There’s no denying 2020 has been a tough year, and for many of us, this time of year is even tougher. The holiday season is traditionally when we spend time with our friends and family, but this year will be different for so many of us as we stay home to keep our loved ones safe. We miss our family, we miss our friends, and we miss our usual holiday traditions.
But we can still find ways to connect, whether our loved ones are in the same city or in another country. Technology can literally be a lifesaver this year, as we find creative ways to stay close and celebrate the holidays with loved ones near and far while still socially distancing.
So if you’re in the same boat and looking for ways to still celebrate together, here are 12 ways we can stay close with our loved ones this year. Pro tip: When connecting virtually, be sure to test your technology ahead of time so you can troubleshoot and make sure that everyone is able to connect.
1. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
You may not be going home for Christmas this year, but you can create and share a Spotify or Pandora holiday music playlist to enjoy together.
2. Sweet Deliveries
Let them know you’re thinking about them with a socially distanced holiday delivery of Christmas cookies, baking, or other traditional treats.
3. Season’s Greetings
Since we won’t be catching up around the dinner table this year, send a festive family video update to all your friends and family or go the traditional route and send a holiday card through the mail.
4. Cocoa Time
Mail a packet of cocoa or drop off a little hot chocolate gift basket with cocoa, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and maybe a little bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream, then set a date when you’ll both make some delicious hot cocoa and catch up virtually on FaceTime, Skype, Messenger, or WhatsApp.
5. Gifts Galore
If you’re shopping online, you can arrange for presents to be mailed directly to your recipient. Or throw on a Santa hat and drop off presents at the door. Need some last minute ideas? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide!
6. Santa Delivery
Make up special stockings and leave them at the door early Christmas morning. Be sure to call or text your family member so they know that Santa has made a surprise visit and they can bring the stockings inside.
7. Cook Together
We’ll miss cooking dinner communally this year. Instead, share your favourite recipes and schedule your meal prep so you and faraway family members can prepare your family’s traditional holiday meal together at the same time, virtually.
8. Virtual Dinner
Enjoy a holiday meal with your loved ones virtually on your TV, laptop, or phone. Set up a webcam or your phone camera at one end of the table so your virtual guests can see and talk with your family as well.
9. Dinner Delivery
Just because we won’t all be sitting around the Christmas table this year, that doesn’t mean our loved ones can’t still enjoy a traditional holiday meal. Instead of hosting everyone for dinner this year, drop off a ready-cooked meal to your local family and friends, especially if they will be spending the day alone.
10. Livestream Christmas Day
The grandparents in particular might like to be part of the joy on Christmas morning and watch the kids open their gifts.
11. Christmas Movies
Make a date to watch your favourite holiday movies together. Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a Chrome extension that synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO.
12. Karaoke Carols
We may not be able to go caroling this year, but we can get together to belt out some holiday songs virtually via Zoom or by streaming synchronized karaoke videos on YouTube with a program like Watch2Gether.
Yes, this year is going to very different, but with a little creativity we can still celebrate a happy and healthy holiday season together. We wish you a wonderful holiday and a better 2021!
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