The holidays are approaching, which means it’s time to celebrate with family, give thanks for the joys we’ve experienced this year, and share a whole lot of presents. However, it can be tough to get the whole family in one room when people live in different places. Thankfully, there are a number of ways that we can celebrate the holidays with our loved ones virtually, so even those who are thousands of miles apart can connect and create shared memories. If your family won’t be together this holiday season, we’ve got a list of tips and tricks on how you can make everyone feel included.
Schedule a Holiday Family Facetime
One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays with your family virtually is by scheduling a group video call over Facetime. There are plenty of fun things to do over Facetime during the holidays, some of the best include:
Play a Family Trivia Game
One of the most fun things to do over Facetime during the holidays is to get the whole family together for a holiday trivia night. There are a bunch of different trivia games to play that family members of all ages can enjoy. You can have everyone play solo, or if you’ve got a larger extended family, you can split family members up into teams and see which one has the most knowledge of the subjects that you choose.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling crafty, you could create your own trivia game based on family history and facts about the different family members who are playing. Playing a game where your family is the focus can be a fun thing to do over Facetime, thanks to the funny answers or debates that might arise over family members who might have different memories of the same event. You can also include funny family photos in your trivia game to make it a hilarious, and nostalgic night to remember.
Show Off Your Holiday Decor
Another fun thing to do over Facetime with your family is to give everyone a moment to take center stage and show off their holiday decor. Everyone can “ooh” and “ahh” at grandma’s gorgeous ornament collection, your little cousins can show off where their Elf on a Shelf has been hiding, and you can present the adorable gingerbread house that you made.
Have Everyone Share What They’re Thankful For
If you’re hosting a holiday video chat with your family near Thanksgiving, one fun thing to do over Facetime is to have everyone say one thing that they’re thankful for. It’s a great way to spread positivity during the holiday, and to get to know your various extended family members better. After you’ve all said your thanks, it’s time to hop off the call and dig in to some delicious Thanksgiving dinner!
Do a Long Distance Cookie Swap
One of the best parts of the holiday season is all of the delicious baked treats that you get to share with your family. However, if your family is spending the holidays apart this year, you might feel bummed about missing out on all the delicious goodies that you’re used to. But, there’s a way to spread holiday baked good cheer virtually: by doing a long distance cookie swap!
This holiday celebration might take a little more planning, but it’s well worth it. In order to do the long distance cookie swap, you’re going to want to reach out to the bakers in your family, and have them send you the best holiday cookie recipes they have. Then, mix the recipes up, and have everyone pick one (you can do this over Facetime, or use an online randomizing website to select for you). Then, everyone will be assigned a different family member’s recipe to make. Have everyone share photos of their cookie baking and you’ll have one heck of a delicious holiday memory on your hands.
Host a Holiday Movie Night Online
There’s nothing quite like a family holiday movie night. And luckily, there are plenty of apps that allow you to do so virtually! Present your family with a poll of your top holiday movies, and have them vote on a winner. Once the winner is picked, find the streaming service that has it, an app to start a watch party with, and set a day and time where everyone can tune in. Many watch party apps also allow you to send digital chat messages during the film, so you can talk to your family while you rewatch your favorite holiday flicks.
In Conclusion
No one should have to spend the holidays alone. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to celebrate the holidays with your family virtually. From fun things to do on Facetime, to hosting a long distance cookie swap or movie night, you’ll be able to spread holiday cheer this year no matter where you are.