Christmas is going to be different. No way around that. (But you can assure the kids that the North Pole has excellent pandemic protocols, so Santa will be able to visit. He and the reindeer will quarantine when they get back to the North Pole.)

Instead of focusing on the things you can’t do (host parties, travel to visit relatives, visit Santa at beautifully decorated shopping malls, go to the Nutcracker or the Messiah sing-along, participate in the church nativity pageant), try to keep the focus on the things you can do – and on finding creative ways to do the things you love.

For example:

• Bake cookies. Do a contact-free delivery to share with your neighbors.
• Subscribe to an arts streaming site to watch performances of the Nutcracker and other classic ballets.
• Go overboard decorating the house. You’ll be spending a lot of time at home. You might as well make it festive.
• Take an evening walk or drive around your neighborhood to see everyone’s decorations.
• Do regular video chats with family and friends you’d usually see in person.
• Make this the year you send cards to stay in touch.
• Do your shopping online or with curbside pickup and ship as necessary.
• Make a Christmas playlist and let it be your soundtrack.
• Make one night a week Christmas movie night. Watch the classics while treating yourself to hot cocoa, popcorn, and cookies.
• Stream Advent and Christmas services from other places to share in their celebration of the season.