With many families and friends separated this year due to the pandemic, it may be hard for people to find the Christmas spirit. Fortunately, there are many festive activities abiding by COVID-19 restrictions. Consider doing these safe and socially distant holiday activities to keep the Christmas spirit from falling.

Christmas in Frisco Square

Frisco Square offers many Christmas activities that can be done safely with social distancing and wearing masks, or in separate vehicles. You can tune into 107.3 FM to listen to the upbeat, cheery Christmas music that goes along with the light show shown on the buildings in the square. Ice skating and a Christmas tree lot are also featured sections at the square.

Giving season

A lot of people have struggled this year due to the pandemic, which adds more significance to giving back this season. There are many toy drives and donation centers around the Carrollton area, so why not spend time giving to others?

Salvation Army

Salvation Army’s funds this year are at risk due to COVID-19, so their new “Rescue Christmas” donation drive allows people to contribute digitally through late December with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any Red Kettle across the country. They can also donate by asking Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” and specifying the amount, or by texting “KETTLE” to 91999. 

Safe Haven

This virtual toy drive can be accessed through an Amazon wish list where donors can select gifts to donate, purchase online and have the presents delivered directly to Safe Haven. The toy drive supports Safe Haven’s two programs, Santa Sack and Adopt-a-Family and lasts through December 24.

Bright sights

In the safety of your own car, this can be done anywhere that you’re willing to drive to. Deerfield, a neighborhood in Plano, is well known around the DFW area for the ostentatiously decorated houses throughout each street.

Rent a movie theatre

This is the perfect way to enjoy the elation of going to a movie theater without the crowd. At AMC theaters, you can host a private movie screening for up to 20 guests for $99 to choose from “fan fave films,” which features a variety of holiday classics, or $149 to choose from new releases. 

Shopping

I think everyone agrees that online shopping is the way to go this year, but it’s important to support local businesses who have struggled in response to the pandemic when shopping. 

Home for the holidays

At this point, everyone may be tired of being at home, but there are many ways to celebrate the holidays indoors with those who you live with. Indulge in appetizing food by ordering in instead of eating out, or baking tasty treats to enjoy while playing games, watching movies or listening to cheery Christmas music.

As cheesy as it sounds, Christmas hasn’t changed even though the world has. Any of these activities can bring out the joy and peace this time of year brings while staying safe and socially distant.