It goes without saying that Christmas is going to be different this year. Living in a global pandemic means much of our Holiday norms just aren’t going to happen in the same way that they always have. And while that feels like such an obvious statement, I know that my type A, stick to all the traditions self, needs this reminder.

Normally at Christmas, we throw an ornament exchange party with friends, we go into the city, and we find Christmas activities around Northern Virginia to participate in. And while I love those things, what 2020 needs more than participating in old traditions, is seeking to love our neighbors through a global pandemic and keep them safe.

And it’s no secret that trying to live into the season with added anxiety, safety precautions and some traditions on pause will be tough on our families. And tough on us as parents who are trying to still make Christmas special this year, all things considered. So much grace to you Mama as you navigate Christmas 2020.

You may have seen this Holiday To Do List from Jenna Kutcher’s blog and I love the heart behind it. Be present at Christmas, Love people more than things, and be a light to those around you.

At the same time, my list-loving self is like “can there be a yes-and?” I want to be present AND I still need to buy some presents for family and friends. I want to donate food AND I need to buy food for Christmas. I want to be a light, AND go see Christmas lights. 🙂 But I love the reminder that people are more important than things. That more than checking stuff off the list, our families just want to be with us.

That being said, this mama still needs a checklist. A simple one for 2020. One that won’t make me want to pull my hair out or quit before I start. So here you go, Mama. A Christmas checklist fitting for 2020. I’ll let you be the judge of which of these things matter to you. Mark those as keepers and toss out the rest. (Scroll to the bottom to download your own checklist!)

A Christmas Checklist for 2020

1. Decorate for Christmas. You can be as minimal as you want or you can go all out. Do what feels best for your family in this 2020 season. If you want to be Clark Griswold this Christmas, bust out all of those Christmas lights! If you want to be more minimal, Trader Joe’s stocks inexpensive live greenery that adds a classic and minimal Holiday look to any room.
2. Send Cards (if that’s something you’re into). You can pick a few close families to send them to, you can go all out with a big list, or you can just take some family pics and post them online. If you don’t feel like it, don’t do it!
3. Buy Presents. Make a list now of the people in your life that you hope to get gifts for. Communicate with them about expectations for gift giving and set a budget. When you can, shop at small businesses to support the local community. I once heard the adage of buying kids something they: want, need, can wear, and will read. I like that a lot. Right now with littles, they don’t even need that much, but I’m keeping this in mind for a future date.
4. Find or make a good Christmas Playlist. Music while decorating or cooking or simply sitting by the tree makes everything feel more festive. I’m partial to Michael Bublé’s Christmas Album, but Caroline Joy Rector also makes some great Christmas music playlists on Spotify.
5. Watch Christmas movies. I find it fun to create a list of must-see movies for the season, and then watch them intentionally throughout December to help us live into the season.
6. Decide your plans for Christmas and meals. Covid has made this a hard conversation and decision, but making a plan can save your loved ones some heartache. Whether you decide to stay home, or go be with family, it’s helpful to know what expectations your spouse and kids have (and even making time to sift through how you’re feeling about it as well). Make a plan so that you can talk about it with your kids and set their expectations for Christmas Eve/Day.
7. Use an Advent Calendar to teach your littles about Christmas. I am definitely partial, but also excited to use this one for teaching my boys the true story of Christmas, while also doing some simple and fun Christmasy activities to make memories with them.
8. Slow down enough to soak in this season of Advent. Because the Word became flesh and dwelled among us to be a light in the darkness (John 1). This last one is really what it’s all about.

So that’s it! Just 8 things to consider this Christmas as you prepare for the season. Remember, keep what you actually want and ignore the rest! Christmas 2020 can be joy-filled, peaceful and purposeful. Let’s live into those characteristics as we remember Jesus who incarnated this Christmas! Grab your own Checklist below!