For 2020 Holidays: Still Celebrate Togetherness

My brother has been telling me about this online game. It would allow us five siblings (and families) to hang out and play an interactive game together during the holidays. Granted, I’ve no idea if this specific game, called You Don’t Know Jack, will be fun. But in 2020, I’m willing to take part! It will be another way to spend time together — and we definitely need each other’s encouragement and friendship this year!

I thought that you, too, might find some practical holiday ideas in such a blog. I hope it will help you turn off the constant incoming information and intentionally tune in to being together.

Updating and Creating New Traditions

There will be understandable disappointment this holiday season; many of us won’t be able to take part or continue festive traditions.

Traditions are a rich part of our culture. Maybe you’ve always done the big turkey dinner at grandma’s house? Or, maybe you and one family member have a quiet evening with food and a movie in? But since many of us can’t do that specific tradition in 2020, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a bonding experience with something new. Let’s think outside the box to keep the conversations going with people we love.

Virtual dinner: A friend was sharing how her siblings and their kids, who live in Europe, eat Thanksgiving dinner via Skype with the grandparents. They find a time during that holiday week that works and the grandkids get to talk with their grandparents while eating. You might consider video dinner, too.

Playing games: I mentioned the You Don’t Know Jack game (again, I’m not sure the quality; so be warned.), but if you love the idea of a game night, go for it. I’ve also heard of online trivia games … or maybe an outdoor game? Check out this list and use your creativity! 

Zoom cocktail hours: I’ve been meeting online with a group of friends almost weekly for a cocktail hour. And. It. Is. Wonderful. We get our favorite drinks. Meet online and chat for an hour or two just to be together. You might consider starting something similar with friends or family?

Networking groups: I’ve still been taking part in my normal business networking group, including the chamber and Women in Networking. Meeting online and being with familiar colleagues has brought some normalcy to my weeks. As we enter the holidays, take those networking and business traditions and update them for the digital world, like a holiday trivia game/office party?

Radio theater: Our local classical radio station collaborated with a local theater to air a Sherlock Holmes drama this past October. iHeartRadio has a USA Classic Radio Theater offering. Your local library might offer digital downloads of plays or audiobooks. Maybe this would a fun new tradition to share with family no matter your location.

Online cooking class: My husband and I recently joined a two-hour digital workshop with a chef. It was set up like a zoom/webinar and we watched (some followed along with) the chef. We actually made a great dinner and my husband took pictures and shared it with his co-workers as it was through my husbands work. Everyone thought we did a great job making the dinner. There are numerous options for such classes; consider doing one with family or friends even if you’re in a different area.

Make dinner. Share recipes: How can you include various families even while cooking for the holidays? Plan a time to get on Zoom and cook one item at the same time. I’d recommend having all the big items done, like the turkey and hours-long desserts. Have each family pick a simple dish to prep while you chat. Keep it short and simple. And then move right into dinnertime together.

Set that holiday table: Even if you’re not able to be with all your family or friends in person, make the holidays special. Do the simple traditions, like setting a nice dinner table … even if you’re meeting online with everyone. Those small habits and traditions are important.

I would love to hear what your plans are for the holidays. Remember, staying together, whether that be online or in person, is very important these next few months. Be creative, think outside the box. Community is so important for our mental, physical and spiritual health!