This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nanyang Tech chapter.

Do you feel the magic in the air? It’s finally that time of year!

Christmas is right around the corner, a yearly highlight for me like many of you. Usually a time for celebration with family and friends, this season brings people together to share the joy of giving and to relish in festivities. Unfortunately, we are stuck amidst a pandemic.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, increasing restrictions implemented have disrupted many of our traditional festivities and activities. Nonetheless, if your spirits have been dampened, fear not as the joy of Christmas shall not be dissipated!
The pandemic has surely impacted all of us greatly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy this festive holiday. If you are out of ideas, here are some ways you can safely celebrate Christmas in these challenging times:

Snacks for you and Santa

Try out a simple festive recipe or go the extra mile to whip up a festive meal for the family! Iconic Christmas foods like gingerbread cookies, yule log cakes, or a roast dinner will surely bring the Christmas spirit alive.

Check out these twists on your traditional gingerbread cookies or these amazing looking trifles, easy and quick yet sure to satisfy your sweet festive cravings.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Why not attempt replicating the world-renowned beef wellington by Gordon Ramsay, famous for being tricky to perfect?

Alternatively, if you are lazy like me or looking for a quick fix, simply whip up a good cup of hot chocolate (this Starbucks-inspired DIY Peppermint Mocha, anyone?) or the perfect eggnog. These sweet treats are guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Bringing winter wonderland home

Part of being in the middle of a pandemic means being cooped up at home, missing out on parties and festive events. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to mean we can’t go about enjoying Christmas activities like we used to. Instead, why not bring Christmas home?

The simple act of taking time to decorate your living space can in fact make a big difference. Amidst these stressful and worrying times, setting up your Christmas decorations at home can lift up spirits and remind us of happier times. Making your living space a place you feel comfort and joy in is especially important with so much time spent indoors these days.

You don’t necessarily have to go all out and set up a life-sized Christmas tree and drape it with tinsel. If you only have a small space to work with, why not get a mini Christmas tree online or at value stores like Daiso as a festive desk decoration? Otherwise, you can also opt for something as simple as turning on your fairy lights, or blasting Christmas jazz from one of those YouTube ambience channels on your speakers and settle in as the weather gets chillier.

If you have not already gotten your Christmas tree ornaments, how about making your very own salt dough ornaments, to add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations?

Gifts from the heart

We all know how crowded and hectic Christmas shopping can get. In attempts to avoid the crowds during this pandemic, why not get your hands dirty and make your own gifts?

Check out these DIY Christmas gifts ideas catered for every age group so you don’t have to stress over what to buy, hustling from shop to shop. You now have a unique and meaningful gift for your loved ones while staying safe during COVID19.

Connecting through virtual platforms

With greater limitations and restrictions, we are unable to host large Christmas parties or events as we were once able to. But this is where technology becomes our best friend! Through the use of online platforms like Zoom, hosting virtual parties has been made easier.

Even with COVID-19, we are still able to interact with our loved ones through innovative platforms, so why not host a Christmas party for your family and friends? For that extra merry touch, craft an e-invite with tools like Canva and Photoshop, and simply key in terms like “Christmas cards” or “Christmas tags” in the search bar for some inspiration!

Safe activities for the family and friends

A possible positive we gain from the pandemic is more opportunities for family time. Though challenging, these trying times have allowed us to spend more time with our immediate family at home.

Especially in the spirit of Christmas, we can take this time to appreciate those around us. Simple festive activities like organising Secret Santa or making a gingerbread house together (p.s. you can find a Gingerbread House making kit from IKEA, so grab yours before they run out!) are small but meaningful ways to bring everyone together in a safe way.

Even better, connect through shared music by making use of Spotify’s collaborative features and create a ‘blend’ of music with your loved ones, throwing in some Christmas tunes into the mix for a more personalised experience.

Alternatively, a good movie night never fails to disappoint! Pick your favourite Christmas movie or a list of them and have a Christmas movie marathon with your loved ones, wrapped up in a blanket and cuddled with a cup of hot chocolate.

Christmas for one

If you will be celebrating Christmas this year by yourself, it’s okay, you aren’t alone.

Contrary to what society pressures us into believing, festivities don’t always have to be celebrated with many people. Nonetheless, although the prospect of celebrating Christmas alone may not be as merry and bright, it isn’t as bleak as it may seem.

Take this time to treat yourself to a self-care day or try remaking your childhood favourite dish! Relish in the beauty of your own company; this can be a time to romanticise your own life.

Finally, a little binge-watching of Christmas movies may do the trick as well. I highly recommend the Harry Potter film series (get it on Apple TV, prime video and more), or simply tap into Netflix’s Season’s Streamings and pick amongst the many!

6 ways to enjoy Christmas amidst the pandemic