And perhaps this slower season will allow you the gift of focusing on Jesus in a new way.
A few years ago, the flu hit a few members of our family right as Christmas break was starting. Plans of traveling out of state had to be canceled. Church festivities had to be skipped. Even Christmas morning traditions had to be adjusted. We were homebound for the holidays.
Many people might be facing similar unexpected shifts in their plans this Christmas season. Circumstances like sickness, injury, grief, or any number of things may cause you to have to stay in for the holidays. At a time when there are so many special events and festivities “out there,” staying “in here” can really affect the Christmas spirit.
When you can’t go out for your regular Christmas celebrations, here are a few ideas for staying in a festive mood, despite the circumstances:
1. If You Can’t Attend Your Town's Christmas Parade …
In our little island community, two Christmas parades (one by land, and one by water) kick off the holiday season. In other towns, community celebrations might include a tree-lighting ceremony or a holiday festival. If you can’t go to your town’s parade (or equivalent) this year, you could make a parade out of younger kids’ favorite stuffies dressed in their holiday best. Or you might want to drive around town looking at Christmas lights. Or if all of that sounds too overwhelming, you could keep it simple and re-watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade during the time of the celebration.
2. If You Can’t Participate in the Neighborhood Cookie Swap …
Nothing like a few bad germs to get your family banned from the block’s annual cookie swap. If it’s the year when nobody wants what you’ve got to offer, be sure to supplement your sugar supply with a good variety in your own home. Don’t be fancy! Trust me, those slice-n-bake cookies with the reindeer faces are gonna be just fine if you’ve got kids. And for goodness’ sake, use the grocery delivery service this year! Add one or two of your must-have recipes as you have the energy, and you’ll have plenty of Christmas cookie cheer.
3. If You Can’t Visit Your Out-of-Town Relatives …
Travel plan cancellations can be a real bummer. Thankfully, these days most people have the technology in place for a long-distance celebration. Using Zoom, FaceTime, or Google, your family can at least see one another for a gift exchange, story reading, or other tradition. It’s definitely not the same, but it’s something to keep you connected until that in-person visit can be rescheduled.
4. If You Can’t Make It to Christmas Movie Night in the Park …
It’s easy to do a Christmas movie night at home. But the fun of a movie night out comes from the different environment and the shared experience. To mimic that a little bit in your living room, consider moving mattresses out onto the floor or creating a pillow fort for viewing. You could also set up an outdoor movie night in the backyard if the weather (and your technology) allows. Let older kids live chat with their besties during the movie for that sense of camaraderie over a classic film.
5. If You Can’t Attend Your Small Group, School, or Work Party …
Christmas always seems to bring on the shindigs for every group you’re a part of. Missing them may feel like a chance for much-needed rest … or it could just feel like missing out. If you’re in the latter category, try a toned-down version at home. Order pre-made snacks and mix an easy wintry punch. Plan some light Christmas group games or Christmas crafts, if your immediate family feels up for it. Or consider a Christmassy activity that you enjoy doing alone during the time of the party, such as painting, embroidering, or reading a cozy Christmas book.
6. If You Can’t Go to Your Special Ticketed Event …
Sometimes Christmas includes treating yourself or your family to a ticketed event like a play, a concert, an exhibit, a tasting, or a theme park party. Hopefully, if you have to miss it, you can find a way to refund or resell your tickets. Then, in lieu of the big event, you could consider using those funds for a different “treat.” Perhaps you can find another non-holiday event that interests you later. Or maybe you can purchase an unexpected family gift for everyone to enjoy at home this year.
7. If You Can’t Do Your Favorite Volunteer Activities …
This season often prompts us to take an active role in helping our communities through volunteer activities. Don’t let guilt take hold of what you can’t do — instead, remember what you can do: Pray. During your scheduled volunteer activity, hold an intentional personal or family prayer time, lifting up the needs of the volunteer organization and its recipients. The most powerful position of action is on our knees; you can be the hands and feet of Jesus again next year.
8. If You Can’t Make It to Christmas Eve Candlelight Service …
Not all churches have a candlelight service, but most will have some sort of special congregational event on Christmas Eve. For many, missing this sacred time of worship makes Christmas feel incomplete. Tune in to your church’s (or another church’s) Christmas Eve service online. Bring out your own candles to light at the appropriate time, for that sense of shared reverence over our Savior’s birth. Leave the candles burning and turn on soft Christmas worship songs after the service, letting your heart rest in the warmth of Emmanuel—“God with us,” both at home and at church.
It’s not easy to be homebound for the holidays. During a time of so much activity “out” there, it can be difficult to foster joy “in” your home and heart. Remember to be kind to yourself and those in your household if this year looks different than Christmases past. Look for creative ways to connect with those you love, knowing that low-key, at-home memories can be some of the sweetest.
And perhaps this slower season will allow you the gift of focusing on Jesus in a new way. After all, His birth was about as low-key as they come. Separated from His Father, removed from His community, weakened physically, stripped of the normal niceties associated with this special event. That’s our King, the Savior in the manger who most certainly understands what it’s like to have an unexpected Christmas.
May your unexpected Christmas “in” be blessed by the fullness of Him—even when the season feels far less full than you’d like it to be.
Photo Credit: ©Getty/maximkabb
Melissa Richeson is a writer and editor for Christian Care Ministry, the non-profit association of churches that manages Medi-Share. She regularly contributes content as an encouragement for Medi-Share's 350,000 members as well as the broader Body of Christ. Her work has been featured in places like The Washington Post, Florida Today, Sunlight Press, BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine, WDW Magazine, and many other outlets. Melissa can often be found in real life at the beach, or virtually on her freelance website.
