4 Ways to Make This Christmas Extra Special
*This is contributed content.
This year has been a tough one in a number of ways. There have been a lot of things happening, most notably a global pandemic that has changed the way everyone has to live. While many of us have settled into a new way of things, there are still concerns about how the Christmas season will be affected this year. It might mean less holiday travel and fewer seasonal parties, but Christmas celebrations do not have to be canceled this year. You can still have a great time and even make the holiday season extra special. We all need some special things to make up for the rest of this crazy year. Check out these four ideas to help make this Christmas one to remember.
Make Family Time Extra Special
With the amount of time we have spent isolating and social distancing this year, some of us may have had enough family time. But when Christmas comes around, most of us still want to spend cherished time with our families, whether they are biological or a family that you have chosen for yourself. When we get to the end of a difficult year, it is the perfect time to really think about why you enjoy spending time with your loved ones. Even as we are required to continue social distancing, you can still plan to make the time with your family extra special and enjoy all of your Christmas traditions at home.
Plan Your Christmas Outfits
Bringing everyone together to celebrate Christmas gets people excited. And with little else to do, one way to start planning for the holiday is to start thinking about Christmas outfits. You might choose to get dressed up in something special or you might want to have a little fun with themed outfits. Some cute ideas include getting everyone Christmas shirts to wear or challenge your whole family to find the ugliest Christmas sweaters that they can. If you want to have a relaxed Christmas Day, everyone could wear their favorite pajamas or even festive holiday themed loungewear. Just by trying something a little different this year, you can create a memorable holiday experience.
Enjoy Christmas Indoors
Some of our favorite traditional Christmas activities might not be so readily available this year. Whether they are or not, staying indoors more will help to keep everyone healthy. You do not necessarily have to get outdoors to enjoy everything that Christmas has to offer. There are plenty of holiday activities and traditions that you can enjoy staying at home such as making eggnog and Christmas cookies or watching holiday movies and singing Christmas carols. Indoor Christmas activities also allow you to do all of your favorite seasonal things while staying safe. You can even use it as an excuse to avoid the Christmas shopping crowds and do all of your shopping online instead.
Manage Christmas on a Budget
Many people have experienced financial burdens this year which leads to worry about how to afford Christmas. However, Christmas does not have to be an expensive affair. There are plenty of ways to save money and stick to a budget. Sometimes a strict budget can even make the experience more interesting as it forces you to be a bit more creative. For example, instead of buying gifts for everyone on your list, you can get crafty and make them yourself. Or perhaps your family would enjoy a game of Secret Santa or skip the gifts altogether. Make the most of the budget you have and keep in mind that an inexpensive Christmas does not mean a bad Christmas.
For this extraordinary year, you can make your Christmas celebrations extra special simply by finding the joy in your regular holiday traditions as well as creating new ones that you have never tried before.
What are you planning for this holiday season?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
15 Comments
Nancy
On one side I am dragging Christmas this year, because we can’t celebrate it with the hole family I assume. That is so sad. On the other side, Gerben and I always enjoy Christmas very much and we decorate our house and garden and that is so cosy!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I think I am the same way, Nancy! I don’t think I will mind terribly a Christmas spent quietly at home. We are always the ones who have to travel and stuff, so it might be nice to stay home for once.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I’ve been saving money since January so it will be much easier on the wallet. I just started now doing a little bit of shopping. Hoping to pick up some firewood for the fall and winter to make fires outside, we also probably will try to get back to doing movie nights: thinking a once week Christmas movie with snacks could be fun. And maybe back to board games?
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mireille, I love these ideas! We need to get back to board games as well. And I love the idea of weekly movie nights! We just gave the kids new iPads with very clear explanations that they are the bulk of the Christmas presents. The rest will just be clothes and maybe one small toy. I hope you are having a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Bah Humbug. I am the grinch and Scrooge put together. A long story but I am not a fan of the Christmas season, never have been. To me, it is not about the season of giving but a season of making people feel like crap to boost your own ego.
Just have to get through it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ah, boo, Patrick! I am sorry that it is a sore subject and an icky season for you. I don’t like all the crazy commercial stuff around it but I do enjoy silly little traditions with my kids. But the holidays usually do come with expectations that cause stress. I am learning to not give a damn. We will get through it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
Wonderful suggestions! I’m looking forward to Xmas celebrations.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I think I am ready for some good old fashioned holiday family time myself! hope your week is going well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I can’t believe that christmas is getting so close! These are great tips Shelbee! I need to get my budget in order.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I can’t believe it is October already and the holidays are practically here! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
stylefrontier
i can’t believe Christmas in in 2 months time. I don’t think we will celebrate Christmas gathering like the year before, but we’ll see what we can do. I still love Christmas season though!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by! I can’t believe we are in the holiday season already. We need to get the Halloween decorations out first! Ha. I think it will be low key holidays for many this year. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Good tips and can you believe that Christmas will be here before we know it? Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 17. Shared.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Dee! I can’t believe the holidays are upon us already. I am not prepared!
xoxo
Shelbee
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