As the old song goes, “there’s no place like home for the holidays.” This year, those heartfelt lyrics have added significance. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many families have decided to celebrate individually, instead of in large groups. Some folks might even find themselves celebrating alone. If that’s the case for you or your family, have no fear — there are so many fun quarantine holiday ideas you can do while social distancing.
1- Assemble a make-ahead breakfast
Opening presents takes a lot of energy, and so you’ll want to refuel afterward with a hearty breakfast. Try one you can prep the night before so all you have to do on Christmas morning is pop it in the oven.
Get the recipe for Blueberry Sweet Rolls With Lemon »
2- Decorate Christmas Cookies
Baking cookies is a great daytime activity to make your home smell delicious. Before you get started, make sure you have some fun cookie cutters, frostings, and decorations on hand.
RELATED: 90 Incredible Christmas Cookies to Make This Season
3- Hop on a video call with Santa
Getting to meet Santa is a magical experience for many youngsters during the holiday season. Unfortunately, they might not get to see Saint Nick in person this year — but that doesn’t mean they can’t chat with him on the phone. Use Santa Club to book a video conversation with Kris Kringle. The $50 experience includes up to three children and even allows you to keep a recording of the video.
4- Decorate as festively as possible
You’re going to spend a lot of time at home this holiday season, so you might as well make your space the winter wonderland of your dreams. Set a budget and pick up some new decorations or open your craft bin and make some DIY ones.
RELATED: 90 Stylish Christmas Decor Ideas to Fill Your Home With Holiday Cheer
5- Mix a cozy cocktail
There are so many festive winter flavors that taste incredible in cocktails. Find a recipe you’re interested in and whip up a batch of drinks on Christmas morning. A warm stovetop option is a cozy way to celebrate the season. How about a warming Limoneira Classic Hot Toddy.
Take a look at a number of delicious recipes on Limoneira Lifestyles.
6- Make Christmas masks
You can make these cute masks out of paper plates for a fun Christmas craft. And when you’re done, you can use them to take photo booth-style pictures to commemorate the holiday.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »
7- Put together a holiday puzzle
Doing a puzzle is a relaxing way to spend Christmas day or night. While you work, be sure to set the mood with a fire or candle.
8- Make a commemorative ornament
The 2020 holiday season is bound to be unique — so why not make an ornament to remember it by? Mix a salt dough recipe (all you need is flour, salt, and water) and make a handprint or cookie-cutter ornament. Don’t forget to write the year in paint.
15 Best Salt-Dough Ornaments to DIY
9- Read a Christmas book
Reading a book on the sofa is a cozy way to get in the Christmas spirit. Let the kids pick out a book and read it to them while eating some holiday snacks.
30+ Best Christmas Books for Readers of All Ages
10- Sing Christmas karaoke
You don’t need to be a musical family or friend group to have fun belting out holiday tunes during Christmas karaoke. Take this game up a notch by investing in a karaoke mic.
11- Mail a gift to a loved one
If you’re not seeing certain loved ones this year due to safety concerns, make sure to send them a gift in the mail to show them they’re in your thoughts. You can never go wrong with something edible.
Try to win your loved ones over with deliciousness and health at Fresh Focus, and recipes from Limoneira Lifestyles.
12- Host a virtual party
Just because you can’t get together in person doesn’t mean you can’t see your friends and family on Christmas. Send everyone a Zoom link and host your party online. Make sure you’ve got a few games and conversation starters ready too.
13- Ask conversation starters
This simple card game is the perfect way to get the conversation flowing around your dinner table or on Zoom. You might learn things about your family members that you would’ve never thought to ask them yourself.
14- Cook a festive meal
Dinner is the main event at many holidays. And just because you have fewer people to feed this year doesn’t mean you should give it any less effort. Decide on a menu ahead of time and make sure you have all the ingredients necessary to put together a proper feast.
Grilled Sole with Lemon Caper Sauce
Here’s a classic dish that is both impressive and absolutely delicious. Grilling the fish whole preserves its full natural flavors. The sauce adds a little zesty flavor and the goodness of veggies to create a balanced plate.
15- Watch a Christmas movie
Watching a movie is the perfect way to spend the time between presents and dinner, or to unwind after the festivities end. Don’t forget to nosh on treats or sip cocktails (or mocktails!) while you watch.
17 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix for an Extra Dose of Holiday Cheer
16- Make a holiday playlist
Set the mood on Christmas morning by putting on a festive soundtrack. You can even build anticipation for the big day by compiling your playlist ahead of time and listening to it in the days before Christmas.
45 Best Modern Christmas Songs You Need on Your Playlist
17- Play reindeer ring toss
No celebration is complete without a few party games. This reindeer ring toss will get the entire family on their feet and having fun.
18- Attend a socially distanced outside event
Check your town’s newspaper or website to find a list of local holiday happenings. You might be able to visit an outdoor Christmas tree, holiday market, or some other socially distanced outdoor event.
19- Go sledding
If you’re lucky enough to have a white Christmas, set aside a few hours to go sledding or snow tubing. Similarly, you could make a snowman or find a nearby ice-skating rink.
20- Look at Christmas lights
If the weather is nice, you can go on a walk around the neighborhood to look at everyone’s Christmas lights. If it’s a bit chillier, go on a drive instead. Make sure to vote on your favorites!
21- Put on your Christmas pajamas
Nothing is cozier than a comfy pair of Christmas pajamas — bonus points if the entire family matches.
25 Matching Christmas Pajamas for the Whole Family
Source: Good Housekeeping, Getty Images
