How To Make Christmas Special at Home During a Pandemic

🎅 How to Make Christmas Special at Home During a Pandemic

Hello, Christmas friends! 🎁 Welcome to The Christmas Club. Here in 2020, life felt a little different—no big gatherings, travel was tricky, and so many of us spent the holidays at home.

But you know what?

This Christmas taught us something beautiful: the magic of the season doesn’t depend on crowded malls or fancy parties. It lives in the little things—warm lights, shared laughter, and traditions that make us feel close, even from afar.

So if you ever find yourself spending Christmas at home (whether by choice or circumstance), here are some heartfelt and creative ways to keep the season merry and bright.


1. Host a Virtual Christmas Party

Just because you can’t be in the same room doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate together! Hop on Zoom, wear your coziest Christmas sweater, and play some fun games—like holiday trivia or “Guess the Christmas Song.” Bonus points if you all sip hot cocoa at the same time.


2. Create a Christmas Movie Marathon

There’s nothing like curling up under a blanket with twinkling lights and a lineup of classics. Whether you’re all about Home Alone, The Grinch, or something sweet and sappy on Hallmark, make it a tradition. Add themed snacks—like Grinch popcorn (green candy melts + sprinkles).


3. DIY Christmas Crafts

Stuck indoors? Perfect excuse for crafting! From salt dough ornaments to paper snowflakes, simple DIYs bring cheer—and make great keepsakes. In 2020, families rediscovered how fun it is to decorate with handmade touches.


4. Cook a Festive Dinner Together

Even if it’s just your household, make it special. Try out a new holiday recipe, bake cookies as a family, or set the table with candles and greenery. Christmas is about slowing down and enjoying the moment.


5. Start a New Tradition

Write letters to your future selves, light a candle for loved ones you’re missing, or open one small gift on Christmas Eve. Sometimes the traditions you start in quiet years turn into the ones you treasure forever.


6. Spread Cheer in Your Neighborhood

Hang extra lights outside, surprise a neighbor with cookies, or leave cheerful chalk messages on the sidewalk. Even when we’re apart, kindness connects us.


✨ The Magic of Home

2020 reminded us that Christmas doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful. Whether it’s through laughter on a video call, the smell of cookies in the oven, or the twinkle of lights in your living room, the holiday spirit always finds a way in.

Here at The Christmas Club, we believe that Christmas magic lives in the little things—and we’re so excited to celebrate with you year after year. 🎄💫

DIY Ornaments for Christmas using House hold objects


🎨 DIY Homemade Ornaments With Household Items

Hey Christmas friends! ✨ At The Christmas Club, we believe the best decorations aren’t always the fanciest or most expensive—they’re the ones that carry memories. Back in 2020, when stores were harder to reach and we spent more time at home, a lot of us discovered the joy of making our own ornaments. And honestly? They turned out to be some of the most special ones on the tree.

So grab your scissors, glue, and a little Christmas spirit—because today we’re making ornaments with things you probably already have around the house.


1. Salt Dough Ornaments

A timeless classic! Just mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough, roll it out, and cut shapes with cookie cutters. Bake, cool, then paint or sprinkle with glitter. These are perfect for kids and last for years if stored carefully.


2. Paper Snowflakes & Stars

All you need is paper and scissors! Fold, snip, and unfold to reveal magical patterns. For a fancier look, glue a few snowflakes onto string and let them dangle on the tree.


3. Cinnamon Stick Bundles

Tie 2–3 cinnamon sticks together with ribbon or twine. Add a sprig of greenery or a tiny bell if you have one. Not only are they cute, but they’ll also make your tree smell amazing.


4. Jar Lid Photo Ornaments

Got some mason jar lids hanging around? Pop a family photo inside, add a ribbon loop, and you’ve got yourself a personalized ornament that doubles as a memory capsule.


5. Button Wreaths

If you’ve got a jar of spare buttons (we all do, right?), glue them in a circle onto cardboard. Add a little bow, and voilà—a mini wreath for your tree.


6. Scrap Fabric Ornaments

Old plaid shirts, leftover fabric, or even socks (clean ones, please! 😅) can be cut into stars, hearts, or trees. Stitch around the edges or hot glue together, stuff lightly with cotton, and you’ve got a soft ornament full of character.


🎁 Why Homemade Wins

The best thing about DIY ornaments is the story they tell. Every time you hang one up, you’ll remember that afternoon of crafting, the laughs you had, and the little imperfections that make them special. And in true Christmas spirit, they also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

So put on some holiday music, gather your supplies, and let your creativity shine. Who knows—you might just start a new tradition of homemade ornaments every year.

Here at The Christmas Club, we think that’s the real magic of Christmas—creating memories that last far beyond the season. 🎄❤️


Pomegranate & Rosemary Glazed Ham


🎄 Pomegranate & Rosemary Glazed Ham

Why You’ll Love It

This ham is festive, juicy, and slightly tangy from the pomegranate glaze. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes — and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers in sandwiches.


Ingredients

For the Ham:

  • 1 whole bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs / 3.5–4.5 kg)
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • ½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ham:
    • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
    • Remove ham from packaging, pat dry, and score the fat in a diamond pattern. Optionally, stud with cloves where the lines cross.
  2. Make the Glaze:
    • In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and orange zest.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Bake the Ham:
    • Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil.
    • Roast for 1 ½ hours (about 10–12 minutes per pound / 500g).
  4. Glaze & Finish:
    • Remove foil and brush generously with glaze.
    • Return to oven uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, basting with glaze every 10 minutes, until golden and sticky.
    • Internal temp should reach 140°F (60°C).
  5. Rest & Serve:
    • Rest ham for 15 minutes before carving.
    • Drizzle with extra glaze and sprinkle with fresh rosemary for presentation.

Tips & Variations

  • Make-Ahead: Glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead.
  • Leftovers: Use in sandwiches, omelets, or dice into holiday fried rice.
  • Festive Touch: Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and orange slices around the platter.

Top 10 (obvious) Christmas Movies to Rewatch in 2020

🎬 Top 10 Christmas Movies to Rewatch in 2020

Hello Christmas friends! 🎄 One of the best things about the holiday season is cuddling up with a cozy blanket, a mug of cocoa, and a Christmas movie marathon. And let’s be honest—Christmas movies just hit differently when the lights are twinkling and the tree is glowing in the corner.

In 2020, when we were spending more time at home, holiday movies became more than just entertainment—they were comfort, nostalgia, and a little sprinkle of magic when we needed it most. So grab the popcorn (or gingerbread cookies 🍪), and let’s count down 10 Christmas movies that are absolutely worth rewatching year after year.


1. Home Alone (1990)

Because Christmas isn’t complete without Kevin McCallister outsmarting the Wet Bandits. It’s funny, a little chaotic, and still heartwarming in the end.

2. Elf (2003)

“Santa! I know him!” Buddy the Elf’s childlike joy is exactly the energy we need during the holidays.

3. The Polar Express (2004)

A magical train ride to the North Pole that reminds us of the wonder of believing.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Jim Carrey’s over-the-top Grinch is iconic, but the message—about love, kindness, and community—never gets old.

5. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

A true classic that reminds us of gratitude, family, and the ways we touch each other’s lives.

6. The Holiday (2006)

Cozy cottages, holiday romance, and all the festive feels. Perfect for a December night in.

7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

For when you need a good laugh at holiday chaos—we’ve all had a Griswold-style Christmas moment.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 or 1994)

Whether you love the black-and-white classic or the ‘90s remake, this film captures the magic of Santa and belief in goodness.

9. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Simple, sweet, and timeless. Plus, that soundtrack? Instant holiday mood.

10. Klaus (2019)

A newer addition, but already a favorite. Beautiful animation, a fresh Santa origin story, and a big heart.


🎁 Movie Marathon Tips

  • Make it cozy: Pajamas, blankets, and twinkling lights are non-negotiable.
  • Snack smart: Popcorn is a must, but mix it up with candy canes, cookies, or a festive snack board.
  • Make it interactive: Create a bingo card of holiday clichĂŠs (snowfall, Santa sighting, caroling) to play along.

✨ Christmas Movies = Holiday Magic

Christmas movies remind us of hope, joy, and togetherness—things we all needed a little extra in 2020, and things we’ll always need, every year. At The Christmas Club, we believe these films aren’t just stories—they’re traditions. And sometimes, rewatching them feels like coming home.

So tell us, friends—what’s YOUR go-to Christmas movie? 🎥🎄