Even though the Christmas season is looking a little different this year, there is still such hope for the future with so many special memories of the past. Many traditions have been canceled, parties minimized, and family gatherings simplified. It's ok to mourn the loss of these special events, but also find joy in the original purpose of them. Do you love the Christmas lights and festivals? Find ways to still enjoy them! Do you savor family time? That can still happen! Do you love finding opportunities to serve others? People need encouragement more than ever! Check out some ideas for a cozy Covid Charleston Christmas...
Things to do around Charleston:
- James Island County Park Christmas Lights (This may seem obvious, but spice it up. Pack a thermos with hot water, hot chocolate, marshmallows, & disposable cups or everyone's favorite mugs.)
- Breakfast at the beach (Swing by Chick-fil-a or Baguette Magic, grab some coffee, bring a blanket, and watch the sun rise or at least the waves.)
- Drive-in Movies (The Terrace Theater, Holy City Drive In, Hwy 21 Drive In are some of our favorites showing Christmas movies.)
- Christmas Downtown (There are so many beautiful decorations! I honestly would love to do this twice: once during the day and once at night. If you haven't been to Christophe Artisan Chocolatier, it's must for a mid morning treat. The coffee shops are too many to mention. But we do love Bakehouse Charleston for its taste and proximity to the waterfront. This year we are going to check out the lights at the College of Charleston one evening, maybe even for a datenight!)
- Also through tomorrow, December 12, the City Parks Recreation have an amazing scavenger hunt in Hampton Park called Holiday Reindeer Bell Hunt. It's free and a challenge! Here's the link: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/2477/Holiday-Hunts?fbclid=IwAR2oc-M37XYBHFySwVChMLQPuxP4jefxFjTjiouwLgXGENokGdiHLkHTI6c
- Farmers Markets (We are biased, but our local Johns Island Farmer's Market is our favorite! Through the month of December, they have a night market as well every Saturday. Check out Sea Island Farmers Market. https://www.seaislandfarmersmarket.com/
- Ice Skating
Things to do at home:
- Gingerbread Houses (aka graham crackers, frosting, and leftover Halloween candy). This is our favorite Christmas advent activity! https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a83319/how-to-make-royal-icing-without-meringue-powder/
- Smores outside with a Christmas movie
- Put together a Christmas play (Our girls have had the best time reenacting the nativity story and recording it. We have some treasured video footage of a shepherd quitting, Mary sitting on the kitchen table, and Gabriel singing the praises of God from our backyard swing.)
- Make Christmas garland (It could be as simple as just threading popcorn and cranberries or adding dried oranges. Add a Christmas audio book and you can count it as educational!)
- Bake Christmas cookies (Even a simple tube of sugar cookie dough and sprinkles can get you in the Christmas mood.)
- Make Christmas ornaments for grandparents & neighbors
- Make snowflakes for the windows
- Read Christmas books on the screen porch with hot cocoa
Things to do for others:
- Take coffee to our favorite librarian
- Make cinnamon rolls for neighbors
- Leave a box of Peppermint Joe Joe's in our mailbox for the postman
- Leave snack box outside for delivery people
- Fill a blessing box (put encouraging notes on the items)
- Christmas wreath delivery
- Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line
