How to Celebrate Christmas in New York in 2020
Here’s how to make sure your family has the best Christmas possible, despite how weird this year is.
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Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
Christmas movies get everyone in the spirit, no matter what's going on around them.
Have a Christmas Cookie Bake Off
May the best baker win. Here’s some recipe inspiration.
Sing Christmas Carols
Lots of Christmas carol concerts are going virtual this year, like the Canturbury Cathedral, the Salisbury Cathedral, Lambace Palace, and Childline’s. Many are collecting money for good causes, too.
RELATED: Family Christmas Activities and Events in the New York Area
Send out a Video Christmas Card
If you’re missing family this year, why not make your Christmas card more interactive than ever? Instead of sending out a traditional card with a photo of your family, send out a video! Each person can take turns giving an update on their life, or you can compile pictures and videos from the last year to give them a little inside look at how life has been.
Learn how Other Cultures Celebrate Christmas
You’ve celebrated Christmas the same way year after year in your house. This year, take a look into how Christmas is celebrated in other countries. Maybe you’ll pick up some ideas that your family wants to try out, like decorating your house with green, gold, red, and white flower wreaths like they do in Argentina! Use this map to explore how other cultures celebrate the holiday.
Create a Family Volunteer Project
The holidays are the perfect time to give back, and doing it as a family is even more rewarding. Maybe your family wants to donate to a food drive or food bank. There are plenty of opportunities to give back in the New York area, whether it's in-person or from the comfort of your home. You can also have your family give back to the first responders and frontline workers of this pandemic by delivering food to hospital workers or writing thank you cards to their teachers.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Why not make gift giving a little more interesting this year (like everything else)? Hide clues around the house that point to where each gift is hidden.
Have an Ugly Sweater Contest
There are so many hilarious ugly Christmas sweaters for kids this season. Have family members who can’t be around join over Zoom and pick someone to be the judge!
Buy Matching Christmas Pajamas
If you’re not getting dressed up for this year’s holiday, you may as well have adorable matching Christmas PJs to wear to Christmas dinner!
