Celebrating from Afar: Virtual Gatherings and Celebrations during a Challenging Year

2020 has brought us a plethora of challenges and uncertainties, but it hasn’t stopped us from showing our loved ones that we care. Even though celebrating together in person may not be possible this year, we can still connect virtually to mark special occasions with friends and family. From virtual birthday parties to holiday gatherings over Zoom, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of 2020’s unique circumstances and celebrate from afar.

Here are tips for bringing people together while staying safe and socially distant.

Celebrate with Video Chats:

Hosting a virtual celebration over video chat has become the go-to way to connect with loved ones. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts make it easy to have multiple people on at once and share the same screen.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Pick a date and time that works for everyone. Make sure to account for different time zones if necessary!
• Set up a call invite with all of the participants ahead of time, so everyone knows when and how to join in.
• Prepare some engaging activities such as trivia or charades that can keep everyone entertained throughout the gathering.
• Have everyone dress up for the occasion – it will help make the celebration feel more special.
• Consider setting up an online photo or video album to capture memories from your virtual gathering.

Send Care Packages:

A great way to show that you’re thinking of someone is by sending them a care package. A gift basket filled with food, drinks, and other goodies can really brighten someone’s day—and it doesn’t have to cost a lot either!

Here are some ideas for what to include in your care package:

• Homemade baked goods like cookies, cakes, cupcakes, or brownies
• Specialty items like gourmet coffee, artisanal chocolates, or craft beer
• Self-care products such as bath bombs and body scrubs
• A personalized card or letter to show your appreciation
• A thoughtful gift that speaks to the recipient’s interests, such as a book, toy, or puzzle
• Anything else that you think the recipient would enjoy!

Virtual Gatherings:

Throwing a virtual party is easier than you think! By hosting your celebration online, you can invite more guests than would normally fit in your living room or backyard. Start by determining what platform you want to use. Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts are all popular options. Consider setting up a separate chartroom within the platform so that guests can mingle before or after the main event.

Memorable Experiences:

Make sure your virtual gathering is enjoyable for everyone by planning memorable activities. Host a game night with trivia questions or fun interactive games like Jackbox Party Pack. Alternatively, you could have a themed party with costumes and decorations to spruce up the occasion. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even try hosting an online talent show!

Decorative Touches:

Bring some festivity to your virtual event with colorful backgrounds and decorations. If you’re using Zoom, consider setting up custom backgrounds for your guests. You can also make sure everyone is on the same page by creating a dress code and encouraging decorations like streamers or balloons in the background of each guest’s video feed.

Gifts:

Just because you’re celebrating virtually doesn’t mean gifts are off the table. Consider suggesting that your guests send their presents ahead of time, so they can be open on camera during the gathering. If sending gifts isn’t an option, then you could always set up a wish list online and have people contribute to it if they want to be part of the celebration but can’t attend in person.

Catering:

If you want to make your virtual event extra special, why not have food delivered to each of your guests? You could also suggest that everyone orders from the same restaurant or prepares a dish before the gathering. This will create a sense of unity, and it’s a great way to involve everyone in the celebration even if they can’t be there physically.

Conclusion:

No matter how you choose to celebrate this year, remember that the most important thing is to stay safe and connected. With these tips for virtual gatherings, you’ll be sure to find creative ways to bring people together while still observing all safety guidelines. From birthday parties and holiday celebrations to anniversaries and graduations – make 2020 memorable with virtual festivities!