The decorations. The special recipes. The look on your son’s face when he unwraps that Lego set. The holidays are a time many of us look forward to all year – and we could all use an extra dose of cheer right now.

With COVID-19 surging to new levels across much of the country, 2020 celebrations will clearly be different than in past years. Travel advisories, lockdowns, and social distancing guidelines mean that many extended families are gathering around the glow of a screen instead of the warmth of their homes.

If you’re pining for a holiday where the biggest issue was where to seat your feuding cousins at the dining table, you’re in good company. Even in a typical year, many people struggle with the pressures of the holidays: 50% of adults reported prior to the pandemic that they couldn’t be with loved ones, and 55% found themselves comparing the present with happier memories in the past. With 40% of adults in the U.S. struggling with anxiety or depression during the pandemic, the holidays are likely to be even more stressful for some this year.

So how can you balance the need for normalcy and the need to keep your loved ones safe this season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? These ideas can help you still capture the holiday magic we could all use this year.

What’s off the table this year because of COVID?

First, remind yourself that it’s okay to be sad, mad, or confused about the holidays looking different. Acknowledging feelings of grief and loss, especially if you’ve experienced illness or death in your family this year, helps to process these emotions and find joy amid the challenges.

Knowing what’s off-limits this holiday can help you manage expectations and adjust your plans accordingly. Activities to skip or limit this year include:

• • Local holiday markets. Christkindlmarket in Chicago is one of many holiday events that had to go virtual for the first time this year because of COVID-19. Check to see which markets and festivals in your area may have shifted to a virtual format, and make plans to browse them online instead.
  • In-person shopping. Because of the increased risk of transmission in crowded areas, many retailers are adjusting big holiday sales to be more virtual-friendly throughout the holiday season, including at-home and curbside shopping options.
  • Pictures with Santa. While sitting in St. Nick’s lap may be a no-go this year, check online for COVID-friendly options, like virtual visits to the North Pole. 
  • Large gatherings at home. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is advising against gatherings with people outside your immediate household. Crowded events like school holiday concerts and performances will also be on pause for many communities this holiday season. Keep your eye on CDC recommendations for your area and the country, and consider alternatives like outdoor or virtual celebrations.

How can I still make the holiday special for me and my family?

Even if the pandemic has left you feeling Grinch-like this year, there’s still plenty of holiday fun to be had. No matter what or with whom you celebrate, here are some ideas for a safe and special holiday season.

• Find ways to give back. Nearly half of U.S. adults have had trouble paying their bills as a result of the pandemic. If you’re in a position to do so, donating to charity or doing socially distant charity work is a great way to feel good this holiday season while supporting those who need it most.
• Give your partner or spouse a stay-at-home vacation. Does your partner have the tall task of looking after the kids during the pandemic? Give the gift of time this holiday season by taking some responsibilities off their plate for a few days. Offer to take over the cooking, cleaning, or e-learning, so your partner or spouse can treat themselves to a little TLC.
• Deliver holiday meals to neighbors or friends at a distance. This is a good excuse to whip up those holiday favorites and also get out of the house. Plan a cookie swap among a few homes or have everyone prepare a side dish to exchange for a big holiday meal to lighten the load on your own kitchen.
• Head outside. The risk of COVID transmission is lower outdoors than indoors, so spending time outside is a great way to stay connected with friends, as long as you practice social distancing and stay masked. Invite a few people over for a socially distant bonfire (now is the perfect time to invest in some layers and new winter boots). Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, and other cold-weather sports also make great use of the elements.
• Start a new holiday tradition. Make new traditions that can carry on even after the pandemic is a distant memory. Create a virtual Secret Santa group, try out a new cookie recipe, or research international holiday traditions to adopt going forward.

Finding happiness in a unique holiday season

This holiday season may not be what any of us expected, but it’s also a reminder that family is more important than ever. There are still plenty of ways to make the season memorable – and dare we say fun? – for your and your family. Keep an open mind, be flexible, and stay creative while celebrating the holidays this year.

From all of us at eFinancial, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season.

At eFinancial, our goal is to make life insurance simple, affordable, and understandable for everyday families. This content is intended for educational purposes only. Each post is carefully fact-checked, reviewed and updated regularly to ensure the information is as relevant as possible.