Christmas 2020 is definitely going to be a strange one this year with nobody being able to sit on Santa Claus’s lap, see tree lightings, and some people can’t even leave their houses.You may be asking yourself, “What am I supposed to do during Christmas this year?” Well, here are some alternative Christmas activities: if you are looking to stay inside of your house then you can make cookies, or build gingerbread houses with your families, decorate ornaments, and you can even make your own personal wreath for your door. D.I.Y. crafts are becoming increasingly popular this year especially during the holidays. Pinterest is where a lot of people have been getting their ideas from during this time to try to make crafts like trees of string, pinecone gnomes, holiday signs for doors, and handmade ornament trees.
A large number of people can’t be with their families this year, but they will be hosting a Zoom call instead. While using Zoom, they will be able to video-chat with family members on Christmas day, watch their relatives open presents, and even have it set up so you can have Christmas dinner together as a family.
If you are looking to leave your house then you can go around other neighborhoods to see their lights, or go to Brookfield Zoo and see the light show on December 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, and 26-31. Another thing to visit with kids, is Bass and Pro shop to see Santa Claus. Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to sit on Santa’s lap this year, but there is a bench seated in front of the glass blocking you from him so you can take a picture. His elves will be cleaning after each family that has visited, and will take your temperature as well, there also must be a reservation set online to see him and will take place up until December 24th.
In Chicago, they will still have their usual activities, but certain events will be modified. The Christkindlmarket will not take place in Loop or Wrigleyville this year, instead it will be an online marketplace selling ornaments, German treats, and mugs filled with Glühwein. This online event will take place up to December 31st. The online market also has a virtual family activity section for kids and their families to take part in. The Chicago Botanic Garden will continue to host their annual display of lights up until December 31st, going on for a one-mile path. There will also be ice skating at Maggie Daley Park, until January 3rd, 2021. You must set a reservation, in order to follow the distancing guidelines which are a max of 180 skaters allowed on the ice during the given time. Skate rentals are $16-$20, and while skating it is asked that you try to stay 6 feet away from a person. There are so many things you can do during the holidays at home or going out, these are just a few ideas to have a somewhat normal holiday season. Hopefully, some of these ideas have inspired people unsure what to do with their families during the holiday season. Happy Holidays!

Sources
Bev Leestma, Jackie Currie, Kate Landry. “Christmas Crafts.” Pinterest, Multiple, 2009, www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=christmas+crafts.

3, Annette WhiteDecember, et al. “Christmas Bucket List: 50 Fun Holiday Activities & Festive Things to Do.” Bucket List Journey | Travel + Lifestyle Blog, Annette, 9 Nov. 2020, https://bucketlistjourney.net/christmas-bucket-list-things-to-do-this-holiday-season/.

Tourism, Illinois Office of. “Amazing Is a List of Holiday Events You Can’t Miss.” Enjoy Illinois, Unknown, www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/seasonal-adventures/holiday-season/winter-events.

Society, Chicago Zoological. “Holiday Magic.” Chicago Zoological Society – Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Close to Chicago, 2020, www.czs.org/HolidayMagic.

Bass Pro Shops. “Santa’s Wonderland 2020.” Santa’s Wonderland, BPS Direct, LLC., 2006, https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland. Accessed November 2020.