Guide to a more enjoyable lockdown

During the first lockdown, we became barbecue pros and put together a puzzle on the balcony or in the garden, but this time it requires just a bit more. It gets dark before you know it, the social circle is small, and puzzling can get boring. To make it even nicer, we have to celebrate the holidays from a distance and preferably have fun doing it. Therefore, a little guide to make life in lockdown more enjoyable.

1. Go for gala
On Christmas Day, we dress up and join family. The dress code is chic. My long dress is ready, the curling iron has been dusted off, and who knows, I might even put on a bit of foundation. It's just pure pleasure to get ready for a night out.

2. Do the movie marathon
Our tradition in December is to rewatch all the Harry Potters, and if time allows, we also do The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings (in the correct order). Third Christmas Day is perfect this year for a marathon day. It's important to prepare for this. Who does the shopping? Which loungewear will you wear? And do you have enough blankets and candles at home? Curtains closed, phone on do not disturb, and binge away.

3. Make twisted candles
Really super fun, those twisted candles from Hay, but incredibly expensive if you set them on fire afterward. It turns out you can easily twist candles yourself. Just soak them in warm water for twenty minutes, then gently flatten them with your fingers or a rolling pin and twist away. It's essential to knead the wax while it's pliable, so finish your design immediately and buy straight candles for a nice result.

4. Cook something difficult every day
Plenty of time, so that inner chef gets free rein. Try to cook something complicated every day and document it with photos. Even if the dish fails. Afterward, print everything in a mini-book at Hema. This way, you have inspiration for what you do want to make later, but also especially what you don't want to make anymore.

5. Deliver small gifts to the door
A nice bar of Tony’s or Hands Off My Chocolate, a beautiful magazine, a good scented candle, some angry pampas grass, homemade cookies, a nourishing hand cream… Wrap all those small gifts carefully and take a road trip to everyone you love. This way, you can still show them from a distance that you're thinking of them.

6. Make mixtapes on Spotify for each other
Did you used to run to your cassette recorder when that one favorite song was on the radio to hit record, or were you diligently burning CDs with your songs? Now you just make a playlist on Spotify. A personalized one for everyone you love, to send on Christmas Eve.

7. Do a challenge together
Walk five kilometers every day, plank for a minute together via FaceTime, meditate for a month straight, send a card to someone every day, start baking, call a friend, or think of something you could do together from a distance. A pandemic is a great breeding ground for a fun challenge.

8. Follow an online masterclass for fun
So not because you have to or to learn something for work, but purely for fun or because you want to. A quick makeup course, an hour of finger painting, how to give a tantra massage, learn to knit, self-development, wine tasting; anything goes as long as it's for relaxation and entertainment.

9. Try a podcast
While ironing, during the painting of your living room (me), when you're taking a long walk alone, or while sitting in the bath. Give the podcast a fair chance. Tips: Dag voor Dag by Liesbeth Rasker, Met Groenteman in het nieuwe normaal, Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations, the one from PorteRenee about money, or one from entrepreneur Celine Charlotte.

10. Take a day off
It might be tempting to just keep pushing through in lockdown, but it's also nice to log out for a bit and not have to do anything. Even if it's just for a day to lounge at home. Loafing is said to be good for your body and mind.

11. Cut and paste 2021 together
A dot on the horizon, light at the end of the tunnel, call it what you want, but it seems that 2021 offers perspective. How nice to make some plans in advance? Open your InDesign, buy a scrapbook, and create a palette of what you're going to do next year. Instant feel-good material. And all from home.

P.S.: Do you have a brilliant idea yourself? I'd love to add it, email me at adeline@amayzine.com.