Gathering with your whole family this holiday season may look different. But there are still plenty of ways to make the holidays feel special. Here are some small holiday gathering ideas:

Ideas for Gathering over Video Chat

Virtual holiday get togethers can provide new opportunities to make new kinds of memories.

• Hold a virtual cookie baking contest
• Make gingerbread houses
• Eat a holiday dinner or brunch together
• Host a watch party and watch a holiday classic (The Grinch, Home Alone, Polar Express, or other favorite show together)
• Have Grandma and Grandpa read a Christmas book to grandkids over Zoom

Socially Distanced Outdoor Activities

• Do your secret Santa or White elephant gift exchange around an outdoor picnic table or fire pit
• Host an outdoor bonfire party and have s'mores and hot cocoa ready
• Dine alfresco and give each guest a picnic blanket and hang up some Christmas lights
• Attend a socially distanced outside event together like looking at Christmas lights, visiting a Christmas tree farm, or attending a holiday market. Check your local town's newspaper or website to find a local list.
• Trim the tree outdoors. Consider decorating and placing the Christmas tree outdoors this year for outdoor guests to enjoy.
• Outdoor scavenger hunt for adults and kids. Write clues to hide small gifts outdoors for a fun and safe socially distanced activity.
• Post-Christmas hike anyone? Pick a fun outdoor location to take a walk or hike together over Christmas break or through New Year's to extend the holiday celebrations and bring your hot beverage of choice (hot cocoa, coffee, apple cider — you can't go wrong).

Have any unique family traditions that involve being outdoors? Feel free to share them with us on social media!