This year, the holidays are going to look a little different. Are we still putting up a Christmas tree? Heck yeah. Is Grandma coming over to open gifts? No. She should stay home. So how are we managing this blip because for most of us, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year…

Here’s what I suggest for celebrating the holidays safely:

1. Stick to your immediate family but bump up the celebration details this year…

Embrace the holidays with gratitude and love and make it extra special this year because G-d knows we all need a boost, especially the kids.

Pull out your tree and make decorating a family affair. Share stories and memories for your ornaments if you have sentimental ornaments that you use year after year. Here at Little Miss Party we have shared our traditions new and old. Take a read and it may spark some ideas for inspiration.

Pull out your fine china or best tableware and make your Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza dinner table sparkle with cheer and joy. Before you cook up a big meal, consider making a donation to a food bank for the Holiday season to help those less fortunate. Talk about how you can or did help those in need with your kids over dinner to help put this challenging year back into perspective.

2. Celebrate Virtually

I personally was over Zooming back in May but I still do it because it’s the only way I can see so many people who I love who I cannot be with right now.

If you’re planning to send your loved ones gifts this year, then make opening them a virtual party! Plan ahead by setting a date whether that be in early December to get the celebrations started ahead of time or of course for Christmas eve or morning of to stick to tradition. Share the details on your invitation with a link to the virtual party, time, details for gifts, dress code and serving suggestions.

Knowing that there will be less in-person celebrating this year, involve your kids in the gift giving process more than usual. They can DIY wrapping paper (find our DIY wrapping ideas here and here), craft Santa and/or Reindeer puppets and make Stain Glass menorah art if that’s the holiday you celebrate.

Make it a fun dress code for your virtual celebration. You could suggest a pajama party, ugly sweater contest that you can host virtually and give out prizes such as E-Gift cards or of course make it an excuse to get all dolled up in your best sequins!

Last but not least, make the plan for gift opening clear. Make sure everyone has a gift to open on the screen whether you do a Secret Santa that you assign in advance or you just make it gifts for the kids or you make sure each guests has received a gift to put under their tree in advance.

If you celebrate Hanukkah like I do, a fun idea to share with your guests virtually is making latkes together! Assign one family remember to host a latke cooking class or share a recipe in advance so everyone can prepare the ingredients and join in the fun. I shared my crispy latke recipe on the Better Homes and Gardens website here for you to enjoy! To create the most festive Hanukkah celebration this year, make sure you get your hands on one of our Limited Edition Hanukkah Party Boxes! Set the table and decorate with all the essentials and gift a box to your bestie to join in the fun!

3. GO OUTSIDE!

My favorite way to gather with my family and friends is outside. It’s how I feel the safest. Though it may be cold where ever you are located, you can put on your long johns and bundle up, light a fire and use all disposable tableware so you’re not fussing with a complicated clean up. Of course we’ve got you covered with our Holiday Party in a Box that is so perfect for your favorite snacks, hot beverages and Christmas Tree sparklers to light up the night with.

If you have a fire pit, set up a s’mores bar with tons of blankets, marshmallows, chocolate and hot cocoa to stay extra cozy. We have tons of warm essentials that we shared here that are great for gathering outside or gifting.

Any way you cut it, we’re not canceling the holiday season! No way. We’re just getting creative and making the best of it so we don’t lose our minds. Am I right?!