Have a happy ‘holistay’

​The holidays will be different for everyone this year – especially families with children. But "different" doesn't have to mean any less special.

More time at home can mean more time to create or revive traditions that otherwise get lost in the usual holiday hubbub. Here are six fun, socially distanced ideas to try and maybe even continue year after year:

1.     String a popcorn and cranberry garland for decoration. The secrets to a successful string: two-day-old, slightly soggy popcorn that won't crumble as you thread it; yellow popcorn (bigger kernels); waxed dental floss for the thread and multiple short strings (rather than one super long string). Besides looking great on the tree or mantle, it makes a safe treat for wild birds when the holiday is over.  

2.     Make salt-dough ornaments with the kids. Here's an easy recipe, plus creative ideas for decorating.

3.     Gather the fam for your favorite holiday movie. Here's one reviewer's list of the top 100 holiday movies. Agree or disagree, you're sure to get some great ideas for a cocoa-sipping, sugar-cookie eating, feel-good film fest.

4.     Freshen up your holiday playlist. Good Housekeeping put together this list of newer songs to mix in with your old favorites.

5.     Pile in the car to take in the lights. Here are some Puget Sound-area suggestions courtesy of the Seattle Times and a from-your-car lights extravaganza at Portland International Raceway. (Check availability before you go in case of changing COVID-19 restrictions.)  

6.     Give the artificial tree a year off and visit a U-Cut farm or channel your inner Griswolds and get a permit to harvest your own tree

Have a holiday tradition you'd like to share? Please join the conversation in Comments below!