The 2020 holiday season isn't going to look like any other holiday season in memory. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, there is a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. The United Kingdom started inoculating senior citizens today, with a gentleman by the name of William Shakespeare being the second recipient of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine. Most Americans won't be able to get their first COVID-19 vaccination until late spring, which is why you should focus on wellness during the holiday season. Here are some ways to celebrate your holiday of choice safely and responsibly so that you can hopefully spend the 2021 holiday season with your friends or extended family members.

1. Avoid or Cut Down on Alcohol Use

Americans drink twice as much during the period of time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than they do during the rest of the year. Alcohol decreases your immune system's effectiveness. It also impacts your quality of sleep. Excessive alcohol can make you gain weight, too. Obesity is a risk factor for serious COVID-19 complications. Instead of cocktails, make mocktails. Choose sparkling water or juice instead of wine or champagne.

2. Stay Home

Public health experts continue to caution against celebrating the holidays with anyone who doesn't live with you. Get your technology ready, and prepare for a Zoom Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukah or New Year's Eve. Decorate like you usually would. You'll have less cleanup to do, so you'll have more time to talk, even if it has to be through a video call.

3. Enjoy the Lights Displays

A safe way you can get out of the house and celebrate the season this year is driving through your neighborhood and admiring everyone's holiday light displays. You could also go for a walk around your neighborhood, but be sure to wear a mask and maintain social distancing if others are also out and about the area. Fresh air and exercise are good for your body, and the lights can also help your mood.

4. Do a Bucket List Item

Maybe you've always wanted to start a blog, but you never had the time. Since you won't have to travel out-of-town this year, dedicate the time you'd otherwise spend waiting in an airport or on congested interstates and start something on your bucket list. Research the destination you've always wanted to visit or watch a YouTube video on how to do the long-tail cast on and start knitting. Now is the time to pick something from your list and start doing it.

5. Pick a New Recipe

Maybe you've always traveled to a relative's house for the holidays, and they do all of the cooking. This could be the year you learn how to fix a Cornish hen or make the Italian seven fishes dinner. You could also start with something simpler, such as an apple crisp or homemade rolls. If you've always wanted to decorate beautiful cookies, give it a go. You could share them with neighbors or friends by dropping wrapping them in pretty tins and leaving the packages of cookies on their front porches.

6. Order from the Restaurant You've Always Wanted to Try

Restaurants are suffering large business losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those that are still open are offering curbside pickup and delivery. Give yourself a night off from cooking. Choose a meal from a restaurant you've always wanted to try, but you just never got around to it. Curries, pho and sushi are tasty and healthy options that you might not know how to prepare on your own.

7. Try a New Type of Exercise

Even though most gyms have reopened, you might not feel comfortable going there. Fortunately, you can still exercise without going to a fitness center. Order a jump rope, resistance bands or weights to use at home. These items are portable, so you'll be able to use them while traveling when the pandemic subsides. Switching up your exercise routine is good for your muscles, joints and mind.

8. Reach Out

Maybe you can't meet up for coffee and doughnuts with your friend during the holiday season, but you can still reach out. Staying socially connected with people you enjoy is essential to your mental health. Send a text to one friend every day. Consider mailing photo cards or funny Christmas cards. Set up a Zoom meeting with people you'd usually see in person at holiday parties.