Christmas and many holidays that many people celebrate in December will look very different this year. Although everyone is stuck at home during the Holiday season and many events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn’t mean that the Holiday season is cancelled. There are many things that can be done this Holiday season in order to make the best out of it.

1. Christkindlmarket. This German-themed Christmas market is usually held annually at the Daley plaza. Sadly, the market has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vendors who usually participate in the event will be selling products online from November 1st to December 31st.
2. Go see some Christmas lights. These beautiful displays of holiday lights have not been cancelled. There are festive displays at various locations including Zoolights, the Morton Arboretum, the City of Chicago Christmas Tree, and the Magnificent Mile.
3. Bake. Many people have used this time to improve their baking skills. There are many Holiday recipes that you can make this year including gingerbread cookies, cake.
4. Donate some toys. On every Holiday season, many children would benefit from donations. However, the need is greater than ever this year, during a time when so many people have been devastated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations such as The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Cradles to Crayons support children during the holiday season and throughout the entire year. Since the Christmas season is meant to be about giving, why not?
5. Host a virtual party. Although nobody can be with their extended families in person this season, they can still be together somehow thanks to Zoom and other video meeting platforms. Everyone can play games together, do some icebreakers, have dinner, or just have family conversations.
6. Make a Holiday playlist. If the sound of Holiday music playing in the background is being missed, make a playlist of Holiday-themed songs and put it on repeat.

These are a few of the many activities that can be done this Holiday season in order to make the best out of it despite the situation.

For more ideas, go to these websites:

https://www.postable.com/blog/holiday-season-ideas/ 

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g34452103/quarantine-christmas-ideas/