It’s difficult to feel festive when plans are in chaos for the second consecutive year, especially with the announcement that over one million Britons will be using Covid alone on Christmas Day.
This is why top party planners share their tips on making the most of Christmas, no matter how many people you are with or what budget.
A packed agenda of board games, cocktails and Christmas music could help you to have a fun day.
If you’re isolating in a couple the experts suggested inventing fun festive games, awarding each other vouchers or having a ‘sharing Christmas dinner’ of canapés throughout the day rather than focusing on one big meal.
Femail shares the top event planners’ tips for enjoying Christmas, even when you are stuck home.
According to party planners, they have some tips for how to make Christmas memorable if you feel like giving up after hearing that more than one billion Brits might be consuming Covid on December 25th. Image from stock
MAKE A PLAN TODAY
One or more people
The first step to enjoying Christmas Day is to shift your mind to not think about all the stuff you miss out and to focus instead on what to do with your time alone.
Blush + Luxe Hattie, co-founder and events planner, suggests: “Start with making a plan for your day. Write down your favorite things to do alone, with one or two others.
Making notes can be a great way to remember that you still have many things you enjoy. Your ideas can be divided into different sections over the course of your day. Maybe you find your ideal day relaxing with a good book or watching movies. It’s okay to take some “me” time on Christmas.
“Try not to be distracted throughout the day by things you might miss. It can help to write down ideas and set timings before Christmas. This can make it easier for you to feel more secure.
REWARD YOUSELF EVERY TIME YOU GET OFFICE FEAR SAD
One or more people
It is easy to create a reward system for yourself that rewards you when you achieve your goals.
If you are feeling down on Christmas Day and need to lift your spirits, you can flip the process around.
Consider giving yourself a treat, such as a piece of chocolate or a shot, every time someone text you and tells you how bad it’s that you are stuck at home. Or, each time you check out social media to see your friends having great times without you, you can get a gift.
Buy Yourself Small Presents Online
One or more people
Christmas Day is a time when many families spend their morning unwrapping gifts and opening each other’s presents.
Spend the morning shopping online for small gifts that will make you smile in the days to come.
Christmas can be expensive. We know this, but you shouldn’t spend too much. Keep it simple and buy a holiday candle, a new book, or your favorite chocolate.
DANCE AROUND THE HOME TO YOUR CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST. DO NOT STAY IN PYJAMAS.
One or more people
Even if you don’t want to dance on Christmas Day because of your depression, dancing around the house without anyone watching can be an effective way to lift your mood.
Adrian Falk, author and founder of international PR and events agency Believe, said: ‘Put on your Christmas Spotify playlist and dance around the house.
Research has shown that even when you don’t have headphones on, music can change your mood. It can also bring back memories of Christmas carols or Mariah Carey songs.
Dress up and get ready for the holidays.
CREATE A AT-HOME SAVENGER HUNT
(Two people or more)
If you’re isolating with a partner and are bored of playing ordinary board games, try creating a festive scavenger hunt where each partner searches for a pre-determined object.
Both parties should write notes each other giving clues about the whereabouts of the object, maybe with riddles about their relationships to solve for the correct answer, with the fastest player winning.
For an added festive touch, consider a prize such as the final ball of stuffing and the pig wrapped in blanket.
CONTACT SOME KARAOKE HOSTS ONLINE
One or more people
Similar to dancing, singing Christmas songs can help you feel festive.
Online services like LuckyVoice offer an online karaoke experience which offers pre-made playlists for you to sing your heart out to without any equipment or installations needed.
There is no cost for a 2-week trial. It doesn’t matter if you’re solo or with someone, the ideal excuse to let your voice shine.
SUBMIT YOUR BUCKET LISTE
One or more people
Adrian recommended that you use your time to create a positive outlook and a list with all of the goals you have for yourself.
He explained that “If other people can’t give you presents, I’m going treat myself when lockdown ends.” Make a list and use it to declare “I’m going” to all the things I want to accomplish in my lifetime. I’ll save for a holiday to Greece.
“We humans are human and live for others. Time is about making use of it. When you become a robot, it’s like working 24/7. This is a good time to reflect on your life and ask yourself, “What are my goals?”
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
One or more people
A great way to lift your spirits is to remember all the good things happening in your lives and go back over the list whenever you are feeling sad or missing someone.
Adrian stated, “Shifting mood can help you avoid falling into a spiral of despair and feeling as if the end is near.” It is important to stop the negative spiral and make a gratitude list.
Write a list every day during the holiday period and then add five to it each day. You’ll be able to read your massive list whenever you feel down by New Year’s Eve.
As Christmas approaches, it may be difficult to get everything you want ahead of the big day, and Adrian suggested shifting perspective by using a small amount of money to donate a meal to those in need through charities like B1G1.
“You might not be able get the traditional Christmas turkey. To make yourself feel better go online and transform it into something positive. You can think, “This Christmas, I can feed someone else.”
You have the option to choose from a variety of courses and, for a modest amount, you could feed one child for a month. It’s an excellent way to feel thankful and ask yourself, “Christmas hasn’t been the best it could be. I want to make a positive difference.”
FIND YOUR OWN COUPLES GAMES
(Two or more people)
You don’t have to be alone with your partner if you want to play your own game. Image from stock
You don’t have to be alone if you are feeling isolated with your partner. Instead, take some time to make your own games, such as asking each other questions about your relationship or having a talent competition or playing truth or dare.
Adrian said, “If you are a couple try Christmas dinner in darkness.” The blindfolded person guesses the dish while the blindfolded one does the same.
You can create coupons for them to use. I’ll cook the food, and clean the bathroom. You won’t be bored if you stay at home the next 10 nights.
TO TAKE AN ONLINE CLASS IN BURLESQUE
(An individual or more)
You can find an activity online that will keep you entertained all evening long, such as online burlesque classes. These classes run each Saturday except Christmas Day.
The sessions are led by our international burlesque performers and will see instructors teach routines throughout a two-hour session – you can even pick your own festive song.
You must sign up before the 25th to receive your kit with glue, foam and rhinestones to create a personal costume.
With tickets still available on DesignMyNight for £85, those brave enough to a commit to a session will certainly not be at risk of being bored on Christmas evening.
GIVE YOURSELF SPA DAY
(One or more)
Although Christmas can be a great time with family, the stress of cooking large meals and managing to keep everyone happy can make it stressful.
Instead of being jealous about other people’s busy Christmas Day schedules, enjoy the quiet of your own home and give yourself some self-care.
Relax at home and pamper yourself with a hair- and face-mask, a facial, or a relaxing song, candle, and glass of wine. Enjoy your favorite luxury foods.
If you do not have enough money, you can pamper yourself by relaxing in fresh sheets and a homemade mask on your face after taking a bath.
Try a DIY CHRISTMAS THEMED Escape Room
(One or more)
An online festive escape room is a fun way to pass the time during Christmas.
The game, created during lockdown and available on Trapped In The Web, can be played from anywhere in the world either solo or with teams of your choice from anywhere in the world.
The players will be assigned to a set of rooms, which can they move around freely.
You can even purchase a Christmas themed game in time to celebrate the 25th. It sees your team awaken from an office party determined to recover a questionable email you sent to your boss.
For more information, please visit trappedintheweb.com
NOSTALGIC BOARD GAME
Two or more persons
Adding a bit of nostalgia is a great way to help you make Christmas feel normal, and board games are a cheap and easy way of doing so.
Hattie said: ‘Look at doing things that make you feel nostalgic – but not too much that it reminds you of what you might be missing out on. Plan games that are made for two-three people, not large games that usually require more because that won’t be any fun and will put a downer on your day.
‘For instance, you can easily play charades, some card games, and some smaller board games made for less people.’
Katie Brown, Senior Event Coordinator at The Mere Resort, Cheshire, added: ‘If you’d prefer to keep your laptop firmly closed on Christmas Day, stock up on some classic board games to while away an hour or two with your locked-in companion.
‘Board games are surprisingly cheap these days and are a great way to fend off boredom when you’re forced to self-isolate; they also make it much less likely that you’ll spend the entire day in front of the TV. ‘
It’s a wonderful way to make Christmas more normal. Board games can be a simple and inexpensive way to add a little nostalgia. Image from stock
SOLO BOARD GAMES
(One or more)
You can also order board games online for solo play if you are spending the whole day by yourself.
Solo board games often rely on fantasy role playing and require players to become part of a fictional character, rather than compete against others.
Examples include Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island which sees the player see how long they would last on a deserted island or Newton in which sees players go around the board solving puzzles. Amazon has both of these board games.
FIND A FESTIVE TABLESCAPE
One or more people
No matter if your Christmas guests are in-person or virtual, it can be a big difference to have a memorable table. Image from the Stock Photo
No matter if your Christmas guests are in-person or virtual, it can be a big difference to have a memorable holiday dinner.
Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair’s resident Style Advisor, said: ‘A small and intimate Christmas at home can be made to feel just as special and memorable as larger celebrations. You can really enhance the enjoyment of your celebrations by giving attention to even small details.
“Your dinner table will be the focal point of your big event. This includes the important roast dinner as well the board games and mocktails that follow. It doesn’t take long to make a simple table sparkle and shine, whether you are dining alone or with smaller guests.
Consider your home’s dining room as a dining table. Add all of the special touches that make it feel like a fine dining experience. You can instantly change the look of your home by using a tablecloth. Add some formality to the setting with the addition of a full-place place setting and all the necessary cutlery.
If you lay the table this way, it will add an extra touch of specialness to the occasion. A scattering of tealights and metallic candle holders will give the tables a beautiful, warm glow.
VIRTUAL DINKING GAMES
(One or more)
Even though Zoom calls can take up much of the day naturally, online drinking games make it easier to chat with family members over the phone.
Kate explained that “Of course” a significant portion of your day is likely to be spent talking with relatives and friends via video calls. If the thought of Christmas spent on Zoom seems a bit depressing to you, there are many ways that remote meetings can be made more enjoyable.
“Lots and lots of people will recall multiplayer games from the early Covid lockdowns. In particular, Houseparty. But since then, several other remote games have emerged to help bust Zoom-call boredom, including Bunch, which has a library of built-in games for you to enjoy with your nearest and dearest – ideal for that time in the day when you’d normally be breaking out the charades.’
VIRTUAL MOVIE DATES
(One or more)
Choose a time and place to view your Christmas favourite films together. Image from stock
Choose a time and place to view your Christmas favourite films together.
Hattie stated that you should plan out your favorite Christmas movies and watch them. This will allow you to feel more close to your loved ones, even if they don’t like one of the movies.
‘And don’t forget you *can* do Christmas virtually. You can have virtual Christmas dinners with loved ones to ensure you are not missing out on the traditional sit-down meal. It’s so useful, particularly during times like Covid.
If you’re spending the day alone, consider a virtual marathon. It’s hard to find anything better than seeing Home Alone, Elf, and The Grinch all at once.