Quarantine Christmas – How to Celebrate the Holidays During a Pandemic

This is our very first Christmas here at Season & Societe. From the moment we created this company, I have dreamt about writing an article dedicated to elevated ways to celebrate the holidays. I have dreamt about filling readers with elevated Christmas decor ideas and fresh recipe inspirations. I have imagined the resulting posh gatherings where people laughed and danced into the night holding elegant cocktail glasses. I visualized the smiles highlighted by the glow of Christmas lights – as they conversed with friends and loved ones. What I did not foresee, is that our first Season & Societe Christmas would be in the midst of a pandemic.

So now, I am faced with a new article, and a new challenge. How do we approach this unique Covid Christmas? How do prepare for and celebrate the holidays in a way that complies with health codes and still satisfies that need to connect with others? How do we continue to create an elevated holiday experience that makes others feel our love and joy?

As I sit here to strategize ways to give readers something refreshing and special to bring to their quarantine holiday, I find myself staring out the window toward the garden. Staring at a rosebush in full bloom in the middle of a now empty planting bed. And I am inspired by what I see. Like that rose, we too can choose to be resilient. We too can choose to grow. And we too can choose to show our beauty in a world that needs it most. 

4 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During a Pandemic

1. Fill Your Home with Holiday Spirit by Focusing on the Senses.

Just because this year has been lack-luster doesn’t mean your holiday decor has to be. One of the simplest ways to boost your holiday cheer and get in the Christmas Spirit is to decorate the inside of your home.

At Season and Societe, we suggest holiday decor that appeals to all 5 senses.

• Sight. Hang garland on the fireplace. Place a wreath on the door. Hang the stockings. Adorn the tree with ornaments. Create a beautiful tablescape.
• Sound – Play those Christmas tunes. Like The Elf said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” 😉
• Smell – Light candles or burn oils that smell like Christmas. A pleasant smell not only produces a pleasant mood, it is also heavily linked to memory.
• Taste – Eat, Drink and Be Merry – Bake Christmas cookies, drink Shiner Cheer, create herb-infused cocktails and mocktails, etc.
• Touch – To add a special touch to the decor this year frame and display photos of some of your favorite holiday memories from years past.

And remember, decorating the interiors is just for you and those who live inside your home this year so decorate as much or as little to your heart’s content.

Brighten the mood of others, by embellishing your home’s exterior with lights. Everyone loves a good drive through the neighborhood to see all the pretty lights. It is the perfect and safe social distancing activity for this year.

2. Make New Memories by Starting New Traditions to Celebrate the Holidays

Embrace the time you have to yourselves this year. This a unique year, filled with time you will never get back. So make the most of the time you have and create new memories!

• Host a fancy dinner for you and your housemates. Make it fun – behave exactly as you would if you were throwing a big soiree. Get dressed up, use the fine china, make an extravagant meal, and enjoy each other’s company.
• Take part in one of my favorite holiday traditions – Christmas Movie Night. Put on your pajamas, pop some popcorn, and grab a glass of wine. Cuddle on the couch as a family to enjoy one of your favorite Christmas movies. Something about just taking the moment to rest and laugh together with the tree lit in the background makes for such a magical movie night.
• Go on Christmas Light walking tour. Bundle up, pour a cup of your favorite hot beverage and go for a walk in your neighborhood to marvel at all of the festive lights!

3. Send Gifts to Loved Ones to Show You Care

Just because you can’t be together in person this year, doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the gift of giving. Shop for friends and family online. Have their packages sent directly to their house so they have something to open on Christmas morning. Be sure to have the items gift-wrapped if the option is available.

There is no better feeling than knowing that someone took the time to think of you. Except maybe, the feeling of being the one who made someone else feel loved and thought of. These gifts don’t have to be expensive, but they should be thoughtful. After all, it is the thought that counts!

4. Plan a Virtual Family Christmas

Although it is not a perfect substitute for the real thing, a virtual Christmas can be loads of fun. Be sure to plan an event that works best for your family and the personalities that go along with it.

For the family that likes to play games, try Backyard. Backyard allows you and a group of up to twelve to play games, video, voice and text chat simultaneously for free.

If your family is more into food and beverage, host a virtual Christmas Cocktail Party. Choose a special Holiday cocktail recipe and send it out to guests the week before so they have time to purchase supplies. Schedule a Zoom meeting, and have attendees make their cocktails before logging on or make them together during your call. If your family is not into drinking, try make a mocktail or cook a meal together.

Do a Virtual Gift Exchange. Schedule a Zoom for Christmas morning or Christmas Eve night, whenever you would usually get together. Virtually, continue your Secret Santa and gift-giving traditions. Make sure to send everyone’s gift in plenty of time for it to arrive, and open presents together on Zoom.

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, embrace it and make the most of it. Even though it may not be the holiday you had planned out in your head, you can still find a way to make it one worth remembering.