Amid the threat of the Omicron variant, the Philippines has been recently reporting lower cases.
As Baguio reached its vaccination target for heard immunity against COVID-19, residents and tourists now see eased restrictions and opportunities to tour the city again. But, the Department of Health still advises taking precautions to avoid another surge in cases, such as masking up and maintaining social distancing. With Christmas 2021 just around the corner, how do you plan to spend the holidays?
Here are ten ways to spend Christmas safely with the pandemic in mind.
How to Spend a Safe yet Fun Christmas 2021
1. Video chat with loved ones
(Virtually) Get the gang together!
Video chatting doesn’t have to be for work and school purposes only. To protect you and your loved ones this holiday season, one way to spend Christmas safely in these times is to catch up with family and friends virtually through a group call. Online platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Google Meets, Skype, and Zoom work best. That way, you can reconnect with loved ones, even when you’re socially distant from one another.
2. Virtually watch movies together.
Enjoy watching movies with loved ones without leaving the comfort of your home!
Whether you’re looking for a laugh or cry over a cute puppy, joint video viewing is the best way to spend Christmas safely.
Online platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have installed new watch together features such as Netflix Party, Hulu Watch Party, and Disney+ Groupwatch. The best part is interacting with other viewers while watching the movie simultaneously.
Thanks to its new feature, Watch Together, you may also watch a movie with your friends via video call on Facebook Messenger. The best part is you can enjoy experimenting with the filters while seeing your friends’ priceless live reactions.
3. Challenge yourself to cook or bake something at home with the family.
Channel your inner Gordon Ramsey or Judy Ann Santos in isolation!
With our favorite restaurants closing due to the restrictions, we had to take care of ourselves in isolation by learning to cook our food at home! What’s a better way to spend Christmas safely is to hone your cooking skills?
Apart from regaining control in uncertain times, cooking is also a chance to express creativity. The best part is you can find tons of recipes to try online!
4. Have a Christmas movie marathon.
‘Tis the season to binge-watch everything Christmas!
Get into the holiday spirit safely by going on a Christmas movie marathon. If you plan to relive nostalgia, I suggest the classics like Home Alone, Polar Express, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. But if you want to keep up with the trend, check out this list of upcoming films in December!
5. Stream Christmas songs.
All I want for Christmas is you to stream Christmas songs on repeat!
Christmas won’t be complete without a holiday-themed playlist! Make a Pentatonix Christmas worth remembering when you stream their holiday albums That’s Christmas to Me and A Pentatonix Christmas.
You can also sing your hearts out to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me.”
And of course, it’s not a Filipino Christmas without Jose Mari Chan’s meme-worthy classic “Christmas In Our Hearts.”
6. Play games with the family.
Make family game nights worth remembering, even in isolation!
With restrictions on mass gatherings, the health department advises spending the holiday season only with your immediate family. One way to spend Christmas safely is by planning a family game night.
Games such as charades, Pinoy Henyo (Heads Up), and board games are fun yet safe ways to make the holiday season worth remembering.
7. Host a virtual Christmas party.
Don’t let the Grinch (COVID) destroy your holiday cheer.
Thanks to online platforms like Discord, Zoom, and Google Meets, you can still plan fun get-togethers while everyone stays safe in the comfort of their homes.
The best part? Virtual backgrounds available or provided beforehand can help you get in the holiday spirit.
8. Set up a DIY Photo Booth!
Create a memorable holiday photoshoot, even when you’re on a budget!
Make your Instagram feed more aesthetic with a DIY Photobooth! All you need is some cardboard, colored paper, art materials, and a lot of creativity, patience, and photo editing skills.
9. Go to a drive-through coffee shop!
Get that Christmas cup of Joe on the go!
If you are spending your holidays commuting long hours to get that extra money, then getting a cup of coffee through a drive-through coffee shop might be for you, thanks to its speed and convenience!
10. Take a short drive around the city.
Nothing’s more relaxing than a quick drive around the city after hustling all year.
If you want to destress, then take a quick drive around the city in your car or on a bike while wearing a mask, of course.
You may also take photos to capture the moments.
A Final Note
The pandemic shook our regular lives, including how we celebrate the holidays. We now live in the new normal and look for other ways to have fun. The best way to spend Christmas 2021 is to stay connected with the people we love and hope for better days ahead. It’s what this holiday is really about.
Merry Christmas, and stay safe!