Holiday Activities To Do At Home This Year

This is our 2019 Christmas card photo that we did as a joke last year, but turns out it has strong 2020 vibes. Yikes. Maybe it was an omen.

We will likely be staying put in Chicago this Christmas due to covid cases spiking and wanting to keep ourselves and our families safe. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feel a little bummed about missing time with family and friends, but I keep reminding myself it’s just for a year. I’m trying to find ways to keep things festive and still feel connected to our loved ones, even from a distance! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate from home this year, maybe my list will give you some inspiration.

Walking Christmas Lights Tour // This can also be easily done driving in your own neighborhood and is socially-distanced friendly! A few of my friends and I are going to get bundled up and walk around downtown to see a few of the beautiful trees and lights. Some must-see classics on our list in Chicago – The Wrigley Building tree, the Water Tower tree, base of the John Hancock Center, Peninsula hotel and Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Gold Coast.

Holiday Movie & Pajama Day // Nothing better than a Saturday or Sunday spent in PJs, cuddled on the couch watching movies. A few of my favorites? It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, Elf, Just Friends (I consider this a holiday flick), Home Alone, The Bishops Wife. Let me know your favorite holiday movie in the comments below!

Video Cookie Decorating Date // Since my mom and I won’t be together this holiday season, we are going to do a zoom cooking decorating day! Just getting our sugar cookies and frosting ready to have a video frost-off from our kitchens.

Make a Hot Chocolate Bar and Cookie Charcuterie Board // I could probably make oatmilk hot chocolate every single night, but I do want to set up a little hot chocolate ‘bar’ at home with all the toppings, like marshmallows, chocolate shavings and peppermint sticks. Pairing it with a full cookie board for a sweet evening.

DIY Wreath Making // I’m planning to order a DIY wreath kit from the local Chicago shop Flowers for Dreams to do at home, but there’s also some really pretty wreath kits offered on Etsy!

Cookie and Gift Drop Offs // Luckily, dropping off small treats and gifts to front doors is still a safe activity! I’m planning on playing ‘elf’ one afternoon and surprising friends with a few goodies to spread joy at the end of this crazy year.