5 tips to have good virtual parties 1:06
(CNN) -
Even as we count down the last days of December, many of us are still coming to terms with the fact that end-of-the-year events and gatherings look a lot different from last Christmas.
Christmas 2020, however, is not canceled unless you decide to do so.
This season, don't say "what nonsense!"
Say "why not?"
and start new traditions by celebrating little rituals for your family, as you define it.
"People like to use the expression 'it's not normal,'" said Jonathan Caspi, a family therapist and professor in the Department of Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
"This year is different, but different is not always bad."
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A raccoon at the Christmas tree 1:21
By removing some typical holiday rituals from the table, the pandemic has created a space for families to experiment with new ways to honor the holidays.
The current situation can also help re-prioritize what you think is most significant during the holiday season.
"Proposing rituals together can create a very strong bond," said Caspi.
So make a change this Christmas, take a deep breath and find joy in the little things.
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Little rituals, like lighting a pine-scented candle on Christmas morning, can make the day feel special despite the celebrations cut short by the pandemic.
Light a candle and let the day begin
On Christmas morning, the magic begins immediately.
Light a large pine scented candle, just make sure you don't leave it unattended, and turn on some Christmas tunes to set the mood.
Whether you choose old albums or a streaming playlist, it's up to you.
Recognize that the day is special by making your regular coffee with whipped cream and sprinkles, adding chocolate syrup, or going all out with a homemade caramel macchiato.
So much the better to go with Christmas cookies for breakfast.
Start Christmas Day with a homemade drink, like this caramel macchiato, to accompany your breakfast of Christmas cookies.
Once you get your caffeine for the day and are strong, pick something in your closet that makes you feel happy.
Maybe that's your ugly Christmas sweater, maybe that's the dress or heels you've wanted to wear all year, or maybe that's your portable sleeping bag.
Say hello and say hi to Santa
This year you won't have to cross the river and through the woods to Grandma's house, or suffer from interstate highways traffic.
Make a video log with loved ones you want to see and open gifts together, if that's a tradition that makes you feel good.
You don't like physical gifts?
One of the positives this year is that your family members may be more willing to put their money toward a charitable donation, such as a food bank, rather than another pair of socks or a bathroom gift set.
As another easy way to connect with friends and family, you can arrange to watch a group movie of a classic Christmas movie.
The Teleparty app works with multiple streaming services, such as Netflix and HBO Max (which is owned by WarnerMedia of AT&T, CNN's parent company), while Amazon, Disney +, and Hulu have their own group movie-watching features for their subscribers.
To accompany a Christmas movie viewing, a bowl of hot popcorn with freshly grated Parmesan.
For other virtual games, try the Houseparty app where you can sing karaoke, play trivia, and enjoy other group party games.
move on
On a normal Christmas, you may be happy to be locked inside the house all day in your pajamas.
But those four familiar walls may be too close for your comfort at this point, so take an hour to get out there and stretch your legs (and arms).
As long as the weather cooperates, play a game of Wiffle ball, keeping your physical distance, or try some relay races for a little friendly competition.
After dark, walk around the neighborhood to see all the holiday lights and look at the decorated trees through the windows along the way.
Reinvent Christmas dinner
For some, food has the greatest sense of ritual and tradition, but don't feel compelled to make the usual Christmas dinner unless it's what kindles a fire in your stomach.
Are you the one who always cooks at home?
Support a local restaurant and give yourself the night off by reserving and picking up dinner.
It's a little splurge that will feel like you're spending millions, or an idea for your gift list if you prefer experiences to things.
Or make a different comfort food part of your new Christmas tradition.
Go the comfort food route with a one-pot meal that's simpler to make but still indulgent, like real spaghetti carbonara or creamy baked risotto.
Start a new Christmas tradition by making a simple yet indulgent spaghetti carbonara for Christmas dinner.
Don't you want to cook anything?
Keep the mood festive but ditch the dishes without feeling guilty.
Enjoy a bowl of freshly grated Parmesan popcorn and grab a bottle of Prosecco in lieu of a full meal.
If all else fails ...
What if you are still bummed out by a low-key Christmas?
Or if your extended family feels guilty that you are listening to Dr. Tony Fauci and you stayed home?
Remember that in the end, it is only one day on the calendar.
Make up for the disappointment of a "missed" vacation by making future plans that involve marriage.
"Create a mutual opportunity for something more to look forward to" in 2021, Caspi said, to ease the burden of family guilt.
Silly as it may sound, "you can decorate and get a tree in April," said Caspi.
- Casey Barber is a food writer, photographer and illustrator; the author of "Pierogi Love: New Versions of Old World Comfort Food" and "Classic Snacks Made from Scratch: 70 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Brand-Name Treats"; and editor of the Good website. Food. Stories.
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