It’s that time of the year when you can shop till you drop. However, certain microscopic parasites from the Eastern world had other plans. They locked us down in our homes and went out on a rampage by themselves. In short, these viruses have ruined our usual holiday plans.
Online shopping seems to be the only saving grace. Well, don’t worry, you can still make merry. Wondering how? The answer is simple. Spend quality time with your near and dear ones.
Here’s a 10-step guide as to how to make the most of this holiday season.
Step 1
Indulge in DIY activities
Get out of your comfort zone. Try something new. From ideas to decorate your house to creative gifts, there are a plethora of options. Personalized handmade gifts always hold a special place in all our hearts. You can find online videos to make ornaments, jewelry, handmade cards, or embroidery. Engage your children as well and create something magical together.
Step 2
Bake cookies at home
Bring out the pastry chef in you. Instead of store-bought cookies, make sure you bake them yourself. Making a gingerbread house from scratch can be immensely satisfying. Pinwheel, shortbread, peanut butter, and melted snowman – it’s time to go all guns blazing. Hands covered with flour dust. Aprons smeared with chocolate. The kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. A perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Step 3
Decorate & dress up
Beautify your homes. When you put up lights and decoration, it creates a pleasant ambiance. Your walls scream that the holidays have begun. Embrace that feeling. Your DIY handiwork will come in handy now. So what if you can’t go out and party all night. Get dressed and celebrate the moment with your family at home. Say cheese, pout for that selfie!
Step 4
Celebrate virtually
Hosting parties online are trending big time. People are still hesitant to venture outdoors. Social gatherings have become scarce. Even weddings and birthdays are being hosted live through virtual apps. Your guests are on your computer screen. It does sound a bit weird but better safe than sorry. Cheers to virtual parties.
Step 5
Binge-watch movies
Plan a movie night with your family. Make some popcorn. Head to your sofa, sit back, and binge-watch your all-time favorites. Re-watching old movies can be an overwhelming experience. You know the dialogues by heart and hum along with those familiar tunes. It’s fun to be couch potatoes once in a while.
Step 6
Cook a meal together
Home-cooked meal rules the roost. Forget those fancy restaurants and rave parties. Rediscover yourself by cooking a meal together. Digging into uncooked food and making a mess of the kitchen. Getting a fond scolding from your mother or spouse. Putting our a culinary treat for your family. Little things can bring ultimate joy. Cherish the moment; relish the food.
Step 7
Play family games
When was the last time you played a game with your family? Don’t rack your brains too hard. It must be a long time ago. Switch off your mobile phones and switch on your gaming mode. From Pictionary to Scrabble, Monopoly to Hometown USA, you can stick to board games. Else, head to your backyard and play blindfold or hopscotch or tug-of-war. Roll the dice!
Step 8
Go down memory lane
Take some time out and relive your childhood days. Don’t forget to cover your nose as you bring down the dusty photo albums from the attic. Refresh your memories; go through your old pictures and videos. Ask the elders to share interesting anecdotes and have a hearty laugh.
Step 9
Write letters
Technology has made us lazy to the core. Thanks to auto-correct options on our laptops, we don’t remember simple spellings. Typing on a keyboard is a mechanical process. Penning down a hand-written letter has its charm. It speaks your mind and has a lot of emotions attached to it. Letters have a lasting effect, as there’s no backspace option. Write a letter to your beloved and see how their eyes gleam with pride.
Step 10
Donate for a good cause
Holidays are fun. Make sure you spread the joy as much as possible. Donate for a good cause, give time to a charity, prepare food for the underprivileged, buy the essentials. There’s an endless amount of things you can do to make a difference. Grab the opportunity and go for it.
Chit-chat and put on some fat. Eat, treat, and go for a repeat.
The holidays have begun, cheer up and get it all done.