Holiday Gathering Tips the COVID-19 Holiday Season

I had hoped and really thought COVID-19 would have been managed by November of this year.  Unfortunately, I was horribly wrong. So wrong, in fact, that COIVD-19 cases are currently on the rise all over the country. These increased rates have launched another round of guidelines and recommendations from the leaders of each state to limit our holiday activities to our immediate household.

So, how does the holiday season look socially distanced?  Can we still have meaningful connections and create memories when we aren’t gathering under the same roof?  My answer: Yes, but we have to think outside of the box.

In fact, I believe that we will create even more meaningful memories in 2020 because they will be different from our norm.  10 years from now, when our 2020 traditions have become part of our norm, we will always look back on this year as “the year it all changed.”

Here are some easy, fun ways to connect with your family over the holidays.  You can also watch my interview with KMTV 3 in Omaha, Nebraska by clicking on the link HERE

Take the Holiday off from Cooking

So many of our favorite restaurants and caterers have had a rough year. Support them by ordering their side-dish packages or the entire Thanksgiving meal from them.  They need the work and income and you can fill your time reading a book, doing yoga, taking the dogs for a walk or anything else that will enrich your soul.

Yelling at the Big Game Virtually

If football is your family’s normal tradition. Do it virtually.  Put the game on your TV, log into Zoom on your iPad and cheer, jeer and laugh together with your family while watching the game. Offer commentary during the breaks.

Spice it up by doing your own “Football BINGO” card and emailing it to the family in advance.  Offer bragging rights or a second piece of pumpkin pie at next year’s Thanksgiving gathering to the winner of Football BINGO.

Cook a Family Recipe Together Virtually

That’s right send out Grandma Yvonne’s recipe via email. Schedule a web call, everyone log in and start cooking together. Then offer up a taste analysis when it is all done. While the item is cooking, use the time to catch up with your family.

Write a Letter of Thanks

Yes, actually get out a piece of paper and a *gasp* pen and write a letter of gratitude to each family.  Open the letters on your family web call and read them out loud.

Morning Yoga/Activity

Start your holiday off with Zen and thanks, schedule a family Yoga session via web call. You can also schedule a socially distanced walk where you all meet and walk around a lake at a distance.

Movies & Chill

Watch a holiday movie with your family or friends. Pop the popcorn, get in your PJs and log into your web call.

Good Spirited Competition

Schedule a Gingerbread House decorating or an ugly sweater competition during a family call.

Cookie Exchange

This season the post office can be your friend. Do the holiday cookie exchange, just ship the cookies and schedule a cookie opening web call with wine and cookies!

Yes, it is a hard time right now. And, yes, there are days I wake up afraid that this pandemic will never end.  So, I challenge myself to find new ways to have fun and connect, and I hope you do too. If you have any more awesome ideas, drop them in comments below.