The holiday season is in full swing, and at NGHS, the safety of our community is our top priority. We also understand the importance of what this time of year means for families. While people are taking off work and kids get a break from school, COVID is not taking a break. Social distancing and precautions for the holiday season are important — and we want to help you make the best of it. If you’re not sure how to celebrate safely this year, here are some tips about celebrating virtually!
Reasons to Celebrate Virtually
To slow the spread of viruses, like the flu or COVID, celebrate the holidays in person with only your household members and celebrate virtually with members outside of your home. A virtual celebration gives you a safe option to celebrate with extended family and friends.
- Connect with family out of state or even out of the country.
- Make family members that are in the hospital or senior living feel included.
- Connect with loved ones that do not come around as often and have been adrift from the family functions.
Ways to Connect
In a world full of technology, celebrating virtually has become easier with apps that bring us all a little closer together. Here are some popular apps that you might be able to use:
- Zoom
Start a free zoom account and connect with family and friends. During the Holiday season, Zoom lifts their 40-minute limit for free zoom accounts so that family gatherings don’t get cut short. You’ll end up sending your family members a link to a Zoom meeting. Anyone with a smart phone or computer can join the virtual festivities! - Facebook
Facebook’s Messenger app has some great features for chatting, calling, video calls and even money transfers. Invite everyone in your family to join the fun! - Facetime
If everyone in your family is an Apple user, Facetime is a great option to keep connected! Facetime used to be a 1-to-1 video call, but now several people can interact on Facetime at once. This is a great option to connect with family members using Apple computers, iPhones or iPads. - Google Hangouts
Much like Zoom, Facebook and Facetime, Google Hangouts is another well-loved option for video conferencing. It’s free with your Google account and anyone can join in the celebration!
While it’s not the same as spending time face-to-face, this is a perfect time to bring back handwritten letters and notes. Why not take some time to write a quick note to friends and family letting them know how much you care. Even a postcard in the mail can brighten someone’s day!
Making it Fun
Celebrating Holidays virtually can be fun! Here are some ideas that can help you make the best of your socially distanced celebration.
Have a conversation
- See how they have been doing
- Learn something new about your relatives
- Play “Two truths and a lie” (more game ideas are below!)
- Talk about your favorite holiday memories
Share tips or tell stories
- Cooking recipes
- Pandemic experience
- Fun activities for kids at home
Play Games
- Charades
- Trivia
- Bingo
Have a contest
- Tacky sweater contest
- Most creative meal
- Best song to wash your hands to
- Remote Gingerbread contest
Show off your skills
- Sing songs as a family
- Hold a virtual talent show
- Show off a craft or something you’ve created
While this year has brought extra challenges, we hope you take advantage of these great ways to stay connected and celebrate with loved ones!
Learn more about staying safe
For more information COVID-19 or staying safe during the holidays, visit: