5 Ways to Make Your Next Holiday at Home Extra Special

As the holidays draw near, many of us are starting to plan our celebrations. But if you're like most people this year, it may not be possible to travel or get together with family and friends as usual. However, that doesn't mean you can't make the best of it! Here are five ways to make the next holiday at home extra special.

1. Decorate with Your Favorite Holiday Traditions.

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like decorations. So get creative and make your favorite holiday traditions come to life indoors, whether it's a tree, lights, or handmade snowflakes. Not only will this help set the tone for the season, but it will create memories that last long after the holidays are over.

Decorating is one of the best ways to prepare your house for the holidays. If you're feeling crafty, you can go all out with handmade decorations that are as unique as festive. 

Here are some great choices: 

• Handmade paper snowflakes
• Wreaths made with pinecones and berries
• Holiday-themed pillows and throws
• String lights around the windows and mantel

2. Have a Movie Marathon Night in Your Next Holiday at Home. 

Who doesn't love a cozy night spent curled up on the couch watching their favorite holiday movies? So gather some popcorn, blankets, and pillows, and pick out some classic films you can enjoy together. Add a perfectly chilled wine to fully relax and enjoy the movie. This is also a great time to reminisce about the film you've seen over the years and create some new favorites! 

Some movies you might enjoy and their short summary: 

• Elf (2003): Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, travels to New York to find his birth father and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

• The Grinch (2018): The Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas for all of Whoville but is eventually moved by the kindness of the townspeople. 

• Home Alone (1990): Eight-year-old Kevin is left home alone when his family accidentally forgets him and goes on vacation. He must defend their house against two bumbling burglars. 

• Love Actually (2003): A romantic comedy that follows multiple intertwining storylines, all connected by the theme of love in the days leading up to Christmas.

3. Enjoy a Virtual Holiday Concert. 

In times like these, many musicians have taken their shows online. There are plenty of virtual concerts that you can stream from home this holiday season, so take advantage of them! Whether it’s a Christmas recital or a New Year’s Eve extravaganza, get everyone together for an evening of music and merriment. 

Here are some apps that will help you find virtual holiday concerts: 

• Bandsintown
• Livestream
• YouTube Live
• Vevo
• Eventbrite

4. Host a Virtual Family Gathering. 

With technology on our side, there’s no need to miss out on all the family fun this year. Set up a video chat with your loved ones, and enjoy each other’s company just like you would if you were all together in person. You can even organize a game night or a cooking competition to make it extra special! 

Make your virtual family gathering fun by playing virtual games. For example, you can guess these riddles from Bright Side and see if adults can get them right faster than kids.

5. Take Part in a Local Community Event. 

Check out what your local community offers this year, and join in. Taking part in a local community event during the holidays can be a great way to connect with others, spread holiday cheer, and give back to your community. 

Here are a few ways to get involved in a local event: 

• Volunteer. Many community events rely on volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, and other tasks. Contact the event organizers to see if they need volunteers and sign up to help.
• Attend. Attending a local community event can show support and help spread holiday cheer. Bring your family and friends along for a fun outing.
• Donate. Some community events may accept donations of food, toys, or other items. Check with the organizers to see if there is a donation drive you can contribute to.
• Perform. If you have a talent, consider sharing it with the community by performing at a local event. This could be singing, playing an instrument, or doing a holiday-themed skit.
• Spread the word. Help promote the event by sharing information on social media or putting up posters around town. The more people know about the event, the more successful it will be. 

Conclusion

Holidays may get stressful to plan and organize, but it is always special when you spend it with those closest to your heart. Bookmark this page and make your next holiday memorable and meaningful even without leaving home.