This year has kept many of us away from our beloved Disney parks. Disneyland is still closed and Walt Disney World is a modified experience — no fireworks, sitting with Santa, holiday tours, etc. If you’re not going to be observing Christmas and other seasonal celebrations with the Mouse this year, here are seven ways to Disney your holidays when you can’t be in the parks. Several are even FREE!
1. Make a Disney playlist, or find one on a streaming service. May I recommend the Phineas and Ferb version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas?” I also hear there is a new loop of seasonal songs from Disneyland’s Main Street. Nothing makes me feel the holidays more than music — I’m really missing singing carols this year!
Mickey and Minnie Christmas ornaments
2. Make a holiday craft. Search “DIY” or “DIY Christmas” on The Mouse For Less blog and add some ears to your holiday celebration. While we’re spending more time at home in smaller groups, this is the perfect time to make something together. (This ornament option is a great and festive option for this year.)
3. Play a game of “would you rather” with your family or friends. Would you rather ride “it’s a small world” or the teacups, if you had to do it 10 times in a row? Would you rather walk or take the boat between Hollywood Studios and Epcot? Take a Disney cruise, or visit Aulani? (Hint: this can be a sneaky way of getting your family’s ideas for a future trip without asking outright)
4. Eat or make some traditional Disney foods. My air fryer makes churros just like Disneyland’s — I even get the same brand they buy. If you want some great food pictures and ideas of treats to try, search “Recipe” on this blog for a wealth of pictures to drool over or try out.
5. Watch Christmas movies and shows on Disney+. The streaming service has an entire Christmas section with classic cartoons, original movies, even Christmas episodes of Disney Channel shows. Our family traditionally watches both “Prep and Landing” shows on Christmas Eve. And somehow, I always sneak in a viewing of “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas.”
These coordinating T-shirts were part of the trip unveiling
6. Buy something for your next trip. Whether you’re ready to announce trip dates or just dreaming, ya gotta buy presents anyways. Luggage to replace tattered pieces, family T-shirts, or a travel guide (or planning website subscription) all make great gifts. Check out the selection at shopDisney, Target, Amazon, etsy, etc.
7. Find some falling snow or “snoap” and pretend you’re on Main Street. Cue up that playlist and feel the flakes fall. If you don’t live in a snowy area, find someplace local that does a “snowfall” with their outdoor activities. (Or create your own with this handy Mickey Mouse Holiday Light-Up Wand with Snow Bubbles.)
If you’re still missing Disney when the holidays are over, and there’s no trip in sight, check out “10 Ways to Cope When You can’t Plan a Disney Trip” for more ideas.
We hope some of these seven ways to Disney your holidays will help you get through the Christmas season! Share with us your ways with us in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
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