As Covid-19 cases continue to spike and stricter guidelines for social distancing are being put back into place. The holiday season is looking very different this year. Under the current circumstances, it’s advised that families stay home for the holidays and continue to practice social distancing.
This is an especially hard time to be separated from family and friends and so we have put together a list of 5 ways to celebrate the holidays this year while social distancing.
Take Advantage Of Technology
Even though you are not able to meet in person, take advantage of platforms such as Zoom or Facetime. You could send a Zoom invitation to everyone and celebrate all together – virtually! This will help everyone feel together.
Remember that it might be overwhelming for your senior loved ones to attend a virtual call. Be sure to be mindful and not to speak over one another. Allow your elderly loved one(s) a chance to speak and listen carefully to what they have to say. You can also decide on activities to participate in before the call.
Include Those Who Can’t Be With You
Even though we can’t all be together in person, be sure to keep family traditions alive and also to include your loved one(s) in activities. For example, bake your grandmother’s famous Christmas recipes (Remember to send her some pictures). Keeping holiday traditions alive this year is extra important. Another way to include those who can’t be with you in person is by doing the things you normally do with your loved one(s) over zoom or FaceTime such as opening presents on Christmas day or singing Christmas carols together. Celebrations aren’t complete without family traditions.
Enroll of Acts of Service
This time of year can be especially stressful and hard for many people. A way in which you can connect with your loved ones is through acts of service. Along with your loved ones, you can take some time this holiday season to volunteer for a cause that means a lot to you. Donate or volunteer in organizations in need such as hospitals, food banks, community organizations, toy drives for children etcetera.
Host Holiday Movie Nights
A fun activity the whole family can enjoy is a virtual movie night! Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu allows watchers to host a watch party. Which means that you and your friends/family can all watch the same movie at the same tile while chatting with one another. Here is a helpful article on how to set up a watch party.
Send Holiday Cards
Sending holiday cards might be a tradition in your family. If not, maybe this year could be a first for your loved ones. While we’re all social distancing, make this year extra special for your older loved ones by sending an extra special holiday card. You could include some extra warm wishes and pictures from this year.
This will be a great way to reconnect with your loved ones from afar and remind them just how much you care.
