The holidays look a bit different this year as many of us will be skipping the usual family gatherings to keep each other safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. For some people this means more time spent alone, which can be tough at any time of the year. If you will be spending more time by yourself than usual this year, check out our list of ways to enjoy the holidays on your own.

Plan a festive virtual celebration

Will you be joining a virtual holiday party? Plan your celebration ahead of time to ensure your virtual gathering has festive activities that will be enjoyed by all. Secret Santa, gift exchanges, and enjoying holiday meals together can all be done virtually! Why not get everyone on board for Holiday Trivia, or try out a custom holiday cocktail together? You could offer to do a dramatic holiday reading over Zoom, or host a holiday karaoke party! The internet has endless options for virtual holiday party ideas, so it’s a great opportunity to get creative this season.

Celebrate with your bubble

If it’s possible you may wish to join another household for a small, in-person celebration. Check the latest regulations within your region and refer to the Government of Canada’s resources for planning safe holiday celebrations. If you stay within your bubble, you can enjoy some quality time together for a more low-key holiday.

Write and send holiday cards

We’ve all seen way less of each other this year, so creating meaningful ways to connect has become more of a priority. Sending hand-written cards to your loved ones will brighten their day and create a personal connection even if you cannot be together in person. And let’s be honest, we all love getting snail mail! You can bust out the glitter and glue stick for a more creative ensemble, or use a free online program like Canva to design your own printable or e-cards.

Have a holiday movie marathon

Nothing like a good movie marathon on a snowy day! Kick back on the couch with Kevin McAllister, Buddy the Elf, and all of your holiday pals. You can even invite your real-life friends to join, via Teleparty you can watch Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and HBO with a group.

Become a culinary genius

The internet is packed with recipes for holiday eats and sweets. A personal tradition of mine is making an annual batch of homemade Irish cream. This list from Epicurious has full meal ideas for smaller celebrations. Plus check out this list of 90 holiday cookie recipes, perfect for a cookie swap!

Decorate your place

If you’re like me, setting up holiday lights, decorations, music and candles gets one right in the spirit of the holidays and creates an atmosphere of calm and peace at home, no matter where you are. If you’re on a budget, forego the décor and throw on some fireplace at home videos.

Get crafty

Speaking of décor, making your own decorations can be a fun activity to try over Zoom with friends, or while enjoying your movie marathon! Checkout these ideas for making your own wreath and DIY ornaments.

Volunteer and donate in your community

You can spend your time and money helping others this holiday season, both formally and informally. Informally, offer to get groceries or bake some treats for your neighbour, pay-it-forward and shovel the snow for someone, or drop off essential items at a shelter. ‘Tis the season for random acts of kindness.

If you’re looking for arranged volunteer opportunities, this website posts opportunities to help people in Ontario affected by COVID-19.

Take some time to look up the local organizations in your own community and see how you can help. There may be small things you can do, even from home, that will help someone in need.

Get outside

Do you wanna build a snowman? If you’re able, spending time every day outside is a great way to beat the winter blues and get active. Read our ideas for staying active in the winter here.

Tune in to virtual events

The team at Yankee Candle has setup a Santa Cam for children and parents to access anytime up until December 24. This cam spotlights Santa’s busy life at the North Pole as he builds toys, reads letters, and prepares for his big adventure come Christmas eve. Santa partakes in activities like learning TikTok dances, sketching pictures of Rudolph, painting toys, and more.

New Year’s eve is going virtual this year! This year’s Times Square New Year’s Eve bash will be held virtually over rising COVID-19 infection-rate concerns, allowing users to create avatars to take tours through a digital Times Square.

Checkout EventBrite for more virtual holiday events happening!

How are you celebrating the holidays alone this year? Let us know at content@artsunite.ca!