7 fun things to make, eat and do at home this Christmas

Looking for fun and creative ways to get in the festive spirit while staying at home over the holidays? These seven socially distant Christmas activities are a great way to keep your family feeling festive and entertained while making the most out of the holiday season.

[Photo Credit: AlexMaster]

Holiday feasting isn’t just for turkey! Why not plan a fancy brunch party at home in your Christmas pyjamas? Order a selection of tasty breakfast dishes from a local restaurant or try your hand at making your own delicious Christmas recipes like sweet sticky buns, gingerbread French toast, or a savoury Christmas casserole. Grownups can enjoy some spirited brunch cocktails like mimosas, coffee spiked with Baileys, and boozy eggnog.

Facials, pedicures, and massages have been much more difficult to enjoy this year. Make the most of your time at home by treating yourself and your family to some much-needed DIY pampering. Put on a plush robe (or stay in your Christmas pyjamas), light a candle, put on some jazzy Christmas music, and plan an indulgent afternoon of skincare and beauty treatments. Hydrating eye gels and a cooling jade roller can reduce puffiness, a homemade hair mask will nourish damaged tresses, while a soak in the tub followed by an exfoliating body scrub will leave your dry skin feeling soft and smooth.

Christmas cookies are one of the best parts of the holiday season and baking is a great activity to do with little ones. Turn on some Christmas music and sing along to some festive tunes while whipping up traditional shortbread, chewy gingerbread, or a batch of classic sugar cookies with decorative icing. If you want to share your gourmet goodies with friends and neighbours, plan a socially distant cookie exchange with curbside drop-offs. Come together online afterwards for a video chat to share your favourite recipes from the Christmas cookie swap

Staying at home this holiday season doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Bundle up in your warmest clothing and get outside for some winter fun. Decorate your front door with a homemade wreath, plan a Christmas-themed backyard scavenger hunt, or take an evening stroll to admire the twinkling lights in your neighbourhood. If there’s snow on the ground, take advantage of the winter wonderland weather and head to a nearby park to go sledding or build a snowman.

The holidays are going to be a difficult time for those working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many unable to spend the season with their families this year. Spread some seasonal cheer by writing thoughtful messages of gratitude and encouragement in Christmas cards to be shared with hardworking nurses, doctors, and essential workers in your local area.

From holiday classics to contemporary Hallmark movies, there are hundreds of festive flicks to enjoy around the Yuletide season. Pick a few of your favourites, settle in on your couch in your Christmas pyjamas, and enjoy a cozy movie marathon complete with seasonal snacks. Watch your favourite holiday cartoons, romantic comedies, and iconic black-and-white films while tucking into Christmas recipes like caramel corn, homemade ‘Nuts and Bolts’, or a gourmet cheese board with wine pairings.

Come together online with friends or coworkers for a festive drink to catch up and toast this out-of-the-ordinary holiday season. Prepare a batch of mulled wine or boozy apple cider beforehand or order DIY cocktail kits from a local restaurant or bar so you can each make handcrafted cocktails at home. Ramp up the festive cheer by asking all the participants to wear their best ugly Christmas sweater.