It’s Thanksgiving week and Christmas is right on its heels. For my family, like many others, this season is about surprises, secrets, and seeing family. However, with increasing restrictions due to spiking COVID-19 numbers, some of our normal plans may have to be postponed. Perhaps you have experienced some of the same. It is disappointing to have travel plans to see loved ones in jeopardy. There is no way to make up for the loss of family time, but with kids still at home, I try to keep a positive attitude.

One way to keep your sunny side up is to have something enjoyable to look forward to. Starting in December, advent calendars become very popular. Why not pull your kids (both young and old) together and create a Holiday Advent Calendar. What that means is that you have a bizarre and unofficial holiday for each day in December leading up to Christmas. This doesn’t have to be only for Christmas. It could be done in February.  Or March. Anytime is appropriate for this game.

To help you get started, I’ve pulled together eight days of “special” days to celebrate. These can be celebrated by dressing according to the theme of the day, baking something, reading something, playing something… anything, as long as it can relate to the day’s holiday.

December 1^st: Eat A Red Apple Day

Photo courtesy of Desertrose7 from Pixabay

An apple a day keeps the doctor away—and hopefully the coronavirus too. This day is an easy theme. You can make an apple dessert and play Apples to Apples with the family. Red is a simple color to wear, especially in December. This first day has the potential for lots of fun.

December 2^nd: National Science Fiction Day

Photo courtesy of Stefan Keller on Pixabay

There are so many fun things about this theme. Adults and kids can dress up like aliens or their favorite Star Trek character. Normal food can be colored to look like strange, out-of-this-world snacks. Read a science fiction story together, or watch a movie or a TV show.

December 3^rd: Make A Gift Day

Photo of Foundry Co from Pixabay

Been so busy you haven’t had time to craft?  Here is a perfect chance to get some time in. Homemade gifts are thoughtful and appreciated. Why not use the day to make candy, create a wreath, or craft ornaments for gifts?  Flummoxed as to what to make? Google “Christmas gifts for beginners,” and you’ll get a kazillion hits. My advice is to start as simple with as few materials as possible and work your way into more complex projects.  This way you can avoid having an inordinate amount of Mod Podge to deal with in 6 months.

December 4^th: National Trivia Day

Photo courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Some youngsters walk around telling corny jokes all day. On December 4^th, it is the day for walking around spouting out random trivia facts. If you need inspiration just ask Alexa for trivia facts or Google “trivia facts about __________.”  Of course, this is the perfect day to play Trivia Pursuit. By the way, did you know that Trivia Pursuit was created in 1971 but didn’t hit the public until 1981?

December 5^th: National Play Outside Day

Photo courtesy of PublicDomainPhotos from Pixabay

This actually falls on the first Saturday of the month. Back in the dark ages, before the addiction to video games became accepted as “normal,” we used to play outside. My mom used to have to tell us when we left in the morning to be sure we were home before the outdoor streetlights came on. We had lots of sun and fresh air, both of which help kill germs and strengthen the immune system. Just sayin’.

December 6^th: National Cuddle Up Day

Photo courtesy of Myriams-Photos from Pixabay

Warm pajamas, a snuggly blanket, tea, and a good book is my favorite way to celebrate this holiday. It could also include a family movie, snuggly blankets, and hot chocolate, or your pets. Whatever makes you feel cuddled up and comfy, this is the day to celebrate it. Great if you have a snuggly, fat cat. However, if you own a porcupine, this probably isn’t the holiday for you.

December 7^th: Put On Your Own Shoes Day

Photo by congerdesign from Pixabay

Yes, because every morning I cram my ladies’ size 8 feet into my husband’s men’s size 11 shoes. So leave your friend’s, neighbor’s, and the stranger you met on the subway’s shoes alone and wear your own footwear for Pete’s sake.

December 8^th: Letter Writing Day

Photo courtesy of mohamed_hassan from Pixabay

Ah, yes. There is nothing like the lost art of writing a letter to make you feel human again. Writing a letter is a wonderful personal gift. Everyone’s penmanship is different with its own personality. And receiving a letter in the mailbox still brings a thrill that no one can deny. When you write a letter….what? Oh, you want to email a letter? Sigh. Fine, go ahead. It’s the thought that counts, I suppose.

Cheater.

There are so many variations of the days and so many suggestions of official and bizarre unofficial holidays that you won’t ever run out. Have something to look forward to every day, an activity to engage your family.  No matter what happens, no matter what you celebrate, every day should be a Think Positive day.