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10 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • Winter 2020 This year the holiday season may look different. Masks and social distancing have put a damper on the usual gatherings at schools and in our communities. My own kids are sad that their holiday concerts and our town's parade have been canceled. But there's no need to despair. After all, it is still the most wonderful time of the year! Why not take this opportunity to rediscover the joy of slowing down and savoring the season right where you spend most of your time? Here are seven sweet and simple ways to celebrate the holidays at home. WRITTEN BY KATY M. CLARK AT HOME How to Savor the Holiday Season 1. SEND CARDS IN THE MAIL Now is a great time to rediscover the tradition of sending Christmas cards. There are tons of online photo sites that allow you to per- sonalize photo cards. Or ask your kids to draw or paint handmade greetings. No matter how fancy the cards may be, just imagine how much joy they will bring the recipients, especially grandmas and grandpas who love getting good old-fashioned mail! 2. BAKE Spend time together cutting out sugar cookies, rolling rugelach or making a special recipe that your family trea- sures. Tell your kids about the relatives who wrote the reci- pes in cursive on those cards passed down from generation to generation. Maybe you can drop off your homemade treats to essential workers, homebound seniors or veterans in your neighborhood. 3. MAKE MUSIC The usual school holiday concert may look different this year, if it can be held at all, but that doesn't mean you can't host one in your own home. Have your child play a solo in front of the family. Or be like the Partridge Family and encourage everyone to pick up an instrument for a holiday jam session. Sing your favorite hymns or holiday classics. You can find most lyrics online. It's still the most wonderful time of year!