The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people to keep holiday celebrations within their own households to help curb the spread of COVID-19. That means skipping long-distance visits to see grandparents, avoiding crowded malls to sit on Santa’s lap, and passing on large office parties or big Secret Santa exchanges.
On top of that, many families are facing financial strain from lost jobs and reduced hours — leaving little, if any, extra money to spend on holiday festivities.
Still, now more than ever we could use some seasonal cheer. Here are five low-cost ways to celebrate the holidays this year.
1. Drop-off cookie swaps
Cookie exchanges are usually just another reason for a holiday get-together — with lots of sugar. Traditionally, you bake multiple dozen of your favorite cookies and trade them with friends so everyone goes home with (or immediately eats) a variety of treats.
This year, instead of meeting for a cookie exchange, arrange a drop-off version. Coordinate delivery windows with your cookie-baking friends so each person knows when to expect a bundled plate of sweets.
If the temperature is mild enough, you could host your cookie exchange outdoors around a fire pit. Don’t forget to provide plenty of hot chocolate.
2. Drive around to see holiday lights
Festive streets and illuminated homes add a little magic to the season. This outing naturally supports social distancing — especially if you travel by car with only the people who live with you.
It’s also a very budget-friendly option. Some organized light displays may charge admission, but you can always cruise through local neighborhoods or take a drive downtown to enjoy the decorations for free.
3. Holiday movie watch parties
Whether you prefer comedies, dramas, action films or family-friendly titles, there’s a holiday movie for every taste. Streaming platforms have made it easier for people in separate households to view together.
Hulu, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus include built-in features to enable group watching. There are also third-party tools that sync streams among friends.
Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a free browser extension that allows synchronized viewing of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and HBO with people outside your household. It also has a group chat so viewers can type comments as they watch. TwoSeven and Squad offer similar browser-based options.
Keep in mind, if you sign up for a trial of a streaming service just to watch with others, be sure to cancel before the trial period ends so you don’t incur charges.
4. Virtual holiday gatherings
Swap your regular lounge clothes for an ugly Christmas sweater and log into your preferred video conference platform for a virtual celebration.
Entertain guests with interactive games like Pictionary, charades or holiday trivia. You could plan a shared activity such as decorating cookies or assembling a gingerbread house kit. Alternatively, take turns singing carols or showing off cherished ornaments from your tree.
5. Make holiday crafts with kids
If children are attending school online, they’re likely missing out on seasonal art projects done with classmates. Gather up craft supplies and tackle some holiday projects at home.
Arts-and-crafts retailer Michaels has free online workshops for kids. You can sign up for live sessions or watch recordings of earlier classes.
Crayola offers a range of DIY ornament ideas for children, plus guides for homemade gift tags and other seasonal crafts. PBS Kids and Shutterfly also provide more ideas for holiday art activities to do with kids.
Nadia Carter is a senior writer at Savinly.
