This year, Christmas and New Year's Eve will be like no other, with popular events like Christmas markets, concerts and shows being cancelled. Still, you can choose from a wide range of free and paid online activities to keep yourself busy even though you're locked down and away from your loved ones. Here are some tips.
December 22: Play online games
If you are an amateur of video games or online board games and are currently locked down, it's time to cheer up. There are currently many online gaming competitions, like Christmas Scavenger Hunt to play on Zoom or Skribble to keep you busy during the festive season. Your loved ones back home can join you for some online fun.
December 23: Take part in a Gingerbread competition
Fond of gingerbread? Have you ever thought of sharing your culinary skills with the rest of the world? Thanks to Gingerbread making competitions that are currently available, you can not only showcase your skills but also improve them despite being locked down. You can even invite your friends and family for fun.
December 24: Prepare Christmas treats with your tribe
Wondering what you're going to cook for Christmas dinner? Family gatherings are currently are banned or restricted in many countries, but you can still go virtual. Invite your family members to a Zoom or Skype group to try out the new Christmas recipes you just Googled. You can make some Christmas cookies as well. Cooking classes and competitions are also on for Christmas.
December 25: Plan a Christmas movie marathons
Netflix movie marathons are on. So if you're locked down alone or with your family at home for Christmas, you're going to love this. Consider asking your friends or relatives about their favourite Christmas movies or create your own movie marathon.
December 26: Take part in a beer or wine festival
If you're an expat in the United States, here is a great way to celebrate Boxing Day. Residents of Washington DC, California and Arizona can take part in a craft beer festival offered by the local breweries. By participating, you even stand the chance of winning a gift that will be delivered to your doorstep. There are also virtual wine tasting events in several countries, particularly in Europe. So remember to check your town or city's events calendar.
December 27: Take a virtual tour
Lockdown doesn't mean that you should just sit down and do nothing. Even if you're not likely to take a trip somewhere, consider the virtual tours to castles, galleries or museums offered by qualified guides. You can do this on your own, with your family, or even with your loved ones who are in your home country. But make sure to register early enough. Also, since major Christmas events have been cancelled in many countries, some of them have gone virtual. For example, since December 3, the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in Washington DC can be contemplated virtually every evening from the comfort of your living room.
December 28: enrol for online dance classes
In many countries, pubs and nightclubs will remain closed until further notice, even for Christmas and New Year's Eve. But there are many other ways to dance and swing during this festive season, for example, online dance class. Your friends or family can even join you to have fun together.
December 29: Participate in a virtual karaoke
As entertainment establishments remain closed in many countries, event companies are offering virtual karaoke for all tastes. If you have a passion for singing and don't feel shy to sing in front of an audience, sign up for one of these events. Most of them are being held on Zoom. It will also be an opportunity for you to discover not only international music but also Christmas carols from different cultures.
December 30: Book your seat for a virtual concert
With the current health and travel restrictions, many international artists and choirs had to cancel their tours for the season. The good news is that some of them are offering virtual concerts. So whether you like jazz, classical, retro, pop or house music, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to spread the word around you.
December 31: Sign up for online meditation classes
This year has particularly been a tough one for most of us, even though we had to deal with it in different ways. Since taking care of your mental health is vital, consider joining weekly online meditation and self-awareness classes offered by qualified coaches. Fees are minimal and often consist of a small donation.
