A new kind of Christmas: Masons’ top tips for a special Christmas 2020

At the end of a rollercoaster 2020, Christmas this year is going to feel a little different to usual. The pandemic has changed so many aspects of our lives, and the new habits we have formed and the ‘new normal’ is sure to have an impact on the festive season too. 

 

For many of us, it has been a difficult year, especially without the ability to see our friends and family, so we’re pleased that we’ll be able to see our family for the Christmas break in lockdown restrictions. Although it still won’t feel the same for many as there is the limit on three households being able to come together for the festive period. 

 

To make Christmas feel as special as usual, we have put together some ideas to make this festive period even more unforgettable! 

 

Christmas décor

It feels like Christmas is coming even quicker than usual this year but it’s a really lovely distraction from the uncertainty. With all of the extra time at home this year, we think that there’s never been a better year for creating a winter wonderland at home! John Lewis has some wonderful ideas for all budgets in their Christmas guide here. Or why not get crafty and make your own decorations?

 

You could even join in with Penarth’s Window Wanderland! Get cosy in your winter layers and wander around your local area to see the wonderful festive window displays that your neighbours have created! Everyone is invited to get involved and make their own window display. Find out more here! 

 

Christmas cookies

Perfect for getting even the littlest of Santa’s helpers involved, Christmas cookies are a great way to fill an afternoon of the school holidays or to really get in the spirit on Christmas Eve! 

 

Prepare a hearty Christmas brunch 

Whether you’re looking for a special brunch on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day or are even looking to fuel all of the hard work of opening presents, there are some amazing brunch recipes that you can prep the night before and pop in the oven on the day. We love the look of these Blueberry Sweet Rolls from The Good Housekeeping and with only four ingredients, they’re the perfect brunch recipe!  

 

Settle in with a glass of classic mulled wine

Is there anything better than the smell of mulled wine in the winter? Why not make the aromatic classic at home this year and settle down with a festive film! Using a bottle of red wine and a few spices that you probably already have in the cupboard, this BBC recipe for easy mulled wine by Ainsley Harriott is as simple it gets! Or many supermarkets sell mulled wine ‘teabags’ pre-filled with all of the spices you need at this time of year. 

 

Host a virtual Christmas party 

Just because only three households can physically spend Christmas together, that doesn’t mean that you have to be lonely this festive season. Why not host a virtual Christmas party over video conferencing software? You could even arrange for everyone to be sitting down to eat at the same time! 

 

Take part in Jolabokafld: Christmas Book Flood

In Iceland on Christmas Eve, they have a Christmas tradition called ‘jolabokaflod,’ which translates to ‘Christmas book flood’. Jolabokaflod involves giving books as presents on Christmas Eve and getting cosy with a warm drink like hot chocolate, so that friends and family can spend the night in, curled up with a good story. If you’re looking for a list of Christmas books, we love this one from The Good Housekeeping with books for all ages!

 

Support Local 

Remember this year has been hard on our small, local businesses, why not buy as many of your presents, food and drink locally, if you can? If you’re struggling for inspiration, Vale Town Centres have been shining a spotlight on many of the fantastic small businesses that we have here in the Vale. Take a look at their Facebook page here. 

 

Send a Christmas care package

Why not send a Christmas care package to your loved ones that you won’t get to see this year? It doesn’t have to be anything too big, you could include some hot chocolate and marshmallows, chocolate coins, a new pair of pyjamas and your favourite movie. This could even be a special Christmas Eve treat where all open your packages together on Zoom and then settle to watch a festive film together?

 

Putting this list together, listening to our favourite Christmas album has got us feeling festive already! How will you be making Christmas feel special this year? Let us know on Facebook!  

 

If having everyone at home this year is making it a bit tricky to hide the presents from the little (and big!) kids in your life, have you thought about flexible self-storage? Accessible 24/7, 365 days a year and just ten minutes from Cardiff Bay, Masons Self Storage can help you keep Christmas a surprise! 

 

Plus, you can be sure that we are strictly following the government’s guidelines for social distancing and increased cleaning of communal areas.

 

If you would like to create some much-needed space at home or need some stopgap storage to hide presents from prying eyes, why not give our friendly team a call on 0800 533 5708? Or drop us an email: [email protected]