The holidays are by no means “normal” this year. Some of us will put on a smile and try to continue with traditions, while others will forgo the holidays altogether. Both options are perfectly acceptable. Either way, all of us are in need of connection and light during this pandemic. Check out this list of holiday activities that you can do while still remaining socially distanced. 

Holiday Guide to Social Distancing Activities 

  1. Take a personal light tour in your car with hot cocoa
  2. Have a Zoom dinner with friends and family complete with traditional holiday recipes (takeout is ok too!)
  3. Watch a live-streamed religious service 
  4. Do a Porch Drop Activity. Create an activity kit (ingredients to make a meal, supplies to decorate a gingerbread house, craft supplies, ect.) and drop it by a friend or loved one’s house. Send photos of your finished products to each other. 
  5. Watch the nutcracker or holiday arts/music program. Check local listings for livestreams.
  6. Have a teleparty! Watch Netflix with your friends and loved ones together at https://www.netflixparty.com
  7. Tune into a live Christmas concert or sing along 
  8. Gather around a fireplace with a warm beverage or try a virtual fire too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiqM3lVirkw 
  9. Try to create a new tradition with your family- be creative! 
  10. Play games with your family online- Try multiplayer online games and private rooms at https://skribbl.io or https://www.jackboxgames.com
  11. Share stories and memories on Zoom. Involve all generations and press the record button to have a copy of the memories. 
  12. Have a virtual recipe swap- try making a relative’s recipe yourself! 

Just because we can’t see each other in person doesn’t mean we can’t connect, share joy, and create new memories. This pandemic won’t last forever. Remember you are not alone, and we’re in this together. 

If grief is overwhelming you, and you need extra support, Show Me Hope is here to help you through this time. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/4. We’re here to listen. 

Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
Tri-County Mental Health: 816-468-0400