Small Scale and Special

     While I live in hope that get togethers of those with some degree of protection from getting, or getting bad cases of Covid are safe, many people will feel like thy need to still stay clear of large public events, or even extended family this holiday season just like last year. Short of gathering only by Zoom again, I've been trying to think of things that can be done on small scale, but are festive and merry and maybe check the Christmas cheer box as special as houses full of friends and families. Racking my brain only goes so far, so I'm taking a bit of help from Mr.  Google. A few were my own and flashbacks to previous years.

Drive Through Christmas Lights: Last year a local farm did it all up with lights and invited the community to enjoy with them. All across the country are events like this at Zoo's, state and county fair grounds, and downtowns. It's a big thing even pre-pandemic in Minnesota so just typing in the search bar and loads of options come up. Here's a site that has a directory for many states at The Traveling Mom.  I know gas is pricey this year, but save by bringing your own thermos of hot chocolate, or if you have a designated driver, a second with some mulled wine. By default you can only have a few people in the vehicle and can keep to those in your bubble. 

Recreate Holiday Classics I'm a sucker for a holiday classic movie, and that could mean those even more recent. I always thought it's fun to recreate, immerse myself in something from one of those favorites. Setting a nice table and eating  macaroni and cheese a la Kevin McAlister, wander the down town area after dark in the snow like George Bailey, grab a  sled and take a kid or kid at heart to a sledding hill, no spray on cereal varnish required, like Clark Griswold-then snuggle down and watch the movie themselves. 

Have a game night, holiday or otherwise. We like to play cards but its been a while. I bought DH a cribbage set last year and we still haven't played it. For shame. Or...find a cheesy board game based on a classic. DH got this a few years back. I think this is the year we will break it out.

Have a crafting get together. I suck at crafts, but that doesn't make me hate doing them with people I can laugh with and laugh at myself. I still have a huge bag of wine corks that I was determined to make this cute Christmas Tree for each of my sisters. My one attempt was an epic fail, but maybe I should keep at it as someone might be getting $25 a pop selling them online! Maybe I'll just skip the craft and keep contributing to my cork supply. Maybe if crafts aren't your forte what about a photo organizing night (those envelopes of photos stuffed in shoe boxes never labeled) Get fun ones scanned and copies made for people that would appreciate them. Make photo copies and paste on Christmas shapes cut out of old wrapping paper or newspaper print. Use stuff you have. This could check off "Make some cheesy paper wreaths and cut outs for my windows" I included in my list on December 1st You could get fancy and try making Retro style 3 D paper ornaments. 

     Like I said, you can Google and get better ideas. The thing is, most are just possible things to do this whole long winter. Though if you are looking for a few small scale things to do to make the season bright, maybe something will call to you. We're on the road this morning and DH has been watching the weather. It seems we likely will be driving and arriving right as it is starting up north. I'll try to capture a few pictures for you all.