The Saint

Story by Kat Steel, Reporter

Picture courtesy of Pexels.com

Although classes are online and events are cancelled, that does not mean the Christmas spirit cannot live on. Like our favorite elf says, “The best way to spread the Christmas cheer is to sing it loud for all to hear!” It may be hard to celebrate with family due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that does not mean people should not continue to celebrate the most wonderful day of the year. In order to have a fun, festive, and safe season, here are the top 5 ways to keep up with the holiday traditions:

1. Hallmark Movie Marathon: 

Besides watching the classic movies (the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph, White Christmas, etc.), Hallmark movies have always been a fun tradition that my family and I have. We love to watch Christmas movies all day long on the weekends. Some of my favorites include anything with Candace Cameron Bure, the Christmas Waltz and a Christmas in Rome. 

2. Baking Cookies: 

When I was little, I loved making sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and peanut butter blossoms. Shameless plug: I always left out a plate of cookies for Santa (even though Santa Claus is may not real, I still continue this tradition). I remember making Christmas cookies with my grandma one year; however,  my top two recommendations during the season are peanut butter blossoms and chocolate chip cookies. 

3. Keeping in touch with family: 

On Christmas Eve, I usually talk to my grandparents on my dad’s side on and on Christmas day, my grandparents on my mom’s side. There have been times when family would visit and my cousins came over but that tradition ended senior year. Since I was unable to see my grandparents this year, I set up Zoom calls so I can see them virtually. This year, I am planning on having a family Kahoot!

4. Decorate!: 

Put the lights up, decorate the tree, and be festive! Putting up the ornaments on the tree can bring back memories from trips or from childhood! I had a huge Disney collection of ornaments as well as an ornament from each country or city I visited during the year. Last year when I studied abroad, I was able to travel to six different cities in Italy (excluding Rome because I was living there) and 3 other countries and had an ornament from each place I went to. When I returned home, I planned a scavenger hunt for my parents to find them which was the highlight of the season!

5. Relive the fun memories:

With facing a global pandemic, many of us are unable to see family members this season. Decorating the tree or the house could bring back fun memories. Every time I look at the tree, I remember all the fun times I had in Europe or on previous trips. I also like to take out the scrapbooks and scroll through my old pictures from previous holidays and reminisce all the fun I had with my family and friends.

Although Christmas is a time with family and friends, it’s somewhat difficult with the COVID-19 pandemic. This should not stop us from continuing our favorite traditions with the people around us and to keep in touch with family.