Holiday 2020 — How was your holiday different?

The holidays may have looked a bit different this year. I know they certainly were different for me. This sums up how my Christmas in 2020 was different from other Christmases.

1. More time — I had more time, so what did I do? I baked, and I don’t even consider myself a baker. But this year, baking was a way of staying busy and de-stressing. I baked cookies, candy, cakes, and pies — nothing that was terribly difficult. And once I was done baking, I promptly distributed the baked goods to nearby family and friends.

2. Less shopping — Usually I like to get out into the hustle and bustle of a crowded shopping mall to get a few gifts. Call me crazy, but there’s just something about getting out in the crowd that reminds me it’s THAT time of the year. But not this year. I didn’t buy as much, and what I did buy with the exception of a few gift cards that I picked up at Publix, I ordered everything online.

3. Missed family members — I was fortunate that I saw MOST of my family members, but it was the first Christmas that I can remember that I didn’t see my parents. They were missed of course, but it was more important for them to stay home, so we’ll be able to see them when the pandemic is under control. (Fingers-crossed for next year!)

4. Traditions — I missed some of my usual traditions like shopping, going to church services, and visiting with people we don’t get to see often. My husband and I usually have a special night out during the holidays where we go to dinner and then do something Christmassy. A couple of years ago we went to see the Atlanta Symphony perform the soundtrack of “Love Actually,” one of our favorite holiday movies. This year we had a stay at home “date” with a nice dinner and tickets for the Andrea Bocelli holiday concert that was streamed. It was perfect!

Different is not always bad. It was nice spending more time at home and having more time in general. And when all is said and done, perhaps we’ll incorporate some of the things we did in 2020 as traditions for holidays to come.

What are some new holiday traditions you and your family initiated this year?