10 Ideas to Get Together (Virtually)
It’s the last month of 2020. I’m making an educated guess here, but I’d say more than 75% of the people you know are ready for a new year. We might have to dig deep, but there are lists of positive things that 2020 has delivered to your doorstep. My personal favorite has been the slower pace and increased family time.
Social distancing, travel restrictions, health, and safety precautions have made many of us (and especially those extroverts) feel intense amounts of cabin fever. The virtual platforms were overloaded as we all tried to fill our buckets with as much interaction as we were used to. Then, work and school went online, and what was considered “normal” took another turn.
Now it’s the holidays, and once more, we’re faced with a different type of interaction than we’re used to. But that doesn’t mean you have to lose out on making amazing memories with your family and friends. Enter my 10 ideas to get together (virtually).
1. The Scavenger Hunt
This is perfect for families with a toddler or elementary-age children. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a child crawling all over me during a virtual interaction with family members. The scavenger hunt gives them a way to contribute, which means no more boredom! Make a list of common household items, toys, or clothing. Parents send the kids off to find the item while they get a chance to chat—kid-free! When the child comes back, they get to share what they found and have their turn on the virtual call.
2. Charades or Pictionary
Are you an actor or an artist? Play in family teams or make teams between participants (adults vs. teens, parents vs. children, etc.)! Prep work requires each team to have 3-5 ideas to draw or act out. The non-guessing team texts or chat messages the item to the player, then let the competition begin. If Grandma and Grandpa aren’t up for playing, they can serve as judges.
3. Cocktail and Quotes Hour
It’s the small talk that can make a cocktail hour difficult, so assign the topics of conversation! Alcoholic beverages are optional. Dress-up or come in pajamas. Make it themed! Everyone brings their favorite drink and a favorite quote to share. The conversation will flow.
4. Memory Maker
Family gatherings always spark the sentence, “Do you remember when…?” Take this conversation virtual with a chosen theme! Each child joins in and shares their memory. Ideas: Christmas traditions, family vacations, sports games, or the dinner you remember eating the most. Record the session, and make it a video gift for Grandma and Grandpa, just in time for the holiday!
5. Chef Appetizer
A round-robin event, each participant takes a turn sending an ingredient list and then teaching the group how to make their favorite appetizer. We chose appetizer because, let’s be real, more than 30 -45 minutes on a virtual gathering and it’s too long. But, if your group is up to it, try cooking a full meal!
6. Dance Party
Get a playlist going and just dance! Playing freeze dance is a fun way to mix this up. This is another great way for little children to interact during a virtual gathering. It’s hard to sit still, so add in a favorite song or two, and grandparents and friends will have a chance to see them dancing like a star!
7. Talent Show
Every family get-together, my family hosts a talent show, and every member of the family is required to do something. We’ve enjoyed many hilarious skits, songs, and poems over the years. I’ve also seen my nieces and nephews’ interests change and watched them grow in their ability to play an instrument, sing, or dance. This year, it’s all going virtual! Give your kids something to work toward at your own virtual talent show.
8. Storytime
Whether it’s grandma or grandpa, or an uncle or auntie, it doesn’t really matter who is telling the story. It can be a book or a memory from long ago. This year, I’m hoping to get Grandpa on a virtual Christmas Eve call for the traditional telling of The Night Before Christmas, and Grandma to tell all about the first Christmas her ancestors had in a little log cabin in Utah. Your story can be an on-going weekly event or only on special occasions. Even teens will listen in (even though they may be pretending to sleep), and it’s a great way to record family history.
9. Online Games
I wasn’t as excited about this the first time we scheduled a game night, but then, I discovered you aren’t limited to the video games your kids like to play online! There are trivia, murder mystery, word games, drawing games, and more that you can play as a group while chatting online. If you have teenagers, this is a great way to get them involved. Platforms like Jackbox Games or Codenames have options for everything from PC to Xbox. Most of them cost a few dollars, but there are a few free ones if you search!
10. MadLibs
There is nothing better than the entire online group cracking up over a silly sentence created during a game of MadLibs. You can find fill-in stories for free online or make a story up about your own family or friends group. It’s something just a little different, and you may even get your teenager to crack a smile!
Are you a little bit more excited about your next virtual get together? Did your creative ideas start flowing? I know I’ve had bouts of virtual apathy, so hopefully, one of these options will add a little jolly into your happy holidays.
