The holiday season this year will look different for most families. Many are choosing to celebrate with only immediate family and find themselves missing friends and family who might normally join the celebrations. The team here at British American Household Staffing has put together a guide to making the holidays a little easier this year – from delightful hampers you can send loved ones to ways we can feel closer to those far away. Be sure to start shopping early to avoid disappointment due to sold out items and shipment delays.
Sending Gifts Near and Far
London’s Fortnum and Mason is our top choice for holiday hampers, this year and every year. With high quality goods ranging from Champagne to cured meats to Christmas biscuits, there is something for everyone on your list. Order by December 6 for discounted shipping and to access the widest selection – many hampers will sell out as the holidays near. We love the Family Christmas Hamper; the classic choice includes wine, coffee, biscuits, chocolate, Christmas pudding, marmalade, and more. If you’re looking to treat yourself (or someone else!), consider the Christmas Feast Hamper, containing extras, such as smoked salmon and foie gras. For worldwide delivery, consider the Sleighborne Hamper, which includes favorites such as Fortnum’s fruit cake, cranberry sauce, and hot chocolate. Buying for someone with specific tastes? Shoppers can create a custom hamper on the website too.
Harrod’s offers an array of Christmas baskets and hampers, as well, shipping worldwide. We love the Grosvenor Christmas Hamper, which includes a stuffed teddy bear for the littles one, as well as traditional favorites, like mince pies, shortbread, and Christmas spiced tea. For the young (or young at heart), consider sending Harrod’s glow in the dark advent calendar, complete with daily sweet treats like candy canes, fizzy baubles, sherbet pips and white jazzies.
Eli’s Market in New York City offers gift baskets for every occasion, from the Chanukah gift basket to the caviar basket (add on a bottle of Champagne for the perfect New Year’s gift) to the Christmas classics basket. We also love their custom 15 lb loaf of country bread; the bread, which can be inscribed with a message of your choice, makes for an impressive display and can easily be sliced and frozen for later after the holiday is over.
For the little ones, we love The White Company. The department store has a location in Manhattan, NY, as well as several in the United Kingdom and they offer worldwide shipping. From cashmere baby blankets and whimsical stuffed animals to this charming pink double breasted coat and adorable kid’s holiday sweaters, The White Company has something for every child. Don’t forget to send along a little something for the parents, as well – consider a cozy pair of 100% cashmere sleeping socks or a statement 5 wick holiday candle.
Stay in Touch
Zoom is perhaps the best known way to stay in touch during the pandemic, and for good reason. With free and paid options, you can easily host video gatherings for groups of all sizes. Help older relatives download and set up their own account ahead of time and plan to set aside an hour (or longer!) over the holidays to spend time together. Consider eating the same meal together, opening gifts, doing a holiday craft (we love this felt wreath craft!) or sharing favorite past holiday memories. This Thanksgiving, Zoom has lifted its time restrictions for free accounts so the whole family can eat, drink and be merry for as long as they’d like! Keep an eye on future newsletter; we will share if Zoom chooses to do the same for holidays next month.
Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a free Google Chrome extension that allows families and friends to sync up films on Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus – and even have a live chat. Host a virtual family movie night with the holiday classics – don’t forget the popcorn!
Further Resources for Socially Distanced Holidays
Martha Stewart: Tips for Preparing Your Kids for a Socially Distanced Holiday Season
CDC Guidelines for Holiday Celebrations
The Cut: How to Virtually Celebrate Thanksgiving during the Pandemic
Happy Thanksgiving from the team at British American Household Staffing!
We wish you a happy and safe celebration.
Please note our offices will be closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.