There’s no question that the holidays will be different this year. While there are many things we will miss (like hugs from family and friends), I’ve started to focus on tweaking our traditions and creating some new ones to keep our celebrations joyful and safe.
Spend Time Together, Apart
Photography provided by Minneapolis Institute of Art
Encourage Friendly Competition
Last year, a Mia team member told me her family holds a puzzle competition when they get together for the holidays. During downtime, everyone completes an Areaware Little Puzzle Thing — whoever does it the fastest wins! This year, you could send puzzles to family and race during your holiday Zoom, or you could share the same puzzle among family, friends and neighbors over several days and have everyone share their time at the end. Note that these mini puzzles are not as easy as they look. You can also play your favorite card game over video chat with a deck inspired by Picasso or Van Gogh.
Enjoy Distanced Holiday Meals
Baking virtually can be difficult — it’s less than pleasant to listen to multiple blenders or timers at once. This year, my family will be baking in advance and decorating cookies together virtually. To make us feel like we are together, I’m planning to send everyone some special sprinkles, homemade vanilla and, of course, Mia honey made from the beehives on our rooftop. If your family or friends enjoy cooking the main meal, you can pick a dish from the same cookbook and eat together virtually. Or, if you have family or friends locally, every person could cook one item and deliver something to share — a virtual cookbook club.
Trim the Tree
Though we can’t decorate together, we can decorate similarly. This year, Mia’s ornaments are 20% off when you purchase four or more, so you can share your favorite ornaments with your favorite people. Or make your own ornaments using cutout paper and glitter glue.
Make it Magical for the Little Ones
Share Stories
Send a favorite book to family for a virtual story time (which is also a great time to start dinner).
Stuff Stockings
Send the same stocking stuffers to all the cousins, because Santa gives everyone the same thing no matter where they wake up.
Color Away
Color on your windows. These window markers wipe right off with water and will keep your kids occupied for hours. Draw snowflakes, leave a note for Santa… maybe he’ll even respond.
Give Back and Do Good
Say Thank You
This year, I am aware of how much I appreciate the people in my life — teachers, helpers, delivery people and so many more. Yet, I haven’t gotten to know some of them as much as I would have liked given the protocols. So when I can’t give personalized gifts, I’ll be giving some nicer necessities like a thank you card, a Mia face mask, American-made socks inspired by Mia’s collection, soap or hand sanitizer, and, of course, a small treat.
Ditch the Waste
Did you know that most wrapping paper is not recyclable? While we offer recyclable options at the Store, this year I will also be enlisting my little helpers to make wrapping paper, using the excess of packing materials we have on hand from online orders and other deliveries. While any marker or crayon will do, these paint markers are vivid and impactful, not to mention washable!
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Shop online at shop.artsmia.org. Orders ship via USPS; Mia recommends placing your order at least three weeks in advance of your desired arrival date.
