Christmas in July: Christmas Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

I’ve written one or two Christmas in July posts each year since I began blogging. For the most part, these posts address how to plan for Christmas early so the Christmas season isn’t busy and chaotic (see all of the posts here). This year we’re in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. Though we don’t know for certain what things will look like in December, it is very likely that Christmas this year won’t look like it has in past years.

Many families may choose not to travel in order to minimize their exposure to the virus. Many families may be unable to purchase gifts because they are experiencing unemployment that was brought on by the pandemic. Vulnerable family members (older individuals, immunocompromised individuals, etc.) may choose not to attend gatherings to protect their health. In accordance with social distancing recommendations, kids may be unable to visit Santa at the mall and companies may skip their annual holiday parties.

For most of us, Christmas will look different this year. This will be difficult. However, the sooner we accept this, the sooner we can begin planning ways to make the holiday special in spite of the differences.

Here are some things to consider as we begin planning for Christmas 2020.

Rethink travel

For many families, Christmas usually includes a trip or two to visit loved ones. During this pandemic, traveling by airplane, train, or bus is risky because it requires you to sit in relative close proximity to people you don’t know (people who may have the virus). Depending on the length of your trip, you may sit near these individuals for hours. Because of this, it is wise to consider if you should be traveling. It is less likely you will be exposed to the virus if you drive, though there is still some risk if you are traveling far enough that you must stop for gas and to use the restroom.

If you decide that you are going to travel, then read up on how to protect yourself from the virus while traveling:

• Coronavirus Travel Advice
• Here’s How to Stay Safe When Flying During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Some COVID-19 Restrictions Are Being Lifted. But Is It Safe to Travel?

If you decide to avoid traveling, this doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with loved ones! Check out these ideas that I shared in a previous post about celebrating Christmas with family members who live far away.

Christmas in July: Celebrating Christmas with Family Members Who Live Far Away

Plan for traditional activities that don’t involve close contact with others

I’ve written previously about how rituals and traditions benefit families. These benefits are wonderful all of the time, but they are perhaps especially important during times like this pandemic when we’re facing so much upheaval in our lives. If you have traditions that don’t involve individuals from outside the home, then be sure to take part in these traditions this year. If you don’t have any of these, then you can always start one! Here are some examples:

• Preparing for Christmas with an Advent tradition (our favorite is the Jesse Tree)
• Baking cookies
• Decorating with lights, garlands, wreaths, etc.
• Watching Christmas movies and reading Christmas books
• Driving around to look at Christmas lights (you can even complete a Christmas light scavenger hunt while you do this)
• Giving to charities
• Doing Christmas crafts

Get creative with gifts

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to gifts. One is that crowding into stores on Black Friday isn’t the best idea during a pandemic (in fact, local health regulations may prohibit stores from having large numbers of customers inside them). You may want to consider doing most or all of your shopping online.

A second consideration is that you and/or some of your loved ones may be struggling financially because of pandemic-related unemployment. You may not be in a place financially where you can afford to buy gifts. If this is the case, then you could skip giving gifts entirely or you could consider trying an alternative gift exchange. Many of these cost significantly less than traditional gift exchanges!

Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas

Final thoughts

I don’t think any of us want COVID to be the gift we give our loved ones this Christmas, so let’s be considerate and creative in our Christmas planning.

How do you anticipate the pandemic will impact your Christmas plans? How will you keep Christmas special despite the limitations brought on by COVID?

Shared at the following:

Encouraging Hearts and Home, Over the Moon, and Busy Monday.