If you gather, make it an outside activity with five or fewer people. If you don’t all live in the same house, remember your mask. Depending on the weather, go sledding, head out for a hike, or go on a walk through the neighborhood to see holiday lights. Get moving! A little exercise will keep you warm and boost your mood.

Another mood booster is board games! Get out your games, light a fire (or find a virtual fire online), and whip up some hot cocoa. Board games are great for connection and that’s something we’re all needing right now. You can also play games virtually with friends and family either with an on-line game platform or a video call works for simple games like Bingo or your own version of Family Feud.

A video call also works great for learning to cook a recipe together with friends or family. Another idea is to host a remote potluck where you assign dishes to each household and (safely) deliver them to each other’s home. Then jump online and try them together virtually. If you want to keep it simple, cozy up on the couch and reach out to somebody you don’t live with for a chat by phone or online. You can even enjoy a virtual dinner together.

Remember, we are all having different struggles this year. Consider volunteering or donating to a local charity or spread cheer by dropping off baked goods to friends, family, and neighbors. Support local small businesses by shopping for holiday gifts locally. Many shops have online ordering with delivery or curbside pickup. This is the year we may need to be more intentional, but isn’t that what all those holiday stories have taught us? It’s when times are tough that our best qualities come out… well, that and you can spread a little cheer by singing loud for all to hear.