The holiday season is just around the corner. In the past, that would mean stressfully shopping for Christmas gifts last minute and going from one uncomfortably warm holiday party to the next. This year, however, the coronavirus has forced us to make other plans; here are some things you can do to keep your holiday spirit up while staying inside and social distancing. 

Baking: Baking has always been a classic, festive activity, and what better way to usher in the holiday spirit than with a house that smells like cinnamon and pumpkin spice? This winter break, channel your inner New-England suburban mom and bake something warm and wintery; my personal favorite is the Taylor Swift recipe for vanilla chai cookies.

Social-Distance-Secret-Santa: Just because you can’t meet your friends in person, doesn’t mean that you can’t make them buy you presents! Organize a certain day when your friends can drop off presents on each other’s doorsteps. This way, you can get all of the best parts of the holidays (gifts) without having to deal with the negatives (people, talking to people, interacting with people). 

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Spree: If somebody tries to tell you that the number of times you’ve been to Trader Joes is “concerning” and that you “need to go to therapy, not Trader Joes,” don’t listen to them. Listen to me instead: buy every single pumpkin spiced item that you can find because, contrary to popular belief, material objects can bring you happiness. My personal recommendations are any kind of pumpkin spiced cookies and baked goods. Do not waste your money on any kind of pumpkin flavored ice cream or pasta; it even sounds wrong. 

A Hallmark Movie Drinking Game: Instead of alcohol, though, try a fall themed drink, like apple cider or pumpkin spice or eggnog (if you hate yourself). Every single Hallmark movie has, essentially, the same plot. Now that every single streaming subscription has started rolling out movies with the “fake Christmas dates” and “coffee shop date” tropes, see how many cliches you can find in them. Each time you find one, take a sip from a fall drink of your choice. 

Looking at Christmas Light: Something about Christmas turns every single upper class suburban dad into Michaelangelo, and the Christmas decorations in the front yard are their Sistine Chapels. One drive through Palo Alto will single handedly restore any serotonin lost since the school year has begun. In fact, I’m going to go look at Christmas lights right now to avoid studying for my math test.If you’re especially bold, try your hand at Christmas decorations*. 

*The IHS Voice is not liable for electrocution or any other injuries that may arise from this.