7 Ways to Avoid Being Ghosted By the Spirit of Christmas
By: Tim Ebl
Tags: Travel, Happiness, Holidays, Christmas, Self Help

7 Ways to Avoid Being Ghosted By the Spirit of Christmas

Photo / HitToon / Shutterstock

This is a tough time of the year to be locked up at home, unable to visit family and friends. Travel plans have been cancelled and vacation homes sit empty. Parents won’t see their children home for Christmas this year.

That’s why it is even more important to put thought into our holidays and make the most of them. We can’t do all the things we thought we were going to do. But there’s no point sitting around moaning over broken expectations.

“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’.” — Bing Crosby

Here are 7 ways to make the most of this season and get back some of the good feelings we expect out of our year-end holidays. Don’t let the Christmas Spirit ghost you.

1. Do All the Decorations!

Don’t skimp on the decorating just because you won’t have a full house. What a way to rip yourself off. You deserve to enjoy a tree and some lights.

My wife and I put up the tree, decorated our front gate with garland and lights, plugged in the inflatable Santa and put out the wreath. We are set for the spirit to hit us. Because we took the time to do this, it really did lift our spirits, too.

If the cat would just hold still I’d decorate her too. But she’s too busy trying to knock down ornaments.

2. Make Special Hot Chocolate

The only time I put things like Irish cream or peppermint schnapps in a drink is when we make our Christmas hot chocolate. But you don’t need booze to have your own special Christmas drink.

Go out of your way to celebrate with something a little out of the ordinary. Try making some cider or a new cocktail. Buy some marshmallows and make cocoa.

Here are a few Christmas cocktail recipes you might like. Or how about Betty Crocker’s Christmas cocoa?

You can sit in front of a virtual crackling fire on the Disney + channel and sip your drink while you wait for Olaf to run by.

3. Mail Gifts to Loved Ones

If you normally visit in person but aren’t able to this year, then box up your gift and send it. Don’t worry if it won’t get there in time. Packages with gifts are always welcome!

We sent a box to our son in Australia. There’s no telling when it will arrive, but that’s not the point. It really is the thought that counts with this one. That, plus the North American snacks that we send aren’t available in Australia.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” — Francis of Assisi

It doesn’t have to be something expensive, or perfect. As long as it’s a heartfelt gift, get it in that mailbox. Good items include homemade, home-baked, hand-lettered, and hand-picked. Store-bought is good too!

4. Virtual Party Time!

By now, you probably know what Zoom is. But there’s also Skype. And FaceTime. And a ton of other options.

There’s really no excuse for not having some video face to face with anyone you miss being with this Christmas. If you have internet and a computer, then use it.

If someone has a Zoom account, you can set up a meeting that a bunch of you can join. You can play games, or take turns proposing toasts, or just a free for all conversation. Everyone should get a turn if they want it though, don’t let one person hog the party.

5. Plan Your Festive Meal

This year we won’t all be gathering for giant family meals. That’s just the way it is. But it’s no reason to give up on a special dinner for yourself and any others in your household.

Put some thought into what everyone would enjoy and come up with a good holiday spread. Make sure to pick up your ingredients well ahead of time to avoid being short of anything.

Here are a few ideas to get your mind going on recipes for smaller numbers of people.

6. Christmas Movie Marathon

If you enjoy Christmas movies, then make sure you fit them this holiday season.

“What makes ‘A Christmas Story’ universal, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, is that you recognize that family… It’s ultimately about a family being glued together for the holiday season.” — Marc Platt

Why not watch with friends and family, even if they’re in a different location? There are several ways you can spend time watching the same flicks, like Netflix Watch Parties Chrome Extension.

This site has some good tips on how to watch movies together remotely.

7. Go For a Christmas Light Tour

if your neighborhood has some good displays, then put your festive hot chocolate in a travel mug and go for a tour of their handiwork. They put them out there to be enjoyed. Why not oblige them?

“I love Christmas, not just because of the presents but because of all the decorations and lights and the warmth of the season.” — Ashley Tisdale

When it’s too cold, dark and scary, you can drive around and make an evening of it. Just don’t take that hot toddy in the car with you. Drinking and driving are very un-festive.

7.5 Bonus: Do Something Nice For Others

Remember that this is a hard time of year to be alone, or depressed, or hungry. With the way 2020 has been, even more people than usual find their ship is close to hitting the rocks of despair.

If you have the resources, share a bit. Reach out wherever you can. Donate food, clothes or toys. Volunteer some time to help a charity.

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” — Charles M. Schulz

If there is someone in your life that you know is depressed, reach out and make sure they know you care. Don’t let them sink into the shadows and feel totally alone.

You can make a difference in someone's life. Even a simple phone call can mean the world to them.

Wishing Everyone The Best

This year has been far from ideal. Even so, we can do our best to pull through and find some Christmas spirit:

Decorate like there’s no tomorrow

Have some special holiday drinks

Send gifts from home

Host a virtual party

Festive meal for your household

Watch Christmas movies together even if you’re apart

Go on a Christmas light tour

Do something nice for someone else

“The thing about Christmas is that it almost doesn’t matter what mood you’re in or what kind of a year you’ve had — it’s a fresh start.” — Kelly Clarkson

Best wishes, everyone!