Zoom into the Holidays With Creative Virtual Parties

The holidays are quickly approaching and while that's normally a cause for many parties and celebrations, this year may be a bit different. As the colder weather approaches and Covid cases continue to rise with certain restrictions in place, a lot of us may find ourselves changing our normal holiday traditions and plans to virtual celebrations (whether we want to or agree with or not).  From the annual office party to your yearly white elephant party with friends to a family cookie exchange, the list goes on for events small to large.

While this may be disappointing, it doesn't mean your event can't be any fun. Don't just schedule a normal, boring zoom session where everyone chats. Don't just skip it altogether because you're afraid it won't be any fun. By planning ahead and channeling some creativity, you and your guests can enjoy a festive, fun, unique event. Read on for some fun ideas!

Gift Exchange Party

If you don't want to miss out on your yearly white elephant party, just do it virtually! This is actually an easy one to conduct virtually by assigning one person as the "host". Yes, you're not in person, but you can still enjoy all the fun and laughs that come along with this type of event. All guests purchase and wrap their gifts and drop off to the designated host. On the date of the party, the host has all the gifts on display and participants tell the host which gift to unwrap or steal. After the party, guests can pick up from the host or the host can drop off.

If you typically partake in a secret Santa exchange where everyone has a designated person to buy a gift for, then each person would need to drop off the wrapped gift to their person at some point before the virtual party, Be sure to do it unnoticed if you want to keep it a secret! During the virtual party, each person takes a turn opening on screen, just as they would at a party.

Food or Drink-Centered Party

A lot of families and friends set aside a day to make cookies or gingerbread houses. That doesn't have to stop this year! If you normally make gingerbread houses, just do it together step by step virtually and then see whose turns out best. Go a step further and make a special meal, baked good or cocktail together; have everyone get all the needed ingredients ahead of time, go through the cooking or baking process together on zoom, and when it's finished sit down and enjoy your creation together while chatting.

If you want to let a professional steer this type of event, look into a  virtual tasting party. You can taste wine, tea, whiskey, cheese, or even cook a delicious appetizer or meal. Go with whatever your group fancies. Sit back and enjoy while a professional chef, mixologist or sommelier guides you through an interactive and yummy experience.

Games

There are many games you can play virtually. Pick a bunch of "minute to win it" type games ahead of time and ensure everyone has the needed supplies. Play a trivia game with general knowledge quiz questions or do a scavenger hunt. Whatever type of game you decide to play, make it be holiday-themed to make your party more festive. So, if you're doing trivia, the questions should be about holiday songs and movies, for instance. You can use free printable Christmas trivia games to make it easy. A scavenger hunt can include holiday decorations, movies and books. Competing virtually can be just as fun as in-person and is a great way to stay engaged with other guests.

Hire Entertainment

An in-person party may have a musician, comedian, or magician as a special touch, but there's no reason why you can't hire the same type of entertainment for a virtual party. Get the laughs going by having a comedian join your zoom. Add to the ambiance by having a musician play in the background. Keep kids engaged with a magician. Get creative here by adding some type of special guest to kick the party up a notch.

Whatever type of virtual party you decide on, be sure to pack in extra festive fun by wearing those ugly holiday sweaters or reindeer ears. And stick to the traditions with a little planning ahead! If you usually look forward to that special holiday cocktail that cousin Bob makes, then have cousin Bob whip up a batch, bottle it in mason jars, and deliver it ahead of time so that everyone can sip it together during the event. If it's not a holiday party without Aunt Susan's iced sugar cookies, then have Aunt Susan make them and you can deliver a batch to everyone beforehand.

We can make the holidays just as special with a little extra effort and creativity! And if you're new to zoom, be sure to practice before your event!

Have a fun idea for a virtual holiday party? Tell us about it in the comments below!




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