Holiday, Parenting & Family
10 Social Distancing Christmas Party Ideas
It looks like another holiday will be spent in quarantine, but that’s not a reason to be sad. With so many ways to celebrate virtually, it’s worth it to keep you and your loved ones safe. As we sit at home and enjoy the festivities over the phone, a laptop screen or even through a car window, check out these quarantine Christmas activities to celebrate with friends and family.
Social Distancing Christmas Party Ideas
1. Organize a gift exchange
Secret Santa is one of those fun holiday traditions that can be done just about anywhere in the world. I recommend Elfster, a Secret Santa generator that I have used with friends and family. All you have to do is invite your crew via email or signup link, make a wish list and Elfster will draw names and notify the Secret Santas for you.
2. Share fun holiday cards
DIY some holiday cards to mail to loved ones, or turn to Shutterfly, Vistaprint, Snapfish and Minted to get your holiday card needs. Lots of companies are making cards extra fun this year with a nod to COVID-19 and how we’ll all be spending our holidays at home. Start on this sooner rather than later, so you can ensure everyone gets their cards on time.
3. Cheers to virtual drinks
Whether it’s with your colleagues, college buddies or family near and far, take your happy hours online. This could mean anything from cocktails and beers to hot chocolate and spiced apple cider so everyone can join in. You can even try a virtual wine tasting. Get festive with themed happy hours, costumes and more.
4. Participate in a recipe swap
If you have friends and family living nearby, start a recipe swap. Each person can make their favorite holiday dish and portion it to share with however many families participate. When the time comes, do a socially-distant dish exchange with all the families and you’ll have a full Christmas dinner for just a fraction of the work.
5. Host a virtual game night
Just because you’re hanging out over video chat, doesn’t mean the stakes can’t be high. There are plenty of games you can play while on Zoom. Some of my favorites are Pictionary, Charades, Name That Tune and even your own version of holiday trivia.
6. Have a movie night
Teleparty makes it easy for you to stream anything on Netflix and watch it with your loved ones, making it the perfect virtual Christmas party idea. Just create a Teleparty and invite your friends and family to join. Otherwise, everyone can stream the movie at home and you can all watch together over Zoom.
7. Drive by Christmas lights
Every neighborhood has that one street that is decked out with lights and holiday decorations. This is a great social distancing Christmas idea as it’s a fun way to get into the spirit of things while staying safe in your car. Schedule a night with friends and family to create a pandemic parade.
8. Create new traditions at home
Don’t forget about all the Christmas things to do at home and how memorable this year can still be. I like the idea of matching pajamas while spending your afternoon baking cookies and decorating them. Or maybe you want to get crafty and make decorations from scratch.
9. Celebrate virtually
If everyone is having Christmas dinner at home, why not make it a Zoom party? It can start as early as the cooking process or as late as dessert. Enjoy your delicious meals and make memories virtually. After all, it’s the people who make the holiday extra special.
10. Take it outdoors
If you plan on hosting an in-person Christmas, make sure you have everything you need to keep your guests warm and safe. A fireplace or outdoor heaters, blankets, HotHands and the like. On the menu, consider hot foods like warm soup, baked goods and, of course, hot cocoa and s’mores. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer, masks and disposable dinnerware.
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