It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but the holiday spirit is definitely different from how it has always been celebrated. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has been taking over part of our everyday lives for almost a year now. Meaning normal holiday festivities like, knocking door to door for candy on Halloween, or gathering together in big groups to celebrate the holiday’s is not possible. 

With the holiday season right around the corner, the CDC has released a recommended list of ways people can stay safe and healthy during seasonal gatherings.  The recommendations focus on the importance of wearing a mask, handwashing, and social distancing, along with new tips like limiting the duration and size of gatherings, and examining recent health behaviors of guests. 

Although this year is different from what we are used to, there are still many ways that we are all able to spread joy and celebrate during this holiday season, here

1. Decorate around the house! Even if you are stuck in quarantine, setting up christmas decorations is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. You can also listen to Christmas music while doing so!
2. Go crazy on the house lights! Since you might have to be entertaining outside more than you usually would this time of year, now is a perfect time to go all out on those festive front lawn decorations. If you really want to go overboard, synch your lights to music and people can drive by and tune in to the radio station! I know one  of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to drive by houses and look at all the lights. 
3. Get your online gift shopping done early! People will be avoiding stores because of the pandemic, which means shipping is definitely going to be delayed for those special holiday gifts we’ve been waiting all year for. Many stores have a lot of sales and discounts going on right now too, so right now is the perfect chance to make sure your packages arrive on time!

It might be hard to not be a little Grinchy because it’s not what we are used to, but when there is a wrong there always has to be a right. When things are different, they often stick out and wrongful situations tend to make the best memories; we all just need to find a way to make the best of it!