Since the pandemic started in March, the majority of the celebrations and events we know and love have gone completely online. With COVID-19 numbers still on the rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that holiday gatherings should continue to be hosted virtually or exclusively with members of your own household to minimize the risk of spread. Keeping that in mind, party planning experts offer their ideas on how to celebrate the holidays virtually this year.
Best wrapped present competition
Your holiday Zoom/Facetime/Houseparty call can go above just small talk. While unwrapping gifts over a call is an easy way to feel connected to loved ones far away, another fun activity you can plan is a gift-wrapping competition!
Each family or each friend group comes up with the most original, most beautiful gift wrapping. They could actually wrap it on Zoom and everybody could add their own ingredients. To really up the ante, make it a race against the clock with judges!
Custom cocktail making Zoom
Zoom happy hours may have lost their stamina; however, that doesn’t mean they can’t make a return for the holidays. Concoct your own special beverage over the video call with loved ones. Everyone gets a list of the custom mocktail or cocktails that they want to create, and then everyone goes and gets those ingredients. Families can “make it together as a bonding experience on the call.”
Pro tip: If you’re following a recipe online, have one family member volunteer to read the steps aloud.
Virtual Secret Santa gift exchange
Instead of gifting the present in person, you can mail it to the respective recipient’s home. Then, everyone can open their gifts on camera and try to guess who their mystery buyer is. Websites like this Secret Santa Generator will make it easier for you and your crew to draw names.
Party boxes
Whether you’re hosting a small outdoor gathering this holiday season (that complies with social distancing guidelines) or spending the holidays with members of your household, you can still have the ultimate holiday soirée. Party boxes have entered the scene as a means to help make planning holiday gatherings simple, but also safe.
