For many of us, the most wonderful time of the year looks a lot different in Washington this season. Festivals we always look forward to are postponed, out-of-state family may not be flying in, and we’re all still dealing with the strangeness of 2020. That being said, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy this festive time. And while not everyone will be having these thoughts, we’re betting a few of these will resonate with most of you. As we prepare to end this bizarre year, it’s nice to be able to have a little fun with it.
- Outwardly acting sad about missing your local tree lighting ceremony, but secretly thinking “I’m so relieved.”
sharyn morrow / Flickr Tree lighting ceremonies can be fun. They can be beautiful. They can also be overly crowded, freezing cold, anti-climactic, and overrated. It’s OK to be OK with missing them.
- “But what about ___?” as the realization sinks in that many of your favorite holiday traditions aren’t happening this year.
Visit Leavenworth WA / Facebook While the lights of Leavenworth are as beautiful as ever, sadly, there won’t be an official festival this year. Many small town events and big city festivities have also been postponed. And even though it’s temporary, when that realization hits, it stings.
- “How in the heck are pictures with Santa supposed to work this year?”
Roger Jones / Flickr Does Santa wear a mask? Do the kids? Does Santa have herd immunity? Who even knows anymore?
- “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about getting too drunk at any office holiday parties.”
Kennedy Library / Flickr This may or may not have been a concern for you before, but it certainly won’t be one in 2020. Just watch out for those Zoom happy hours.
- “What the heck do I wear to a virtual holiday party?”
M I S C H E L L E / Flickr We’re all still figuring this one out. Personally, we vote for a festive top and pajama pants on the bottom.
- “Ski hills are socially distant, right?
Barry Maas / Flickr Good news – they are. Snow sports will be (almost) in full swing this year, right down to snow tubing at Snoqualmie. Just keep your distance from others and plan for some potential extra wait times.
- “Do I still have to clean and decorate if I’m not hosting this year?”
Russ Allison Loar / Flickr The answer is no… but if it makes you happy, you should. Despite what some negative Nellies in your life might be saying, the holiday season is not canceled this year.
- “I’m really going to miss my mom / favorite cousin / uncle.”
Jeremy Mack / Flickr We’re not supposed to play favorites with family members, but we all do it. And whatever your plans may be this year, if your favorite family members won’t be making it to you, the holiday blues are bound to hit at some point. Making future plans with them might help.
- “Drive thru light shows are actually the best.”
The Lights of Christmas / Facebook Stanwood’s Lights of Christmas is a drive-through attraction this year, and many more similar events are popping up all over the state. Honestly, why walk through sub-zero temperatures when you can enjoy the beautiful lights from the comfort of your car?
This might not be a normal holiday season, but at least we’ll be enjoying it in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. And that alone is something to celebrate.
sharyn morrow / Flickr
Tree lighting ceremonies can be fun. They can be beautiful. They can also be overly crowded, freezing cold, anti-climactic, and overrated. It’s OK to be OK with missing them.
Visit Leavenworth WA / Facebook
While the lights of Leavenworth are as beautiful as ever, sadly, there won’t be an official festival this year. Many small town events and big city festivities have also been postponed. And even though it’s temporary, when that realization hits, it stings.
Roger Jones / Flickr
Does Santa wear a mask? Do the kids? Does Santa have herd immunity? Who even knows anymore?
Kennedy Library / Flickr
This may or may not have been a concern for you before, but it certainly won’t be one in 2020. Just watch out for those Zoom happy hours.
M I S C H E L L E / Flickr
We’re all still figuring this one out. Personally, we vote for a festive top and pajama pants on the bottom.
Barry Maas / Flickr
Good news – they are. Snow sports will be (almost) in full swing this year, right down to snow tubing at Snoqualmie. Just keep your distance from others and plan for some potential extra wait times.
Russ Allison Loar / Flickr
The answer is no… but if it makes you happy, you should. Despite what some negative Nellies in your life might be saying, the holiday season is not canceled this year.
Jeremy Mack / Flickr
We’re not supposed to play favorites with family members, but we all do it. And whatever your plans may be this year, if your favorite family members won’t be making it to you, the holiday blues are bound to hit at some point. Making future plans with them might help.
The Lights of Christmas / Facebook
Stanwood’s Lights of Christmas is a drive-through attraction this year, and many more similar events are popping up all over the state. Honestly, why walk through sub-zero temperatures when you can enjoy the beautiful lights from the comfort of your car?
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