Hanging out with friends and family through Zoom has been the go-to for many people since the pandemic hit but with the holiday season sneaking up on us, it's been tempting to get together with others. Sure that there are some people who are still getting together as if "quarantine" has ended but others may not be so comfortable in group settings right now and that's okay! As if 2020 can't get any worse, it has to interfere with our holiday plans! If you're like me and had your annual holiday get togethers cancelled because of the virus, you may have already been thinking about how you're going to keep the tradition alive. The holidays will always be about spending time with the people you care about so even though you cannot be there physically, there are still ways you can have a "party" in the comfort of your own homes! It's definitely possible and just requires a bit of creativity.
1. Dress Up! - Just because you're at home doesn't mean you can't dress for the occasion. Whether it's that LBD you've been saving or your favorite holiday sweater, show off your looks to your friends and family! Dress to impress!
2. Have an online wine & cheese pairing - wineries are definitely missed during this pandemic, but I'm sure people have stepped up their charcuterie game during quarantine. If you're going to be the host of the online wine party, make a list of the types of wine and cheese you plan to have and give the list to your friends so they know what to buy! Do the tasting via Zoom and it will make you feel like you're back at the winery.
3. Play online games with each other - there are several ways you and your friends and family can do activities even when miles away. Jackbox TV games are a great way to connect and have fun over the internet with friends and they're filled with different types of activities so you're not stuck doing the same game over and over again! The newly popular game "Among Us" is also a game that can be played virtually with friends and can get the party really going!
4. Make your own party food at home and eat it when the Zoom party starts! Find an excuse to bake those sugar cookies and bacon wrapped scallops. Party food is essential even during a virtual party.
5. Holiday Movie Watch Party - yes, it is possible! Choose a holiday movie and have everyone stream it at the same time. One tip to keep in mind is to mute yourselves when the movie starts and unmute if you're talking to someone. It prevents too much background noise while the movie is going! Best holiday movies to watch in a group are usually the funny ones so a little bit of "Elf" and "Grinch" would definitely bump up the vibe.
6. No decorations? No problem! If there is one thing that a virtual party doesn't have are the aesthetically pleasing party decorations. However, we still have technology to thank as you can download your own holiday background and have it hanging out behind you during your Zoom call! Best thing is, it can be anything you want!
One thing that may require a bit more work is if you are going to deliver presents to friends and family before your online get together. If you are ordering presents to be delivered to their doorstep, plan it in advance so it gets to their place before your online party! Secret Santa's and Yankee Swaps may be harder to do virtually so if you wanted to get something small for each "guest", a candy gram delivery is a sweet and safe way to give to your loved ones!
With these tips, it's possible to keep your holiday traditions alive even if they look a little different this year. Until we are able to have gatherings without them becoming a superspreader event, an online gathering must be the best and safest way to go!
What do your holiday plans look like? Are you going to attempt to keep some of your traditions or adapt them with the changes? Let me know in the comments below!
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