With the holidays approaching and this year looking quite a bit different than most, many Southern Marylanders are looking for different ways to celebrate. If you’re planning to hunker down with your family at home this year, it doesn’t mean you need to give up a festive-feeling holiday season. Here are some simple activities to add to your holiday plans this year that you can do from the comfort of your home:

Set Up Your Zoom Space

For many of us, the holidays are about gathering with those we love. While that is off the table for many this year, it doesn’t mean we have to give up that connection entirely. You’ve probably relied on video calls for both personal and professional reasons over the last year, and now is a great time to continue with that tool. Rather than video chatting with friends and family from your work area though, consider setting up a cozy, comfortable space where you can relax. This can make your calls feel a bit closer to the real thing.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

How often do you use your kitchen? Are you someone who loves to cook? Or do you wish you spent more time in the kitchen? Whatever the case, the holidays at home are a great time to take full advantage of this room in your house. Whether you’re baking up some treats to deliver to a friend or spending an afternoon making cookies with your kids, the kitchen is a great place to gather and create that sense of holiday spirit.

Have a Family Game Night

Staying inside has meant a lot more screen time for all of us, young and old. A family game night is a great way to give you and your kids a break from the screens. Bring out some old favorites or pick up a new game to learn together as a family. Making a little event out of it, even though it’s just your immediate household, can make it feel a bit more special.

Embrace Traditions

Finally, it’s important to remember that gathering isn’t the only tradition most of us have for the holidays. It’s an important one, but this year, we need to think about what else makes the holidays feel festive to us. Maybe it’s decorating your home, baking a specific type of baked good, cooking a traditional meal, or watching a certain movie. Even if your holidays are feeling a lot quieter than in years past, keeping those other traditions alive is a great way to maintain the holiday spirit.

 

How will you be enjoying your Southern Maryland home this holiday season? Are there any at-home activities you’d recommend to other families? Please share your thoughts!