The year 2020 has certainly had its moments. We had no idea when we rang the year in, what was going to unfold and what we would have to endure. Most notably a pandemic that is still on-going and has affected so many. There feels like so much uncertainty in the world and all we can do is take one day at a time and focus on keeping ourselves healthy, mentally and physically. So with the year coming to close next month, I thought this would be a great time to reflect on how to simplify and enjoy the 2020 holiday season.

If ever there was a year to simplify the holidays, this is surely it. However I’m not talking about cancelling, rather, focusing on things that matter and help you get in the holiday spirit, even if things are going to look different this year. Now is the time to think about what brings you joy this time of year, and see if there is a way to make that happen.

Now…November… is the time to make a plan. Start with a list, a spreadsheet, whatever works for you and book some time and dates to make things happen. Otherwise, as 2020 has shown us, it’s hard to plan too far ahead, but I’m hoping these suggestions will carry you through, whatever restrictions may be in place. There are still lots of way to simplify and enjoy the 2020 holiday season.

Ways to Simplify and Enjoy the 2020 Holiday Season

Support Local

It goes without saying that this year more than ever, we need to support local. This has been an incredibly challenging year for our restaurants, resorts, salons, and retail establishments. Challenge yourself to buy locally made products and/or shop at local stores. Think of what places you would miss terribly if they were gone next year and head there to buy a gift for someone, or for yourself, or even a gift certificate to use next year. They need our support.

Make Some Homemade Gifts

I think it’s always a great idea to make someone a gift. It can be as simple as a loaf of homemade bread or a tin of cookies, but taking the time to do that, is an act of love. Now is the time to make a list of any gifts you plan to make, and any supplies required.

I love homemade gifts and typically give some each year. They can be as simple as a nice bottle of Homemade Irish Cream, or some baked treats. If you are planning on making homemade gifts this year, since we can’t start yesterday…NOW is the time to start! 

Make a List of Favourite Holiday Recipes

Remember back in the spring when flour and yeast were sold out everywhere because everyone was baking bread…the holidays are a perfect time to get back in the kitchen and start whipping up your favourite holiday treats! I start with a list of holiday recipes that I make and the accompanying list of ingredients that I need to make them. I often get requests for the Spiced Nuts I make each year and there is nothing more frustrating than planning a cooking or baking day and you can’t find the one ingredient you need. Get those ingredients NOW…not the fresh ones of course….we don’t want to land anyone in the hospital..;) but anything that keeps, just add some of the items to your grocery list each week.

Plan a Baking Day

Once you have your recipes gathered and ingredients ready, block off a day or two on the calendar and plan a holiday baking or cooking day. Even better, share your favourite recipes with family members and gather on zoom or FaceTime and do your baking day together! A little Kenny and Dolly playing in the background, throw your Christmas apron on and get set to make some holiday treats…and memories. 

Send Christmas Cards

I’ve gotten away from sending Christmas cards, mostly because of the cost and it can feel like everyone “sees” everything you’re doing on Facebook/Instagram anyway. Well…I am declaring 2020 as the Year of the Christmas Card and am making a date to sit with an eggnog latte, get out my old address book and write a note to friends and loved ones and send them a card. What a perfect time to let people know you care and are thinking of them. We all know the joy and lift receiving a card in the mail can bring.

Also please consider mailing a card to the thousands of women & men in the Canadian Armed Forces that’ll be serving outside of Canada and away from their families this Christmas. Think of what receiving mail means to them. You can also find more information on the Government of Canada website.

Take a Hike

Winter is such a lovely time of year to get outside and take a hike, and what a great way to gather with a small group outside where everyone can be socially distanced. Fill up a thermos of hot chocolate and hit up one of our year round trails. The fresh air and time spent together, will be sure to fill you with some holiday spirit.

Support a Charity

Many charities have been hard hit this year, unable to hold annual fund raising events. Decide which one(s) you would like to support. Give them a call or send a message asking what they need or if there’s anything you can do to help. You could also let family members know of your charity of choice, which may make gift giving even easier. The season of giving, holds more meaning, when we do it from the heart.

How to simplify and enjoy the holidays? Spend a little time now thinking of what your holidays are going to look like this year and start planning to make that happen. Things may not look exactly as they have other years, but it can still be a meaningful and special season.

To help you out I’ve designed a set of printables to help you get organized and on your way to a simple and enjoyable holiday season. Click here to access the sheets that I use to make my holiday planning that much easier.

Are you making plans for a simplier holidays this year? Making plans on how to connect and make memories even if things look different? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re doing.