As we approach the festive holiday season, things are likely to look and feel very different than in year’s past.
Social distancing, less travel and other safety measures are changing the way we gather and celebrate.
How we celebrate may be different but virtual holiday parties and open houses provide fun and innovative ways to make memories during the season.
Whether you are looking for a way to toast in the New Year with your co-workers or reconnect with family members who you are unable to spend the holidays in person with this year, here are some fun ways to reimagine your holiday celebrations.
Merry Zoom-mas
Not comfortable celebrating in person this season?
A Zoom holiday party is a fun and affordable way to spread some cheer and connect with those you love.
It is also a wonderful option for long distance friends and family to spend time together!
You can incorporate ugly sweater contests or family Karaoke in the virtual party.
Hosts could even have a few fun e-prizes ready to text to the winners!
Santa Baby
What’s a holiday party without a visit from some of our favorite characters from the holidays?
Ask each of your party guests to wear a silly Santa hat, reindeer nose or elf ears to amp up the festivities.
If trivia is your crew’s jam, use the chat feature on Zoom (and speedy fingers) for some trivia fun.
Have your guests send you fun facts about themselves in advance that you can use as trivia questions.
This is super fun and makes for a lot of laughs, whether in person or virtual!
Google “holiday party games” for a ton of ideas for games to play, either in person or in front of your webcam!
You’ve Got Mail
Who doesn’t love to open presents?
Arrange to have some custom gift boxes sent to each of your party guests in advance of the party that they can open and enjoy at party time.
Whether it is a box of wine and chocolate, a flight of craft beers with a cheese tray or some salty snacks, food is a fun way to connect even when not in person.
Secret Santas and
White Elephants
Everyone loves Secret Santa parties and the White Elephant exchanges.
For a socially distanced in-person party, have your guests send their wrapped white elephant gift in advance to be set up at a drive-through event.
Add some mocktails (or full-blown grown-up drinks) and snacks for a classic but socially distanced tradition!
If you have long distance friends or family and opt for a virtual version draw names electronically and send names out in advance.
Guests would mail their respective gifts to the person they are assigned to, with the unveiling taking place during the party.
I promise, this will still be a ton of fun to see who gets bragging rights for the tackiest gift!
Virtual Gingerbread Wars
Send your family members boxes of baked cookies in advance and see who is the boss with icing and a few cookie decorating accessories!
It may get a little sticky but you can have refreshments and entertainment checked off your party to do list.
Cheers to the New Year!
Holiday gatherings are often associated with a few adult libations, so why not share a virtual clink of the glasses?
Have advance materials such a drinkware and the materials needed to prepare a cocktail or two mailed to your guests.
Hire a bartender (or tap your mixologist nephew to lead the festivities) and walk your guests through the preparation of one or two cocktail recipes to prepare together before clinking glasses.
You can follow it with a few games and social time!
This also works in person, too!
Regardless of how you plan to celebrate the season, current events do not have to hinder your fun!
Whether you party with family in person or over a fun virtual meet, there are some fun new ways to connect with those that you love the most.
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)
