“If we took a holiday, it would be so nice.” Madonna’s lyrics ring truer than ever this year!

From a grueling election cycle to the ongoing stress of living in a Covid world, we could all use an escape. While there is promising news on the horizon about vaccines, we still have a while until they can make an impact on society. Until then, scientists are asking us to avoid things like travel and group gatherings which are normally quite popular this time of year. This doesn’t mean the holidays are canceled. It’s an opportunity to get creative in hopes that next year this experience will be a thing of the past. Here are some ideas:

There’s No Place Like Online for the Holidays

There are so many traditions associated with the season that involves gathering. Typically, my Instagram feed would start showing me how it’s the one time of year people party with their co-workers; families decorate their trees or experiment with new latke recipes; and gays bust out their velvet blazers to attend fundraisers for organizations like Toys for Tots. Who says these activities can’t be moved, or even improved, by taking them online?

If your workplace has become a zoom screen, you can repurpose it for the company holiday party. If everyone is supplied with the same set of ingredients, competitions like gingerbread house making translate well when putting your laptop in the kitchen. Figure out the best personalities, or bring in a guest, to play the host and/or judge. There are free apps such as Elfster or Draw Names that can be downloaded to participate in a secret Santa gift exchange. Everyone can still wear their ugly sweaters!

Family traditions that you have to skip this year can also be moved online. Schedule a set time with your parents and siblings when you can all decorate your trees in your respective homes. You can also light candles in menorahs or kinaras and recite the prayers together. Now that you’ve opened the door to having some of these experiences online, maybe there are more people you’d like to include. Go through your list of family, friends, and exes you’re still in touch with. Nobody wants to feel alone.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Covid-Safe

If you are doing any in-person gathering beyond people in your household, you must keep it as safe as possible. We have learned it is considerably safer to be outside when socializing, but that can be challenging at this time of year, depending on the climate where you reside. If being outdoors is possible for you, then it’s time to lean into it. Your backyard might not typically be a hub for holiday décor, but if you’ll be spending significant time there, it should be. Cozy blankets can make outdoor chairs much more inviting and also double as a gift. Hot drinks can also be delicious cocktails, like spiked ciders or cocoas. When it comes to serving, avoid buffets or family-style food. This is the year of the individual cheese and charcuterie plate!

Define spaces for guests so it’s easy to remember to keep distance. Flower arrangements can help map out six feet between guests on a long table.

We also know that mask-wearing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of Covid. Have some fun with them! Offer your guests holiday-themed masks that will make everyone smile. They can define who’s naughty and nice or represent the seven nights of Kwanzaa, eight nights of Hannukah, or the twelve days of Christmas.

It’s not going to feel the same as years in the past. Nothing does this year. But the health and safety of everyone’s loved ones are what’s most important. And remember, all traditions start somewhere. This might be the year of innovation that creates new ways of celebrating that stick with us for years to come.