Christmas 2020 is just a couple of short months away. If it’s like the rest of this year, those months will disappear in the blink of an eye. So, what will Christmas look like this year?
So many plans have been postponed or cancelled this year. There have been disappointments, heartache and tough times. This year, let’s make it less about big, expensive gifts and more about sharing the holidays with our family and friends, any way we can. Focus on the true meaning of Christmas, what a wonderful way to end a difficult year!
Get everyone involved
Christmas Day is all about eating too much, a snooze on the lounge in the afternoon, an evening game of cricket with the kids and a few quiet drinks to round out the day. If you want to plan a big Christmas lunch with all the family, send out a group message and ask who wants to bring what. Don’t think you need to do it all:
- Plan the menu
- Order the ham
- Buy the food
- Organise the decorations
- Put the order in at the bottle shop
- Do all the cleaning up.
Who really wants that? Make a day of it and get everyone around early. Share croissants and orange juice for breakfast, then get busy in the kitchen. Many hands make light work and Aunty Betty always loves to do the dishes while Uncle Athol sings his favourite Christmas carols. The kids can set up the table and get creative with the decorations and party hats. The teenagers can have fun looking after the little ones. Grandad can keep his watchful eye on the TV.
Less is more
If you want to give presents, you don’t need to spend a lot. There is always the option to do Secret Santa, and a set spending limit lets you to get creative with your thinking. There are also some great initiatives at the moment around buying local and supporting small businesses. Where possible, make this a priority. And don’t forget, if you are buying online, postal deliveries may also take a little bit longer this year.
You can even get busy and make something yourself. If you have a skill that everyone admires, use it to your advantage. A gift made with love is always well appreciated. Imagine everyone sitting around waiting their turn to open their present. There will be laughs, hugs, groans and sheer delight on everyone’s faces as they share those special moments.
We may still have to follow restrictions, but if we can spend Christmas with the ones we love, whether in person or via phone or video, that’s what great memories are really made of.
Newcastle Permanent have supported The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal for over 30 years, collecting gifts for children in need and we’re so proud to be partnering with them once again this Christmas. In the lead up to Christmas, all our Branches and Head Office will become a collection point for new toys and gift vouchers to support appeal. Please give generously. Your donation will help make this Christmas a little brighter for children and families who are doing it tough.