Christmas 2020 will look different than any other Christmas we have had in our lifetime. No parades, parties, events, and you most likely won’t be seeing a lot of family. If you are staying at home this year or social distancing, there are still ways to have fun! I’ve gathered some fun things to do with your significant other, or close friends & family. Me and my friends/family like to plan fun things ahead of time — some of these events will require planning, but that makes it more fun! Happy holidays, and have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Movie Night

Host a movie marathon night! I love Christmas movies, and I watch my favorites every year: Elf, Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Plan what movies you want to watch, make food, dessert, and cocktails! Cozy the house up with the tree light and some candles. You could also put on Christmas PJs! Christmas movie nights are my favorite.

Bake Cookies

Another Christmas tradition I grew up with, my mom always made sooo many cookies. We’d give them to our teachers and neighbors, and make mini cookie snack plates every night. Have a baking day and make fun cookies! It’s a great activity for mom, kids, your boyfriend, etc. This list of cookies is great.

Gingerbread house competition

This is another activity I grew up doing. My mom makes homemade icing (the stuff that dries fast) and we use graham crackers and all sorts of candies, cereal, etc. Get creative! We have a competition at my house and you have to be REAL creative, some notable winners: Fenway Park and The UP! House.

Reindeer games / winter olympics

This list is turning into what the Ripas do for fun — but seriously, we love planning events. Over summer we had a “Ripa Olympics” and made a bunch of events and scored them like the Olympics. We have thought of making a Winter Olympics game day — with Christmas themed games. This list is awesome!

Drive around and look at christmas lights

Make some hot cocoa, find out where the cool Christmas light houses are in town, and make a night of it! Play Christmas music and look at all the pretty decorated houses.

make crafts

This is good to do with the kids — or add cocktails and make it a fun adult event! There are so many Christmas crafts you can make (just look on Pinterest). Some of my favorites are: garland (popcorn, oranges), ornaments, Christmas cards, snowflakes, wreath making!

cocktail night

I love holiday cocktails (see my favorites here, and here). Have a cocktail night and make Christmas themed cocktails! Bonus points for coming up with a creative named for your drink.

host a virtual party

This will probably be the #1 thing people do this year. Zoom has taken over all of our lives. Host a virtual party — and make it fun! Require a theme or dress code, and let people know ahead of time to bring drinks or food. I’ve seen some people send out a gift bag to participants before the call so they can all participate on cocktail making or cookie decorating together!

board game night

This is something that got us through quarantine — game night! We love board games and card games. Some of our favorites: Coup, Phase 10, Scattergories, and Sushi Go. If you don’t have any boardgames, a deck of cards can be fun by itself. Our favorite card game is Asshole!

powerpoint night

This is something Gen Z has taught me on Tiktok (lol). Everyone makes a powerpoint and presents on a big screen. It can be about anything - I find these HILARIOUS. I am dying to do this with my friend group. Look it up on Tiktok if you are still confused!