This holiday season has turned out to be very different from past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all had a very isolated year making banana bread, working from home, making Tik Tok videos, establishing new at-home fitness routines, and watching every show and movie that Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max has on offer. After nine months of this, many are starting to experience pandemic fatigue and are getting tired of taking coronavirus precautions, but that would be a big mistake.
We all need to do our part, now more than ever, to flatten the curve until the COVID-19 vaccine is available to the masses. With that information in mind, how do we ring in the New Year in a fun way that’s still safe for us and our loved ones? Below are a few fun ways you can celebrate the arrival of 2021 to limit that ongoing feeling of FOMO:
Dress Up Anyway
You can’t celebrate the New Year without some sparkle. Wearing some glitter, sparkle, and shine can do a lot for your mental health, especially after a year of stress, fear, and uncertainty.
The IRO Capsule Wardrobe has so many shiny items that will help you add sparkle and shine to your 2021. The Odell dress is just stunning and can be worn again and again to weddings (don’t worry, they’ll be back before you know it) and work galas, to date nights with your boo.
Do Your Makeup
If you don’t own a sparkly dress and you want to avoid going to a retailer at this time, consider going all-out with your makeup. Beat your face, girl! Wear glitter on your eyes or checks, put on fake lashes, contour to the nines, and wear your favorite lipstick.
If you don’t have any glittery products in your makeup bag, Sephora has many items that are available for curbside pickup. Consider hair glitter, a glitter gel you can use as a highlighter, or an eyeliner infused with glitter.
Don’t have any makeup skills? YouTube is filled with easy tutorials that can help you get a professionally done make-up look. If you don’t have any glitter and don’t want to head to a retailer like Sephora or Ulta (don’t blame you) there are some Amazon options that would arrive before the 31st. Shop them below!
Send Zoom or HouseParty Invites
Most people are extremely over Zoom and Houseparty, but it is what it is and we all have to make the best of it. To make a video chat party more fun, send out actual invites to your friends and family and create a fun space in your home.
Around your couch or table, add some decorative lights and maybe even set up your own home bar with your drink of choice in view. Don’t forget to to find either a 2021 hat or some noise makers!
Make it even more fun and get customized bucket hats or customized trucker hats made and send them to your friends to wear during the call. It’ll be a great way to remember the evening with your friends while still staying home for your safety.
Turn New Year’s Eve Into a Date Night
If you live with your partner, chances are your relationship has felt stagnant because you both have been stuck at home for so long, but fret not. All you need to do is change it up!
Both of you should dress up in your best and do things a bit out of the ordinary. Consider ordering a meal that’s more high-end than your usual takeout choice or make a delicious meal together; something you’ve never made before.
After dinner, pop open a bottle of bubbly, dance the night away together and share a New Year’s kiss with the hopes of having a better 2021.
Go on a Short Trip
If you have the funds to do so, consider going on a short overnight trip— either solo or with people in your household. Go somewhere secluded and book a spot through Airbnb. A change of scenery may be exactly what you and your household need. For an extra treat, book an Airbnb with a hot tub or a fireplace! Just look at this as a form of self-care, it’s okay to treat yourself to something nice every now and then.
If the weather allows where you’re located, consider going on a camping trip. A night under the stars may be exactly what you need!
Just make sure you sanitize the space upon arrival. Just bring some disinfectant wipes with you.
2020 has been a frustrating year for us all, but with a little creativity, we can all make New Year’s Eve a night to remember. Here’s to a happier, healthier, and less stressful New Year. Happy 2021 to you all and stay safe!
*Photos by Olia Danilevich
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