The holiday season is upon us. We’ve been cooped up in our homes for the longest time and we miss reconnecting with our loved ones.
However, this December, you might be forced to reconsider your holiday plans and avoid travelling to keep your family and friends safe and healthy.
But it doesn’t have to feel like the other days we’ve experienced during the year. You can still create a festive atmosphere if you won’t be travelling upcountry to see your family.
Here are some enjoyable things you can do without having to jeopardize your health or your loved ones.
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Put Up a Christmas Tree
This may sound like something you only did when you were a child but it brings in the Christmas spirit and makes you more festive. What better way to bring out the cheer than getting a Christmas tree and decorating it?
Surprisingly, some people already put up trees at the beginning of December. Others put up the tree and decorate it closer to Christmas.
But where did they buy them from and does it have to be a real tree? The first place you should look is online. Do some research and narrow your options in terms of the price and the size.
Companies hold Christmas sales and sell items at a reduced price. Be on the lookout for that. Find a tree that fits property in your sitting room without taking up too much space.
Additionally, an artificial tree works best so that you reuse it for years to come.
Take a Virtual Tour from the Couch
Gone are the days when you needed to physically travel to a place to see what it has to offer. The internet is such a beautiful place because you can find anything with a little time and patience.
You could take virtual tours to see historical sites, monuments, museums and galleries around the world to learn about their culture if this is something that interests you.
Use a virtual app like Google Earth and Google Arts and Culture to watch the magic happen. You’ll feel like you’re right there in that place.
Have a Watch Party with Family and Friends
The only thing that has kept most of us sane staying at home is binge-watching on shows that we never had the time for before the pandemic.
This trend can come in handy especially if you involve your family members when you can’t physically be together. There are plenty of Christmas movies to watch and review with your people. You can even plan to have a virtual party so that it doesn’t feel so alone.
Is it Christmas without eating nyama choma and the full buffet Kenyan meal? What is stopping you from replicating the same experience at your place?
Donate to the Less Fortunate
Even though we should give all year, Christmas season is the time to spread the joy and share with the less fortunate. And we are not talking about the old torn, clothes you don’t wear. Yes, you can remove those but also remember these are human beings you’re giving to. They also deserve good things.
With all the time you’ll have on your hands, it could be time to declutter and reorganize your space. You can donate clothes, toys and other things you feel can be helpful. If you don’t have that many things to give, you can shop for foodstuff and non-perishable items to donate.
A neat and less crowded space leaves room for new things you might want to add in the new year. Maybe you’re thinking of getting new furniture like a sofa or a bed.
If you must travel…
Your family’s safety is of utmost importance. Remember to follow these guidelines.
- Avoid direct contact which means no shaking hands or hugging
- Host the get together outside which is open and airy
- Open windows and doors to increase ventilation in the house
- If you’ll be in a tent, leave the sides open for ventilation
- Always have your mask on unless you’re eating or drinking
- Carry extra masks and sanitizers just in case someone doesn’t have
- One person to serve meals to avoid many people touching the utensils
- Wash your hands often or use a sanitizer with over 60% alcohol
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
The overall goal is to stay safe during the Christmas season and afterwards. We’ve made it this far into the year. Let’s continue watching over ourselves and being mindful of other people’s safety. The only way we can beat this is if we are our brothers and sisters keepers.
Happy Holidays!
