Christmas activities for 2020: ideas for a socially distanced Christmas 

Just because we’re likely unable to celebrate altogether this year, that doesn’t mean to say prezzie purchasing plans should be scuppered. If anything, it’s important now more than ever to take the time to show your nearest and dearest just how much you care.

A virtual Secret Santa is a great way to join up with friends, family or colleagues and celebrate over video call. The variety of online tools that can pair you with a recipient make Secret Santa easy to set up too.

Then, it’s a case of agreeing on a budget and starting the hunt for the perfect present (we’ve got plenty of Secret Santa gift ideas that’ll make your mouth water) and arranging for the gift to be sent to your recipient (if you order online by 4pm with us, you’ll qualify for next-day delivery).

After that, set up a day when you’ll all meet via video call for the ultimate unboxing session.

Quizzes have melted into the background since the height of lockdown, but Christmas is the perfect time to give them a revamp!

With so many options to choose from (whether you’re using an online platform or making your own slideshow) a virtual quiz is the perfect way to celebrate with friends from a distance.

Simply figure out a theme for the quiz and then assign a quizmaster. Organise a gift for the winner if you’d like to make the occasion a little more special (a festive chocolate hamper, maybe?) and get it sent to their home the day after.

This year, many of us have tried to up our skills in the kitchen – whether it’s churning out banana bread or attempting more ambitious weeknight dinners while working from home.

And with Christmas being such an indulgent period of rich and scrumptious dishes, it’s the perfect opportunity to put your baking skills to the test.

One of our favourite socially distanced Christmas activity ideas involves a virtual cookalong with friends or family. All you have to do is decide on a festive dish to whip up altogether, and then set up a video call so you can watch each other bake away.

Should you need some inspiration, our Crème Egg Cookbook is also chockful of cracking recipes to try.

‘Tis the season to… cosy up on the sofa in front of a festive film! And you don’t necessarily need to be part of the same household to do so. A virtual Christmas movie marathon is a wholesome way to celebrate with your nearest and dearest.

Simply decide on a film (arguably the most time consuming part!) and then set up a video call where you can watch together and chat. Break out a festive chocolate selection box as a replacement for popcorn and you’re good to go!

Christmas songs are a huge part of the festive season, which is why a singalong session is a great way to come together and celebrate with loved ones.

Simply set up a video call with your friends and elect a music master to play the tunes out loud. Then, kick off your virtual disco with singing and dancing!

The great thing about this Christmas activity is that it requires virtually no preparation! There are already plenty of readymade playlists to choose from. Pair your singalong session with a chocolate and wine hamper or a chocolate and beer basket to mark the occasion.

Another virtual activity idea requiring zero preparation is a guessing game. The fact there’s very little prep needed means you can do this off the cuff without any need to plan in advance – perfect for busy schedules!

Once you’ve got a group together via video call, split into teams and take it in turns to describe an object or person while the other team tries to guess who it is. Keep score of who gets them right and reward the best guesser with a festive prezzie – whether it’s a novelty gingerbread bar or box of personalised Milk Tray!