Many people are choosing to stay at home during the holiday season because of the spread of COVID-19.It can be difficult to spend the holiday without your friends and family members.With a few creative ideas and the help of technology, you can celebrate with your loved ones while staying healthy and safe.
Step 1: If everyone has a Gmail account, then you should go for Hangouts.
It is free for anyone with a Gmail account, and can host up to 10 people at a time.Send everyone on your list a virtual invitation to log on when you celebrate.To start a hangout, go to https://hangouts.google.com.
Step 2: You can use zoom to celebrate with 2 people.
There is a 40-minute time limit for groups of 3 or more.You can pay for an account if you want to go over the time limit.If you want to celebrate for Thanksgiving virtually, this would be a great option, as it will remove the time limit on Thanksgiving only.To sign up for a account, visit the website.
Step 3: Group of up to 6 people can use Facebook Messenger.
This is a great option if everyone in your group already has Facebook.You might want to choose a different platform if you are going to celebrate with more than 6 people.Click the blue camera icon if you want to start a video call on Facebook Messenger.
Step 4: If everyone in the group has an Apple device, use FaceTime.
It is free to use on your Apple iPad or iPhone.It can only show up to 4 people at a time.If you don't have FaceTime on your Apple device, you can download it from the App Store.
Step 5: While you chat, try Houseparty to play games.
If you sign up for a Houseparty account, you can use it on a variety of devices.It can display up to 8 people at a time, and there are fun games that you can play with everyone.HouseParty can be downloaded at https://houseparty.com/.
Step 6: If you are celebrating with a large group, you may want to use Skype.
It can host up to 50 people at a time, and is one of the oldest video chatting platforms.You need to sign up for an account and download it to your device.To download the app, go to https://www.skype.com/en/.
Step 7: There is a gingerbread decorating competition.
It is not necessary for you to be together in person to pick out a winner.If you want to see who can make the best gingerbread houses, send your loved ones a kit.This activity will get your kids in the holiday spirit.Most home goods and craft stores have gingerbread decorating kits.
Step 8: It's possible to try a virtual game night.
If you all have the same board game, you can play together.There are interactive games that you can play on your computer.Jackbox has a lot of different games that you can play when you purchase a party pack.You can see which games it includes by visiting https://www.jackboxgames.com/.A small prize could be set for the winner of the game.
Step 9: Share a holiday song with your family.
Everyone will be in the spirit with holiday music.If you want to listen to carols all night long, you'll need to create a playlist and share it with your family via email or instant messenger.If you don't like holiday music, you can put together a list of music you like to listen to.
Step 10: You can watch a holiday performance together.
Many churches and community centers are putting on holiday shows.Send a link to everyone in your family so they can log on and watch the show at the same time.Virtual tree lightings and parades can be fun to watch.
Step 11: Go to a sporting event with your friend.
You can keep up with football by watching the same game.Pick a channel that your family will watch at the same time as you show your team spirit.If your family is into football, you could get dressed up with a jersey and foam finger.
Step 12: You can host a virtual movie night.
There are many streaming platforms that allow you to watch a movie at the same time.Select "Watch Party" to share your screen with your loved ones.If you want to watch a movie at the same time, you have to have both accounts.
Step 13: It's a good idea to set a dress code.
It is fun to put on your best on Sunday when you see your friends and family.Everyone in your family should dress up for the holiday to make it feel special.If you want to stay comfortable, you could set a dress code from the waist up.Everyone can still lounge in sweatpants while looking sharp in a button-down and tie.
Step 14: Send out some holiday cards.
Everyone likes getting letters in the mail.Send a card with your picture to your loved ones if you can't be together for the holidays.It's a good idea to get your cards in the mail early because mail delivery might be delayed because of the Pandemic.
Step 15: Over video chat decorate for the holidays.
You can take your family on a tour of your home as you decorate it.Get your family members or roommates involved as well.If you are feeling down about the holiday, decorating your home will make you feel better.
Step 16: Over video chat, sing carols together.
Send the lyrics to your favorite carols through email or instant messenger.If you want to sing with your loved ones, you can use an instrumental video on YouTube as a backing track.If someone in your family plays the piano, you can video chat with them.
Step 17: Share pictures from past holidays.
Share your digital or physical photo album with your family to remember fun times.You can email the photos to your family so they can look at them on their own devices, or you can show them off with a camera.It's a good way to remember family members who are no longer with you.
Step 18: Cook at the same time with someone.
For the best part of the holiday, log onto a video chat with your family and friends.It's a good idea to bring your computer into the kitchen so you can cook together.You can ask for cooking advice, talk about what you are making, or just catch up.
Step 19: Share recipes to make a meal.
It's possible to recreate the feeling of sitting down for a meal with your loved ones.The main dish and a few sides should be the same for everyone.You can still make a few similar dishes even if you can't make the exact same meal.
Step 20: You should eat while on video.
You can eat at the same time as your loved ones by setting your computer on the table.Even if you are not in the same room, you can still have fun with your family and friends.Pick a time that works well for everyone.You might have to adjust to different time zones.
Step 21: You can host a virtual cocktail hour.
If you can't stand to miss out on a holiday drink, invite your loved ones to join you over video chat as you mix one up.If they want to make the same recipe, you can share it with them.It's possible to make hot buttered rum, or an old fashioned.A virtual cocktail party is a great way to celebrate the holidays with your coworkers.
Step 22: If any of them live nearby, you can deliver meals to them.
Drop off a dish at the doorstep of any older relatives who are at a high risk for COVID-19.You can wave from the window and wish them a happy holiday.It can be difficult for elderly people to cook.It can make their holiday seem extra special if they make them a nice meal.
Step 23: Shop online instead of in person.
Although Black Friday deals are tempting, heading off to a crowded store can raise your risk of contracting a disease.Try to find online deals or wait until Cyber Monday to buy gifts online.It shouldn't be hard to find online deals due to the Pandemic.You should check out your local businesses.They may have some good deals for the holiday season.If you are looking for handmade items, an online marketplace is a great place to start.
Step 24: A Secret Santa gift exchange is a good way to give gifts.
Everyone in your family should sign up to receive a gift.To spread holiday cheer, assign everyone one person to buy gifts for, then have them mail their gifts before the holiday.This is a great way to save money on gifts this year.You can focus on getting your Secret Santa a cool gift if you can't afford to buy everyone in your family a gift.
Step 25: Send a care package to your loved ones.
It can be anything from snacks to decorations.If your loved ones are close, you could drop off baked goods on their doorstep.You can send hot cocoa mix, a red Santa hat, or a wreath for Christmas.Some turkey rub or pumpkin chocolate chip muffins will make your family happy for Thanksgiving.
Step 26: Open presents over video chat.
When you open a gift, it is fun to thank your loved ones.Wait until everyone can join a video chat and then take turns opening gifts.The little ones should be the first to leave.Kids want to get their gifts.