Christmas will be different this year. It’ll be hard for many of us who can’t have a normal Christmas, who can’t return home and see family. But it’ll be even harder for those – and there are so many – who have suffered a loss this year.
I know that everyone is going to cope with their situations differently, and I won’t even pretend to know what you might be going through. But these are, I thought, just a few ways we can find a little sense of normalcy over the holidays. With all the travel restrictions across the country and world, so many of us won’t be making it home for the holidays. So I’ve put together some suggestions for things you could do to give you a sense of home and family.
Here are few tips for celebrating Christmas away from home…
Decorate your space…
This is a quick way to inject a bit of festivity into your space. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, you can make something yourself that reminds you of Christmastime. Last year, I had a cardboard tree on my desk and it made me smile everytime I sat down to work.
Light some scented candles…
I used to very rarely burn, or even own, candles. A couple weeks ago though I purchased 2 scented candles (Frankincense and Pine) and I’ve lit them everyday since. Everytime I walk in the room I catch a whif and get a little reminder of the fact we’re now in December!
Or, get a reed diffuser…
If you don’t feel comfortable with lit candles, or just want something that’s ‘on’ all the time, a reed diffuser is fantastic! I have a Pine-scented one in my bathroom.
Cook dishes that remind you of home…
Food plays a huge role in family celebrations, especially Christmas. We all have our own favourite dishes and our own family’s ways of doing things. Perhaps try and make something that reminds you of home. It probably won’t be perfect, but it’s something. This year I’m making my own turkey and stuffing (for the first time!) and I’ve already made a list of holiday treats to attempt to bake in the run up to the 25th of December.
(Related: Cooking the 2020 Blues Away: From My Kitchen to Yours by Ellie May)
Play Christmas tunes…
Whether you go pop, classic or instrumental, there are loads of great songs out there to get you in the mood! Play in the background as you go about your chores, or wind down for bed. There are some lo‑fi holiday playlists as well that are perfect for uni work.
Watch all the holiday movies…
Watch alone in bed, or with your household and get the holidays started. Some of my personal Christmas-themed favourites include Elf, Arthur Christmas and Home Alone. For more suggestions, check out this article I wrote: 13 Must-See Films For The Holidays.
Celebrate with faraway friends and family virtually…
Get together with friends and family over the holidays through the magic that is the internet. There are a ton of ideas online for things to do on one of your virtual parties. But some great ones include having a Christmas Quiz, doing a virtual Secret Santa, organise a fancy dress, play virtual board games and more!
Go for a walk and see the lights…
Getting out and going for a walk is fantastic for general wellbeing anyway, but you can plan a route in advanced that’ll take you down some areas with Christmas displays and lights. While you’re there, take a few photos for the memory box!
Get cosy…
Let me paint you a picture. You’re wrapped up in a comfy throw on the sofa, some chill music is playing in the background, you have a hot chocolate (with marshmallows!) next to you, and a book in your hand. Think comfy. Think warm. Think hygge.
Rest…
It’s been a long year. And let’s be honest, isn’t sleep the first thing on your mind when you think about the looming Christmas break? I can’t wait to not wake to alarm clock ringing everyday, or to not have to-do lists and deadlines constantly on my mind, for even just a little bit. So take as much rest as you need. Relax, unwind, recharge, unclench.
Stay safe…
Above all, follow the rules, and keep yourself and those around you safe and well. This year, a safe Christmas truly is a Happy Christmas!