Although the holidays are looking a little different this year, there are some traditions that can be continued and there are some new ones that can be added to make the holidays just as special. Here are some of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit even though activities are limited:

1. Watch a holiday movie: There are plenty of holiday movies on Netflix, Hallmark, and so many other TV channels. Movies are the best way to get in the holiday spirit and put you in a good mood!
2. Go Ice Skating – Reston Town Center is still offering ice skating this season and it can be a great way to get even more in the holiday spirit. It is such a fun winter activity that has not gone away because of COVID and it can be a great way to get out of the house.
3. Bake holiday cookies – Any sort of holiday baking can easily put you in the holiday spirit. Just even a simple recipe can be easy and fun to make and involving your family can be a great way to spend time together as well!
4. Decorate your room/house – There are so many easy and simple DIY’s you can do to decorate your room for the holidays. Target and Home Goods also have super cute and affordable decorations that can make any room festive. 
5. Make hot chocolate – Hot chocolate is perfect for a cold winter day and curling up with some while watching a movie, reading a book, or doing any other activity.
6. Listen to holiday music – Playing music while driving, working out, or even baking is a great way to lift your spirits and put everyone in a cheerful mood. 
7. Buy holiday socks – Holiday socks can be found anywhere from Target to Amazon and are cozy and warm for the winter days ahead. 
8. Make a gingerbread house- decorating a gingerbread house is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holidays. It also serves as a cute decoration!
9. Drive around and look at Christmas lights – There are so many beautiful neighborhoods lit up with Christmas lights around this time of year. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, looking at lights all around Reston can be a fun activity for the winter!
10. Have a family game night – The holidays are a time for everyone to spend time with loved ones and have quality time with family. A family game night is a great way to get together and have a fun evening in. 
11. Give back to others (donating money or food items to those in need)  – There are so many people in need during the holidays, especially now more than ever. There are many drives and donation places to donate to, especially the South Lakes Pantry. 
12. Buy gifts for others – Although it may sound like a given, buying a good gift for someone else can truly make you and the person receiving the gift feel so much joy. 
13. Light a scented candle – Scented candles truly make a space relaxing and set the mood for any occasion. Having candles for the holidays can make any space feel festive. 
14. Wear festive PJs – Pajamas are cozy yet festive and are a great way to put you in the holiday spirit. 
15. Get a holiday drink from Starbucks – Holiday drinks are fun and festive and a hot holiday drink can improve anyone’s mood.
16. Make your favorite holiday recipe – There are so many holiday baking recipes out there that you can make to enjoy over the holidays. 
17. Make a virtual “Secret Santa”- even though we are not meeting up with our friends, a secret Santa with friends is not impossible and there are so many ways to do it virtually! (Read more about how to have Secret Santa during the pandemic here)
18. Spend time with loved ones – Setting up a Zoom meeting with relatives is a great way to connect and catch up with relatives that you won’t see over the holiday.