We Wish You a Merry Christmas and A COVID Safe New Year

2020 has been an interesting year for everyone, and 2021 is just around the corner! Ushering out this year will look a lot different than when we ushered it in. Thankfully, we have had many months of shared creativity when it comes to making the most of living in Covid times, so here are some ideas for making the New Year safe and fun (be sure to check the most current state and local guidelines before trying any of these ideas).
1. Social Distanced Activities
There may not be many entertainment options open by the time New Year’s Eve comes around, and coming up with safe at-home activities for groups can be challenging. But here are a few ideas to get started when it comes to safely entertaining a group. One idea is to do a New Year’s themed paint and sip (6 feet apart). This is a great way to space out, socialize, and have some champagne at the same time while keeping people entertained. Another idea (for the less artistic and more technical) would be to play social virtual games (like the Jackbox collection). These are great social games that can be played on your smart phone along with a smart TV. These games, like Quiplash, are engaging, hilarious, and a great way to play a game while socially distanced. Lastly, going out to eat is always an option, especially since Santa Clarita has countless great dining options.
2. Masquerade Party!
Make your masks fun, creative, and safe! Vote for the best mask, and winner makes the toast! Throw an elegant outdoor party, with metallic accents, neutrals, glitter, and formal attire. Serve food that is easily safe to individually serve: catering is a great option, mini champagne bottles of various flavors, food on skewers, individual or bite-sized foods like cupcakes, pigs in a blanket, dumplings, and deviled eggs. Buying small pre-wrapped food items is always best, but if you end up making your own, serving foods on a large platter helps reduce contact as well as help with social distancing.
3. Celebrate Twice
Still want to celebrate with your friends but be safe? Here’s an idea: have two parties. Yes, it sounds counterintuitive but stick with me. First, celebrate the night with your family earlier in the night. Play games, decorate for winter, make some fun food or go out to eat (or get take out). Then you can attend or start your safe group party later in the night – starting at like 10 or 11 pm. That way you will only be exposed to people outside your usual interactions for 1 or 2 hours, but you still get to see them. Make it easier and more safe by just serving a variety of drinks in someone’s large backyard (bundle up!), safely mingle, watch the ball drop, cheers, and you’re done in an hour! After party with your family again at home, and you’ve got the best of both worlds.

4. Two is a Party
Not everyone is into parties, and sometimes the small, intimate celebrations mean the most to people. If you’re that couple, 2020 New Years is your time to shine! We got you introverts; say no to the parties guilt-free as you stay in for the night. The possibilities are endless. Make an elegant dinner date at home. Pull out all the stops: dress to impress, decorate down to the detail, candles, your favorite dinner, and drinks (or if you’re not a cook – dine or get take out from your favorite restaurant), put on some jazz music, go on a long romantic stroll. Or turn that stroll into a scavenger hunt for each other as you reminisce and reference as many inside jokes as possible. Top it off with a movie or show marathon and champagne as you bring in 2021 together.

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