Page 34 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – December 2020/January 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Making the Most
Out of the Holiday Season
Another year has come to an end and this year has been anything but ordinary. While your celebrations might usually consist of big get-togethers and annual road trips to visit friends and family, this time around your festivities might look a bit different. Think about how to get into the holiday spirit and spread cheer with attainable traditions.
Decorating for the holidays always made me excited
as a kid. No matter what time of year, I looked forward to decking the halls. My favorite thing was to drive around and look at how all of my neighbors lit up their homes with bright colors and lawn decorations. If you have found yourself with a bit of extra money because of canceled events or travel plans, perhaps consider adding to your outdoor displays. Making your own decorations also is a fun activity for kids and can become an annual tradition with pieces to hand down to future generations.
Cooking a feast can be a great experience, whether it is just for you or for your family. A tradition in my house has always been making potato latkes and pairing them with my dad’s famous homemade applesauce. The season’s unexpected downtime might prove to make way for me to learn how to do it without help, as well as to create new items to add to our holiday menu. If you’ve always wanted to try cooking that big Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, this could be the year!
Music and movies play a huge part in what makes the season bright. Pick out your favorite holiday classic tunes and make a playlist. You can listen to it while you decorate, cook and even wrap presents! Caroling is a
Shutterstock: Vgeny Atamanenko
great way to spread joy throughout the community, just make sure to do it safely. Of course, if you’re anything like me, you don’t need someone to suggest a movie marathon. I will probably have watched every cheesy movie across all streaming services long before the holiday has actually commenced. Pop some popcorn, make yourself some hot chocolate and settle in with a cozy blanket for a film fest evening.
Do you want to build a snowman? When it snows, instead of just shoveling and going inside ... take the time and enjoy winter’s beauty. Take the kids out to go sledding, make snow angels or even just for a snowball fight. Break out that saucer or those snowshoes from the garage. Since you are staying closer to home, if you can, make your yard into a winter wonderland. If you’re a winter sports lover, make an effort to get out on the slopes and put your skills to use!
Take advantage of technology and visit with friends and family, even when they are long distance. Many holiday dinners are going to be via virtual conference calls. This is a new way to celebrate, and while it might feel weird, it can still be fun. Sometimes, it also allows you to spend time with people who live far away who don’t usually get to be with you. If you share your menu ahead of time, everyone can prepare the same meal
to enjoy, no matter how far apart they are. If these are people you traditionally give gifts, send them ahead of time and have an unwrapping party over the video chat!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, have fun and be safe. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
34 I DEC/JAN 2020/21
Emily Gnacik is the Editor of AAA Every Day Magazine.