As the days get shorter and cooler, the chill in the air means one thing: Christmas is on its way! While some people are focused on the pumpkin-spiced everything season, many others have their eyes on decorations, holiday lights, gifts and family time. We all know that Christmas is going to be different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. We may not be able to spend the holidays with our families as we used to or celebrate our favorite traditions.

With that in mind, it’s more important than ever that we find ways to feel festive this holiday season. Christmas is undoubtedly a magical time of year; it’s a season of free-flowing love and giving. Let’s look at some fun and doable ways to make sure things feel festive this Christmas.

1. Go all out with Christmas lights

Christmas lights have a knack for melting the iciest of hearts and never fail to make people feel warm and bubbly inside. That soft, warm glow of Christmas lights can make otherwise dark and desolate roads and alleyways feel inviting and wholesome. Knowing that many folks won’t be able to travel to see friends and loved ones this holiday season, let’s do all that we can to make both our outdoor and indoor displays special. And what better way to do so than to hire professional Christmas light designers?

Christmas Designers is the place to go to find all things Christmas including lights, trees, decorations, commercial décor, essentials, patio lights, and unbeatable sales (up to 60% off in some cases). They also literally sell holiday treasures like Majestic Mountain Pine Christmas Trees? They’re commercial grade and come with advanced LED lighting technology. Whether you’re looking for string lights or other accessories, With the state of the world being as tough and trying as it is, we could all use a little more light. Those special Christmas trees will be a great step in the right direction.

2. Give the gift of unique jewelry

If you have a special someone in your life, giving them a unique piece of jewelry will make their holiday season shine. For everything from simple sterling silver earrings and specially cut birthstones, you should probably go to a professional. Chinchar Maloney is a custom jewelry dealer based out of Portland, offering premiere handmade gemstone jewelry. The fun doesn’t stop there though. Chinchar Maloney’s other beautiful offerings include lines like the Refined Rough, which feature sapphires and gemstones that have been partly cut by hand, and partly left rough, making for quite the beautiful combination.

3. Schedule a family gathering online.

This whole pandemic would be a completely different story if we didn’t have the kind of technology that we do at our fingertips. Thanks to apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, we’re able to stay connected with friends and family without having to put our wellbeing at risk. We can also use these apps to schedule virtual family get-togethers. They won’t be the same as our regular gatherings, but at least you can see your loved ones’ faces and hear their voices on the holiday. From eating dinner together to actually being able to watch family members open presents, there are many possibilities for togetherness time.

4. Watch Christmas movies together.

Consider this your own take on Freeform’s iconic 25 Days of Christmas. Except, in this case, you’re mapping out when you’ll watch your favorite Christmas movies with your friends or family. Movies have always been an easy way to forget about what’s potentially troubling in one’s life. We can temporarily escape to a fantasy world that isn’t plagued by things like the coronavirus. And we can do it online, together with loved ones, thanks to communication technology.

5. Treat yourself to something special.

We should all be giving ourselves credit for getting through these pandemic-filled tough times. So, if the financial circumstances allow for it, this is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a few indulgences. Maybe you buy yourself a beautiful piece of jewelry, something sterling silver or yellow gold. Or, maybe it’s a new TV, or that fancy coat you’ve had your eye one. The point is, there’s no reason to not treat yourself (or others) this season. It is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year.