Santa Claus is coming to town, but with social distancing, mask requirements and medical professionals urging families to stay home in 2020, his visit isn't going to look the same as last year.
Even though you can't be with loved ones this year, your family can still have the holliest and jolliest Christmas from the comfort from your own home and this at-home Christmas guide is here to help with craft and recipe ideas, plus activities that you can do safely this year.
Pre-Christmas prep
We're already in December and you know what that means — it's time to find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.
While it might be easier to click a few links on Amazon and have everything delivered to your door, the small businesses in the Chicago area need your support this year more than ever.
Here are a few lists of shops and gift guides to check out this year:
- 2020 Holiday Gift Guide: 50 Toys Under $50
- Ways to Support Small Businesses While Stuck Inside
- Chicago Businesses That Help Their Community
- Black-Owned Businesses for Chicago Families
The food
Whether you eat a large dinner as a family or just want some delicious snacks to eat while opening presents, food is a big part of this holiday and these fun recipes can help you add a little flair to your menu.
- Festive Cookies to Get You into the Holiday Spirit: These six cookie recipes including Cherry Cordial cookies and Krisp Kringles are sure to please everyone on your list. Find more cookie recipes in our Virtual Cookie Swap.
- Local Restaurants Offering Christmas Takeout: These restaurants can help you keep your holiday cheer by getting yummy food on the table.
- Morning Baked Goods Ideas (Metro Parent): Make the morning opening presents a little sweeter with eggnog breakfast bread pudding, stacked cinnamon roll Christmas tree and others.
The activities
Many of the traditional holiday events in Chicagoland are canceled this year but there's still plenty of things to do with your family at or near home — just remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing if you do head out.
- Virtual Nutcracker and Holiday Shows
- Places to Visit Santa Safely in 2020
- Where to Chop A Fresh Christmas Tree
- Watch This, Do That: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
- Watch This, Do That: Elf
- Watch This, Do That: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Watch This, Do That: The Polar Express
- Holiday Teas to Go to Enjoy This Season
- Chicago Parent's Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Merry Christmas!
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