‘Tis the season, but not as usual: in 2020, everything is done at home, so the holidays can be a bit less festive than you would’ve hoped. In my family, we always love to share traditions and fun games during this time of the year, but these festivities may have to be cut short due to COVID. However, don’t let the pandemic stop you from having the best holiday season! Here are some activities you can enjoy during the holidays, right in the comfort of your home. 

1. Make Breakfast for the Family

During these unprecedented times, comfort food is always a given: so why not whip up a delicious breakfast to enjoy on a crisp winter morning? Even better, you can make your breakfast ahead of time, so that when opening gifts, or having a busy Christmas morning, for instance, it’s something quick and easy you can grab through all the hustle. Plus, prepping a yummy breakfast can carve even more family time into your days at home, and can be a simple, but fun, way to include everyone in the festivities! Easy-bake cinnamon rolls are always a great option, and if you want something a bit more homemade, chocolate chip muffins are a holiday staple that are not only delicious, but very convenient to eat while in the midst of festive chaos. 

***********************************************************************************************************************************

Here’s a great chocolate chip muffin recipe from Taste & Tell that will satisfy your sweet tooth and your family during the holidays!  https://www.tasteandtellblog.com/chocolate-chip-muffins/

        2. Watch Holiday Movies on Netflix

Another absolute necessity during the holiday season, especially stuck at home: movies and TV shows. And what better way to binge watch all of the classics than to browse Netflix? Everyone these days is raving over the wonderful variety of films on Netflix, so another great way to fulfill your cravings of merriness and cheer during quarantine is to simply relax, grab some popcorn, and enjoy what Netflix has to offer! Personally, I know that some of my most favorite shows are on Netflix, and I would definitely recommend: 

• The Vampire Diaries  

• The Office 

• Dynasty

• Stranger Things 

All of these shows are rated 4 out of 5 stars, according to Common Sense Media, have plenty of seasons and episodes that you can spend some time watching over winter break, and will keep you both entertained and on the edge of your seats!

If you aren’t the type of person to sit down and watch episode after episode of a series, there are also plenty of movies that Netflix has to offer. Through the years, I have watched many of them myself, and especially enjoyed: 

• The Grinch 

• The Holiday Calendar

• Christmas Break-In

• Christmas Catch

***********************************************************************************************************************************

Again, these are just some of the many movies and shows you can watch on Netflix this holiday season, and they’re a great way to pass time and keep yourself busy while being stuck at home with your family. So grab some blankets and pillows, call in your family, and enjoy a relaxing day watching all of these Netflix favorites!

        3. Do a Fun & Easy Holiday Workout

Even though we don’t want to admit it, the holidays often send us into food overdrive! Between the delicious, but grand, celebratory dinners, to the never-ending pile of desserts and sweet treats, by the end of the holiday week, you are probably feeling absolutely stuffed; a great way to diminish your stuffed stomach is by doing a workout. Some of us might be more motivated to exercise than others, which is why Pinterest is here to help. You can never go wrong with HOLIDAY-THEMED WORKOUTS, am I right?! By carving out your fitness time into something you love, especially the cheerful time and energy of the holidays, you are guaranteed a fun workout, all the while burning off the endless meals you never knew you could eat! 

Pinterest has a variety of everything you could possibly imagine: recipes, DIYs and crafts, inspiring quotes, gift ideas, videos….the list goes on. One of the numerous sections contained in this social media site is workouts, many of them having fun themes and exercises that help you feel as if your exercise is the best time of your life! Some amazing, NO EQUIPMENT ideas for holiday workouts I researched and recommend include: 

• The Christmas Cookie Crusher (from Peanutbutter Runner)
• 12 Days of Christmas Workout (from Snacking in Sneakers)
• Interactive Holiday Movie Workout (from Fit Bottomed Girls)
• Holiday Binge Blaster Workout (from Fitness to Go)
• #Elf4Health Tabata Workout (from The Lean Green Bean)

*************************************************************************************************************

All of these holiday workouts are so useful, not only to stay active during quarantine, especially in the cold weather (when going outdoors for a walk or bike ride isn’t really a good option), but also to have fun while you are exercising, and even to have some alone time and self care. It’s always important to take care of yourself and your body, holidays or not, and a quick hour to crush your christmas cookies or become a healthy elf is such a festive way to do so! Some of the workouts listed can be done while you watch a holiday movie, which is another great way to rope in your family on your festive fun. 

These are my top three picks for the best activities to do when you need to have some fun over winter break while staying at home. I hope this holiday guide truly helps you to get in some cheery holiday spirit during such unfamiliar times, and that everyone has a wonderful winter break! Stay safe, happy, and healthy! And most importantly, happy holidays!