks like we are still in COVID-times through the Holidays. This can be especially hard because it is the time of year where traditions are embedded in our celebrations, like packing into the malls, going to parties, and traveling to see loved ones. But you better not pout, because we have some Christmas ideas for 2020 — fun new traditions and revamping old ones — that your family is likely to keep for years to come.
Christmas Advent Calendar
We are huge fans of the Christmas Advent calendar. It’s a fun surprise for the little’s to look forward to every day. You start December 1st and set it at the same time every day, using it as an incentive to get through bath time or some other must-do event.
You can find a variety of Advent Calendars in every price range and size, but we like the handmade paper bags and wooden pins in a decorated basket. You can decorate the bags & pins if you love little details like us. Older kids? They love them, too. Stuff them with iTunes Cards, Funny Socks, Cash, etc.
Oh, happy early Christmas — here are your free Calendar Card Printables.
Portable Hot Cocoa Bar
This is a must and can make a wonderful DIY gift! Create a cute decorated space for a hot cocoa bar with all the fixings – the kids will love Cocoa Time as much as we love cocktail time!
We created the above one from products at HomeGoods. They had adorable holiday cases where I delivered portable cocoa bars to my parents and grandmother. (And, no, we weren’t paid for that plug.)
Cookie/Ornament Decorating & Gifting
Another Holiday must, and it makes a great gift for Grandparents! I would recommend getting a roll of craft paper for the kiddos; they can go nuts, and it’s easy to clean up. Some tips:
- You don’t need to do all your baking at once.
- Make it an activity you do once a week.
- I use this metal carrier to separate all the décor options.
- Buy the store-bought dough to save time.
- Grab some inexpensive twine and paper and send a dozen with a note to the grandparents, aunts, and uncles. They will eat it up.
Ornaments Decorations- Follow the same ideas as above. You can buy inexpensive plastic ones at any craft store, glitter, glue, etc. Have the children make homemade ornaments as gifts! These are such a wonderful keepsake. Pack them in bubble wrap if you are mailing to keep from breaking.
Virtual Santa Visits
Dragging your kids to the mall, standing in a crowded line, and putting your kid on Santa’s lap where 10,000 diapers and tears have been prior, seems a bit off this year. Virtual Santa visits will be all the rage this year. One of our favorites is the Zoom Santa & His Elves experience at Santazoomvisit.com you get a personalized one on one Santa Interaction for 20 minutes.
Here’s what visiting Santa at malls and department stores will look like in 2020.
Zoom Christmas
Social distancing will keep families at home this year, so gifts will be sent all over the world. No doubt the joy of giving gifts is seeing the reaction of the people opening them. Create a Zoom Family Christmas Gift Opening/Exchange Party. If you have a large extended family here is how to pull off the ultimate Zoom Secret Santa exchange party.
Throw a Matching Pajama Party with Pancakes
This is your Instagram/Facebook/TikTok moment! Nothing is cuter than this tradition of IHop like Pancake station with all the fixings (hello Craft Paper again) in matching Family PJ’s. You can buy inexpensive matching PJ’s at your local Walmart.
Making Reindeer Food for Santa
This is a fun family favorite. Letting the children spread out reindeer food Christmas Eve. All you need is:
- Oats
- Green Sugar
- Red Sugar
- Cellophane Christmas Bags
- Free printable reindeer tags/stickers here.
This makes a fun and inexpensive gift for friends and their children. Keep the Christmas magic alive with this fun and super easy holiday tradition! Here’s a great recipe.
Car/Bike Ride/Walk a Parade of Lights
We are predicting the decorations will be all out this year – and we need it. Get out in the crisp air or the car and drive around, grab some blankets and pillows, a thermos of hot cocoa, sing carols, and go enjoy the beautiful Christmas Lights. Make sure to check your local activities for Christmas experiences like a drive-in Polar Express Movie or Drive Through Zoo Holiday experiences, there will be plenty of safe options to enjoy!
Gingerbread House Contest
The last of our Christmas ideas for 2020 can be done in any neighborhood or group, and families can take turns dropping them off at a designated judging table. Use wax paper on a cookie sheet to control the mess and to move easily. Wrap them in cellophane so they stay protected.
It’s just a super fun activity and kids get a holiday lesson in competition and probably not winning. And you know there’s always that one on the block that will recreate the Magic Kingdom out of graham crackers.