Holmes for the holidays! Now that the "most wonderful time of the year" is here, nearly everyone is figuring out how to adapt to the holidays in a pandemic world. Katie Holmes, for example, is planning on continuing her holiday traditions, albeit differently. She maintains that there will still be family, fun, food and, well, good wine (after all, we all need it in 2020!). Click through to see how Katie plans to carry on with those age-old holiday customs in a year unlike any other.
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Vocal cord Christmas
Katie Holmes and her family are going digital to share their voices. "My family has a tradition of 'phone caroling,' where we call other family members and friends and take turns singing. Since so many celebrations will be virtual this year, we've decided to up the ante and turn our phone calls into caroling happy hours," she said. "We're all turning on our videos, grabbing a bottle of Meiomi Wines and breaking out some classic holiday tunes. It's a great way to catch up with those who we won't be seeing in person this year." There, however, is one rule: "No screenshots allowed," Katie insists.
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Gimme some sugar
Hello sweet tooth! "Although this holiday is truly like no other, one thing will never change in our house – holiday treats!" Katie Holmes said. "Growing up, my sisters and I would always make holiday cupcakes so I love carrying that tradition on today." These days, Katie notes that she works in the kitchen with a glass of Meiomi pinot noir nearby.
Soundtrack of the season
Just call her DJ Katie Holmes. "This year, my family and I are creating the ultimate holiday playlist!" she said. "We're each adding our top three favorite holiday songs to a shared playlist so we can enjoy the same festive music – no matter where we are this season." Katie's contributions this year include "All I want for Christmas is You," "Sleigh Ride" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."
We got spirit, yes we do!
It's a decor date! In addition to songs, Katie Holmes and her family plans to have a virtual decorating party — "As it's 2020," she said. The goal of the party? "See who can bring the most holiday spirit to their home this year," Katie said.
Gifts with meaning and messaging
Katie Holmes agrees with the old adage that it's better to give than to receive. Still, she wants her gifts to be impactful. "With this year being one like no other, I'm choosing my gifts for friends and family with a little more care and looking to brands and companies who are giving back," she said. "One of my favorite holiday pours, Meiomi, is sourced from California and is making a large donation to organizations supporting wildfire victims in Napa and Sonoma counties." Due to the pandemic, Katie, like millions of others, is largely ordering gifts online. Plus, the people on the other end of Katie's graciousness get wine! "Everyone is thrilled to receive a nice bottle of wine, and I feel good about supporting an important cause," she said. "It's a win win, or 'wine win' as I like to say!"
The reason for the season
Katie Holmes said she's done a lot of reflecting this year. "We're spending a lot of time this year thinking about all the things we are thankful for and showing gratitude to the important people in our lives," she said. "I am a big believer that a handwritten thank you note can go a long way, so this year to make thank you's and holiday wishes a little more fun and personal, we've decided to break out our instant cameras, capture our holiday-at-home moments and write thank-you notes and season's greetings on the back to send to friends and family." The notes and pictures have dual purpose. "You can even turn them into fun hangtags to put on a bottle of wine for a simple, yet very thoughtful gift," Katie says.