There’s no place like home for the holidays; but this year, staying home for the holidays has a whole new meaning. We’ve been bringing you plenty of ideas for celebrating the season in our 2020 Holiday Guide, but here’s another list of activities to do from the comfort of your home, car, or while socially distanced!
Drive Around Looking at Christmas Lights
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show (Photo taken by Elisa Baxt.)
This might already be a tradition of yours, but this year, it’s more popular than ever. Keep it simple and just stick to your own neighborhood, or branch out a bit for something different. To make this activity even more fun, put on festive PJs, bring thermoses of hot chocolate and snacks, and sing Christmas carols. If you’re totally extra, create a scavenger hunt or BINGO board filled with things commonly spotted among house decorations. Here’s a LINK to an example.
Try some of these popular home displays, or visit a light show attraction:
The Lower Bucks Drive Thru Holiday Light Tour
Plan a Family Movie Night
This time of year, piling onto the couch to watch a favorite holiday movie might be happening daily. But there’s still something special about making an event out of it. Pick a movie that the whole family loves, OR have everyone place their vote in advance. One the movie is picked, you could plan a little game to go along with it. (BINGO is always an easy one for all ages.) Make a snack together that goes with the theme. There are tons of ways to get creative with this. (We found this link on Pinterest for some ideas!)
Or, just go for the no-brainer: Put on your coziest pajamas, drink hot cocoa and eat cookies.
If you’re all going stir crazy, take your movie night to the car! December 26 and 27, there are Holiday Drive In events at Snipes Farm and Falls Township Community Park. Get more info and purchase tickets HERE.
Get Crafty
(Photo by Michelle Reese)
Make ornaments. Build gingerbread houses. Cut out snowflakes to add some cheer when the other decorations come down. Create DIY gifts that you can drop off to surprise some friends. If you’re not naturally crafty, Pinterest is your friend here as the ideas are limited only by your craft supplies (or access to a craft store.)
Here are a few suggestions:
15 Dollar Store Christmas DIYs
Star Garland, Easy Homemade Clay Recipe
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Family Game Night
Put away the electronics (unless it’s a game the whole family can play!), and go old-fashioned with a good ol’ board game or puzzle.
Get in The Kitchen
(Photo by Michelle Reese)
Some of the best holiday memories are often made in the kitchen or around a table! If you’re skipping the big family gatherings this year but know you’ll miss your mom’s stuffing ALMOST as much as her hugs (not seriously, but seriously), THIS is the year to try your hand at making it yourself. Even better? Get on a Zoom call and make it together – virtually. And to make memories with your own kids, get them involved in making this year’s festive meals.
If sweet treats are what your holiday dreams are made of, get baking! You probably have your own favorite recipes, but HERE are some recipes if you’re looking for more.
You could also give your local bakery a call to see if they’re offering cookie kits for you to decorate at home! (Piazza’s Bakery in Levittown and Bredenbeck’s in Chestnut Hill are just two offering kits.)
And if cooking is the LAST thing you feel like doing after all this time at home in 2020, treat the family by ordering festive foods from your favorite local spot! (Get some ideas of where to order from HERE.)
See a Virtual Show
The holidays are typically a wonderful time to go see a local show. With the pandemic taking a toll on local theater, you can show your support and get your live theater fix by streaming a show from home.
Here a few suggestions:
“Artrageous”
A free virtual performance presented by Bucks County Community College on December 23
Bucks County Playhouse
Kim Sledge: Home for the Holidays streaming December 24 through January 1
A Christmas Carol streaming now through January 3
The Playhouse Merry Little Christmas Concert streaming December 18 through January 1
Music Mountain Theatre
Holiday Concert streaming now through December 31
Frosty the Snowman streaming now through January 1
Roxey Ballet Company Channel
The Nutcracker streaming now through January 1
Attend an Outdoor Local Attraction
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum (Photo by Michelle Reese)
Sure, many of the area’s typical events have been cancelled, but there ARE still ways to get out and celebrate while still staying safe. (Of course, everyone has their own comfort levels, but we’ve found that the vast majority of people are respectful of everyone’s space and following guidelines.) So bundle up, don a festive mask, and enjoy!
Here are a few suggestions of places to go:
Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square
Colonial Gardens in Phoenixville
Franklin Square in Philadelphia
