In this article, Scheme customer and disability blogger Emma Muldoon outlines her top tips for an accessible Christmas at home. Read more below!
Christmas this year is going to be different in many ways from previous years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get festive and celebrate at home. Here is a short guide to help keep you full of Christmas spirit without increasing the risks or compromising the fun.
Decorate as extravagantly as you wish
We’re going to be spending a lot of time at home this Christmas due to the Coronavirus pandemic, so why not turn your home into a Winter Wonderland or Santa’s Grotto if you are feeling extra festive? Decorate both inside and outside if you can and make it a family activity that everyone can be involved with. There is always something for someone to do, no matter how big or small. If the ‘less is more’ look is more your style, then keep it simple and display your most sentimental or handmade Christmas decorations.
Set Christmas lights on a timer
When decorating both inside and outside your home with hundreds of twinkling Christmas lights try and opt for sets with timers. Having the lights come on and go off at certain times throughout the festive season will save you or a family member having to go in and out each time to turn them on/off.
Decorate Christmas cookies
Whether you enjoy baking, decorating or simply eating the homebaked goodies, making Christmas biscuits is the perfect accessible Christmas activity for everyone to enjoy. There is nothing quite like the feeling of a cosy day at home baking Christmas themed cakes and cookies especially when it’s cold outside. It’s sure to add lots of Christmas cheer and make your home smell delicious. Imagine Gingerbread, cinnamon, chocolate and orange scents in snowmen, candy cane and Christmas tree-shaped cookies.
Watch all your favourite Christmas movies
Whether it’s on TV or a streaming site like Netflix or Disney+, there is no shortage of Christmas movies to enjoy throughout the entire festive period. Watching Christmas movies from the comfort and warmth of your own home is the ultimate way to binge all your favourite Christmas movies with your family. Plus you don’t have to worry about accessibility at your local cinema. And although we may not be able to see extended family and friends this Christmas, we can still enjoy watching movies virtually with them too.
Host a virtual Christmas party
Christmas parties are a great way of getting everyone together and celebrating, but sometimes venues can be inaccessible. However, we don’t have to worry about that this year since we can’t get together in person. But that doesn’t mean we can’t see friends, family and work colleagues at all. Arrange a virtual Christmas party via Zoom and plan some accessible festive games for everyone to enjoy at home.
Online Christmas shopping
Many of us are having to do all our Christmas shopping online this year due to shielding and the current Government restrictions in our local towns and cities. For many of us, online shopping has always been a more accessible option anyway. There are usually lots of online deals and sales leading up to Christmas so you may be able to grab yourself some bargains without having to leave the house. You may even be able to blitz your entire Christmas shopping in one day after visiting a few websites.
Play Christmas music while wrapping gifts
Wrapping gifts can be either relaxing or stressful. Before you start, gather up everything you will need including wrapping paper, sellotape, scissors, gift tags, ribbon and bows. If like me, you physically struggle to wrap gifts then it may be best to ask someone to help. They can help cut the wrapping paper and sellotape to size, while you personalise gift tags and decorate the parcels with ribbon and bows. Alternatively, ditch the wrapping paper and opt for gift bags or boxes with tissue paper inside. Gift bags and boxes are super easy, stylish and can be reused several times so a more environmentally friendly option. They are also great for oddly shaped items.
Admire the local Christmas light displays
We may not be able to visit festive events this year, but we may still be able to safely enjoy local Christmas light displays. If you have a Motability Scheme vehicle then a drive around your hometown can be a safe and comfortable way to admire all the Christmas lights and see who has decked their home out the greatest. It’s a lovely way to feel festive while enjoying the local area.
You can read more from Emma on her blog Simply Emma
Related Articles
Sarah Alexander’s Christmas gift guide
Finding some Christmas cheer in lockdowne
