A Different Kind of Holiday Season
Once Thanksgiving hits, it feels like nonstop holiday fervor until after the first week of January. Although the holidays can often mean time off, delicious treats, and a chance to reflect on the year, it can also be difficult for many reasons. For one, it focuses a ton on family, which can be difficult for some, and it also basically requires a lot of food, socializing, and spending - gifts, and party favors galore. Not things that everybody likes, or can necessarily afford.
However, this year, things are probably going to be a bit different. Lots of people don’t feel safe getting together, whether it’s due to travel or due to friends and family being part of the at risk population. Parties and events will be minimal if any, especially in states like Illinois which have enacted stricter regulations again recently. Many people are jobless, spending will be down, and despite our best efforts, the holidays will most likely feel pretty subdued this year.
But we don’t have to give up completely, I have a few ideas in mind for how to salvage my holiday season as best as I can --
I know it’s a pale comparison, but technology will come in clutch. I have some people in my family who are in the high risk category so I won’t be able to see them this year, but we’re already planning on doing certain celebrations over Zoom. It’s not nearly as good as in-person but it’s better than nothing at all! Utilize any video chat you have available to at least call and say hello during the holidays.
Presents can be whatever you want. Budgets might be tighter this year, but something I know I won’t be skimping on is handwritten notes. Getting mail is one of the major highlights we have left, and getting something thoughtful that you can touch and save, is a better gift than we often think. I even ordered some custom stationary from Basic Invite and am working with them this holiday season! More about them below!
Don’t skimp on the food. You might be tempted to not go all out with your favorite holiday meals, without a big group to share them with, but I say make them anyways! I am even going to try and make a pie from scratch this year (my first time!) so I can still have some of my favorite holiday dessert! Food can bring so much joy, and cooking itself is a great way to spend any extra time you may have during the holidays without as many people around. You could even make something portable and mail them out as gifts too!
Decorate. I have never been one for decorations. I usually think it’s silly that people spend so much money on holiday decorations that they can only really use for a month or so out of each year. HOWEVER, this year I changed my mind. We have to spend so much freaking time in our own houses right now, that we all deserve to have a cozy, themed, cinnamon scented space for as long as we want.
Do as much as you can that makes you happy. There are different rules everywhere right now, and as long as you’re being safe for yourself and your family, and not putting anyone else at risk - then celebrate how you see fit. You owe it to society to do your part to stay healthy, but you don’t owe it to society to explain your every move. Do what’s right for you and your family and stay safe and healthy this season.
Ok! This post is sponsored by Basic Invite so if you want to know more about them, keep reading! I have a discount code as well ;)
Basic Invite is a stationary company that specializes in complete personalization of your order. And I mean complete. Once you select a design for stationary or cards, you can change the color of every single element on the card down to the envelope. Because the cards are so heavily personalized, you also have the option to order custom samples so you can be absolutely sure you like your version before ordering a whole bunch of them. I personally love their basic stationary options. They are absolutely gorgeous and I love using them for everything from thank you cards, to birthday wishes, to simple notes.
Right now, they’re offering 15% off with the code 15FF51. Click on any of the links below to see for yourself. Their holiday selection has just been released and they are beautiful for if you typically send holiday cards or even if you wanted to get into it this year since we are all so distant.
Office Christmas Party Invitations
Love this one for friends!
The options are honestly endless. No matter what you want to showcase for the holidays.