Did you know that Dr. Fauci confirmed Santa Claus is immune to COVID-19? 

What a relief. Because parents all over, not just in the United States, but across the world are feeling the pressure and fatigue of pandemic life. So many things are unsure, unexpected, and unprecedented. Realistically, they’re also unpredictable. That’s why it’s such a relief to know Santa Claus is immune to COVID-19 and our kids will have some kind of respite from all of the chaos the pandemic has caused. 

Although children are generally resilient, it goes without saying that they have been affected by the changes in their day-to-day lifestyle. From school closures to being unable to visit Grandma and Grandpa, our kids have been through it this year. From virtual birthday parties to skipping holidays with the whole family, traditions are largely impacted. 

That’s why this year, it’s so important to focus on the meaning of the season in order to keep spirits bright. How can we make this holiday season magical and the most wonderful time of year? 

Here are some ideas. 

1. Create New Traditions 

Traditions, naturally, are the types of things you’d like to be able to do over and over again at the holidays because it makes them feel … well, like the holidays! But even if you’re not able to host the annual Christmas Eve Celebration at your home the way you’ve done for the last 10 years, there are still ways to make the evening special. 

You could opt to drop off cards or care packages at family members homes. You could even have a gift exchange, where everyone opens their gifts on Zoom or FaceTime. Creating new traditions will bring you and the kids together. 

Here are some more ideas for activities:

• Christmas Karaoke
• Make Christmas cookies
• Create your own advent calendar
• Build gingerbread houses
• Read Christmas books 
• Let the kids sleep under the tree

2. Tell Santa the Christmas List … on Zoom! 

If you like to bring the kids to get pictures with Santa each year, or they like to go and tell Santa what’s on their Christmas List, fear not! There’s an answer for you. You can schedule time on Zoom for the kids to get to have that chat. 

Pictures at the mall with Santa may be on the “don’t” list this year. This is a great, healthy, and socially distanced alternative to get the kids time with St. Nick. 

3. Movie Marathons 

Sure, we’ve all been watching the TV and using our devices a little bit too much this year. But what’s better than a movie marathon, complete with all of the kids’ favorite snacks and holiday treats? With these 40 Christmas movies for kids, something is definitely going to catch their attention.

One of our favorite traditions is to watch all of the Harry Potter movies between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve. 

4. Up the Holiday Decoration Game

Whether you normally decorate a little or a lot for the holidays, this year is the perfect excuse to load up on Christmas decor. If there was ever a time for holiday decoration overload, this is it. This year, many more people decided to decorate early. In fact, 1 in 4 people are putting up their tree earlier, this year. 

Deck the halls, update your porch decor, and feel the magic of Christmas in your home. 

Don’t put the pressure on yourself to make the holidays perfect this year. Above all else, mama: you’re doing great.

After seeing how much a decorated wreath costs, I decided I wanted to make my own.  I am not especially crafty, but I like to try. 🙂  I was very proud of my results… yes, I am still bragging!  I have already bragged to everyone I know (that includes picture texts to my sisters in Florida and anyone else who comes to my door).  Yes, I am just that dorky proud.  🙂I was checking out prices and to get a wreath similar to mine it would cost $35.  I made mine for so much cheaper!  I wish I would have saved the receipt so I could show you how little I spent.  I got the supplies at Michaels.  I went the day before Thanksgiving when all of their Christmas stuff went on sale. Everything was 50% – 70% off (including the ribbon). They also let me use a 25% off my total purchase coupon that came in the weekend mailer.  So fun, so easy!  You basically just pick out the pieces you like and design them around the wreath, then glue them in.  I only bought one set of red berries and then cut the stems to make more pieces.

Before I made this wreath I had no idea even how to tie a bow. Haha… yes, I meant what I said about not being especially crafty.  Anyway, I watched this How-to video and it was so easy!  I actually used two different ribbons at the same time, but still did the exact same steps as shown below.  Beautiful and oh so easy!

Here are a few more wreaths I made.  I made these for $6.50 each since I already had the ribbon.

 

 

Christmas crafts are so fun! The kids love them, I love them, what’s not to love! This past week I did these foot and hand print Rudolphs (my six year said it looked more like a moose…. haha).  Anyway, the kids were hysterical during it.

The kids giggled like crazy when I helped them paint their feet.  “It’s cold” , “That tickles” ,  “Look at me” , “How will I walk now” , “Hehehehe.”  We had a lot of fun!

Foot and Hand Print Rudolph
So this one is so simple… it is pretty much self explanatory.  Get one foot print and two hand prints.  Cut them out. Glue them together.  Glue on some eyes and use a finger dipped in red paint for the nose.

Holiday Wreaths
The kids also painted and decorated little wreaths to hang up on their doors.  They thought they were pretty cool and tried them out on practically every door.  Cute little monkeys!  Got to love the Christmas excitement though!  I used a paper plate with the center cut out, green paint, and some circles cut from construction paper.