This holiday season…we have a lot to be grateful for.
2020 has given us a fair share of tribulations, trials, and, at times, even triumphs. Above all else, though, it’s given us the perspective to be truly grateful for the things that matter the most.
Here at Lander’s, we are extremely grateful for our family and friends, our beautiful slice of paradise, and you.
Thank you for being a part of our lives – and for making 2020 one of the most memorable, if not unorthodox, seasons we’ve ever had.
We know the holidays are going to look a little different this year.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, a lot of us are faced with questions, that the answers are too hard to find. This uncertainty can be a little scary, and a lot unsettling, but it doesn’t have to put a halt in your holiday plans. On the contrary, thanks to our amazing family here at Lander’s, we’ve been able to come up with a few ideas to help you and your loved ones make the most out of the holidays.
Below, I’ve listed a handful of suggestions in order to help your family maximize their quality time in a safe way this holiday season!
- Host an online holiday dinner: thanks to the interconnectedness of the internet, being able to meet with loved ones safely has never been easier. One of the things we’ll be doing in my household is hosting a virtual holiday get together, this way we can see each and every one of our family members without worrying about anyone’s safety.
- Tip: to liven up the party, play some party games! One really neat thing you could do is come up with a scavenger hunt list for the kiddos in attendance with clues such as “find a red shoe”. This way, young ones can get out some energy, share stories and experience, and even showcase the things that make their own households unique. Other things you can add to the hunt include: “find a silly book,” “find a wacky colored shirt,” “find three potted plants,” “find a Lander’s t-shirt”, etc.
- Have a virtual game night: Using Zoom, Facetime, or any other online medium, you can invite friends and family ‘over’ to play a virtual board game! One house can host the board, or, if everyone has the game, each house can set their own up. Then proceed with the game as you would normally.
- Tip: come up with a cool game night prize! You can offer up pretty much anything, whether it be a Lander’s gift certificate, whose hosting the next in-person holiday, or even who gets the last piece of pie in your house.
- Keep it outdoors: I know, I know, it’s getting cold outside. But there are so many neat things you can do with the drop in temperatures – including having an outdoor buffet for your meal and a s’mores table for desert! Being outside allows more people to gather together, and also offers space for the little ones to get out some of their energy.
- Tip: for those outdoor deserts, switch up the ingredients for your s’mores! Instead of plain chocolate bars, try stocking funky flavors (like a peanut butter candy or a caramel chocolate candy). Your guests are sure to love the creativity and it’s a great way to get over of any of that left over Halloween candy.
- Make it a (small) group activity: Our family loves to get everyone involved, even if we’re only raking leaves. For your small gatherings, one of the funniest ways to get everyone in the holiday mood is to let them get hands-on in the kitchen. Whether you’re trying to make something new and inventive for dinner, or just need help setting the table, letting everyone be a part of the celebration is a great way to create unity in the household and help everyone feel productive.
- Tip: if you’re family isn’t a die hard for Thanksgiving staples, I highly recommend including a pasta making session before holiday dinner prep. This inventive excursion lets everyone get their hands dirty, and provides a sense of accomplishment – especially for the kiddos – when the family gathers around the table to tuck in to what they made. A good alternative for those who love their turkey and trimmings is a candy decorating station for after dinner. These fun, homemade deserts can also help keep the kids entertained and bring the family closer together.
And after dinner’s been eaten, let’s not forget about that Black Friday fun.
I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving holiday is the anticipation of those Black Friday deals. Every year, especially after I’m all stuffed with turkey and trimmings, I love to sit down with my loved ones and surf the internet. From sales to savings, it definitely starts to feel a little Christmassy when I start to add gift ideas to my shopping cart.
While you’re doing your online shopping this year, don’t forget to swing by our website for a Lander’s gift certificate. These are a great gift for the nature lover, the quiet space thinker, and the wild adventurer in your life.
From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and fun filled holiday season!