Covid-19 has disrupted our usual holiday traditions, so this year is a chance to set aside the old playbook and revive cherished Christmas customs with a fresh, modern twist.
If you’re left-handed, you’ve likely heard how “creative” lefties are. It’s not a cliché: creativity often comes from adapting to a world built for right-handed people. This year, Covid-19 has nudged many of us into the same kind of inventive mindset. Beyond baking sourdough and adding houseplants, creativity has meant finding ways to keep children occupied during isolation, sourcing scarce supplies, and rethinking holiday plans.
Many families will spend the season alone or with only immediate household members. Video calls help, but not everyone has the setup or the inclination to rely on screens for holiday connection. So what can we do? For a while I considered skipping the holidays altogether, but then I remembered how people marked Christmas during much harder times. Families during World War II still celebrated while worrying about loved ones overseas. If they could observe the season amid uncertainty, we can find ways to honor the holidays during a pandemic—perhaps by going a little bolder with decorations and reviving older traditions.
Bring out the cheeriest, tackiest ornaments, bake the sugary treats your grandmother used to make, hang garlands in the windows, and wrap the front door in festive paper. The point is to embrace creativity and nostalgia: reinvent traditions that fit this year instead of clinging to ones that don’t.
Old-Fashioned Presents for Today
When kids have already accumulated more toys than space allows, consider gifts that encourage activity, skill-building, and time together. Here are some classic ideas updated for modern life:
Ice skates – A timeless favorite for families in colder climates. Skating gets kids outside for exercise and fresh air.
Wooden model kits – Ship, house, or stagecoach kits give children (and adults) a focused project that builds patience and pride in a finished piece.
Board games – Classic tabletop games like Chinese checkers or Parcheesi encourage family interaction and screen-free fun for hours.
Practical gifts – Warm mittens, sturdy shoes, or a cozy sweater can be meaningful, useful, and teach appreciation for thoughtful, functional gifts.
Home knits – Handmade hats, scarves, or sweaters have long-lasting sentimental value. Even beginners can often complete a simple scarf in time for the holiday.
Garden seeds – Pack seeds in decorated brown bags or small tins with planting instructions. This gift is personal, sustainable, and encourages future growth—literally.
Oh Christmas Tree!
Our first shared tree as a young couple was a thin, Charlie Brown-style tree with a few homemade decorations. That pioneer spirit of simple, handmade decorations is a perfect fit for this year.
Cranberries – Stringing cranberries creates a classic, natural garland. If you have a real tree, the birds will appreciate the leftover berries when the tree is returned outdoors.
Popcorn – Popcorn garlands are nostalgic and fun to make. For best results, pop the corn one day and string it the next so it’s a little stale and less likely to crumble. Skip the butter for cleanliness. This project suits older children who can handle a needle safely.
Paper chains – Bright paper chains add color and charm. Use construction paper, scrapbook sheets, or leftover wrapping paper. Cut strips about 1–1½ inches wide and 5 inches long; younger kids can help glue and assemble the rings.
Homemade wreath – A handmade wreath brings a welcoming touch to your home. Consider using dried citrus, greenery, or other pantry items to craft a fragrant, old-fashioned wreath.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Take care of yourself this season too. Learning or finishing a craft can lift spirits and create a new personal tradition. Buy a kit or assemble supplies for a project to enjoy on Christmas Day or in the days leading up to it.
Try an embroidery or quilt kit, a bath-bomb set, or a baking kit for cinnamon rolls. Cooking and crafting kits provide structure, a sense of accomplishment, and a homemade result to savor.
You could also try a simple kitchen project that yields treats to share with household members—homemade soft cheese or ginger beer are examples of hands-on gifts that reward patience and effort.
All Around the House
Keep the holiday mood alive throughout your home with small rituals and sensory cues:
Play Christmas music regularly—start now and let familiar carols create cheer and continuity.
Bake seasonal treats like mini fruitcakes or spiced cookies. The scent of baking fills the house with festive comfort.
Change the way you serve meals. If you usually host a large dinner, try an appetizer-focused evening, small plates, or a menu inspired by another culture. New foods and serving styles can refresh the holiday experience.
This year has been different in almost every way. Embrace that difference where you can: reach out to loved ones by phone or letter, reinvent decorations and presents, and focus on meaningful activities you can safely enjoy. Revive old traditions, adapt them to today’s circumstances, and give yourself credit for meeting this unusual year with creativity and heart.
Still looking for some 2020-appropriate gift ideas? Socially distant, thoughtful options can make this season memorable in new ways.