Most of us aren’t going to be cooking Christmas dinner for a houseful of guests this year, but that’s no reason not to have a festive day. If it’s just the people who live in your house, ask for a vote on the menu. Maybe it’ll be pizza—nothing wrong with that. And if they’re traditionalists, a smaller bird or prime rib will be less fuss to cook. Get everybody involved; draw slips of paper, and whoever gets salad or taters, or dessert has to make that, in whatever form they choose.
Start a new custom, a particular board or card game that you’ll play each Christmas to remind everyone that fun can be had even in trying times. Just be creative in some way, it’ll keep you from feeling sorry for yourself.
Maybe you’ll be alone and are sad about that. That’s the time to reach out. Call everyone you can think of who may also be shut up alone, and wish them a Merry Christmas. Recall a funny memory to share with them. Skype, Zoom, or whatever, with family, if you can.
Sleep late, if you like, listen to favorite music, watch a Christmas special on television, and cook your favorite thing to eat. Get outdoors for a walk, or take a drive at dusk to look at Christmas lights.
Spend some time in prayer for those who never get the holiday off, medical people, law enforcement, those serving in the military, and if you know someone in those professions write a thank you note to them.
Look out your window and make a list of all the beautiful things you see. Look around in your house and list all the beautiful things you have. Say a prayer for anyone who is responsible for you having those things.
Think about the first Christmas. If there was ever an unplanned event, that qualifies. Not much was perfect, a hastily arranged shelter, no relatives in attendance at the birth, and a bunch of strangers showing up unannounced. But all in all, everything was just as it was meant to be.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, unless you have other plans.