5 survival tips for your corona Christmas

Merry Christmas? This year’s Christmas is only a “light” version, because the corona virus unfortunately doesn’t take a vacation. Will Christmas therefore be only half as merry as usual? We at Humanoo think so: No, definitely not.

In the first article on #coronaweihnachten we were still talking about the “final enemy holidays” – in the last article this month we now find conciliatory, encouraging words. Even if Christmas will be different for all of us – it doesn’t have to be automatically worse!

Because we are sure: No matter how you will spend this holiday, no matter which rituals you have to do without, with the right portion of optimism, acceptance, and creativity we will also make this holiday beautiful. With our 5 survival tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of Corona Christmas for yourself.

Tip 1: Christmas market “to go

Even if the Christmas markets have to be canceled – many bars, cafes, and restaurants in our neighborhood are still open and waiting for us! And they have retooled: So now you can get delicious mulled wine and hot chocolate from the to-go window – and a little Christmas market atmosphere to boot!

So why not meet your loved ones for a walk in thermal underwear and check out their favorite cafes? Already the route can be a program point, which brings anticipation. This way you can get some fresh air and do something good by supporting the restaurateurs in these difficult times with your visit.

But what about the delicious Christmas snacks? Hot mushrooms, sweet crepes or roasted almonds – yes, we miss them too! But they are also very easy to conjure up in our kitchen – simply prepare before the walk and enjoy outside. And without queuing at the stand!

Tip 2: Celebrate Christmas digitally

The restriction of contact at the feast presents some families with yet another logistical challenge – who celebrates with whom? How do we split up? But just because we can’t have all our loved ones around in Real Life doesn’t mean Christmas Eve will be sad or boring: Because Christmas 2020 goes online! We’ve already learned that we can also spend surprisingly wonderful, fun times together via Zoom, Skype and the like – and at a safe distance.

Those who can’t or don’t want to be there in person at the dinner table can be represented by a tablet and tune in live – a bit unusual, but we’re used to that this year!

So how about organizing a digital Christmas dinner and inviting all your loved ones – maybe it will be even “fuller”, moodier and more sociable than all the Christmases before? Unwrapping presents and snacking can also be done on the screen – and there’s another advantage to it all: There’s no friction over Christmas music and everyone can decide on their own menu!

Tip 3: Have Christmas dinner delivered

Whether it’s Christmas brunch at a cafe or a 3-course meal at a restaurant, just because the restaurant industry is closed doesn’t mean we have to give up the typical Christmas treats we look forward to all year long!

Many restaurants and delis have gotten inventive with the lockdown and switched to delivery services – so you can get your menu or even an entire Christmas goose delivered right to your door with ease, contactless. Some bars have also set up cocktail home deliveries – so you can bring the bar feeling home and bring out the bartender in you this Christmas.

Best of all, you can still treat yourself to something delicious for the holidays, without any kitchen chaos, while also supporting restaurateurs during this difficult time.

Tip 4: Stream Christmas concerts online

Do you like going to church, the theater or a concert at Christmas? You don’t have to miss out this year, because some organizers stream directly to your living room – almost like a private performance.

Find out in your city or region which programs are live-streamed and get your usual dose of culture at home. You’ll also find a super diverse selection of international performances and concerts at Arte Concert – perfect for a quiet Christmas Eve!

Tip 5: Only the best for your me-time

Spending Christmas alone? It’s happening to many this year – and it doesn’t automatically have to make you lonely! In fact, you now have the beautiful opportunity to simply do yourself justice – without deadline pressure, cooking stress and obligations.

So ask yourself: What do you really feel like doing? Anything that makes you feel good is allowed! Order a special Christmas dinner (that only you have to like!), do a wellness or craft day at home or watch non-stop Christmas movies on Netflix. Not in the mood for classic Christmas rituals at all? That’s okay too, because you’re the boss here and you decide for yourself – merry Grinchmas!

We bet: This way the holidays can easily last even longer! By the way, we’ve already learned this year that you can stay in touch even when you’re far away – so if you do get that feeling of loneliness, just connect virtually with your loved ones – or with all the others who are just as alone at Christmas.

Our +1 Tip: Celebrate Christmas mindfully

And here’s an extra tip straight from the Humanoo experts: This Christmas is different – so what if we use it as an opportunity to approach the usual festivities from a different perspective? Namely with mindfulness?

As ironic as it is, with less stress, obligations, and pressure of expectations, we have more space to focus entirely on the present moment. Whether you’re enjoying your Christmas dinner or decorating the tree, be fully in the here and now and direct your awareness to the things that truly bring you joy. Would you like to be accompanied by mediation? In our app you will find short sessions and longer programs that will help you to find yourself.

Maybe through this #coronachristmas we will take something with us that will outlast the pandemic: A new realization about what’s really important to us, more serenity in dealing with stress, and more appreciation for the moments when we can hopefully all come together again soon. Without any distance at all.

In this sense: We wish you and your loved ones a mindful Christmas, beautiful encounters – whether online or offline – and above all: good health.

Your Humanoo Team