Though this holiday season looks different, and many of us may be separated from family and friends at a time when we would be all together, I have begun to brainstorm ways that I can still get in the spirit of the season. I was incredibly disappointed I couldn’t see my family for Thanksgiving, but on the bright side, I found that there are so many ways that we can celebrate safely and still feel close and connected to the people we care about most. So if you need somewhere to get started planning your socially distanced festivities, I hope some of the fun ideas below inspire you! 

Family Game Night – The possibilities are endless for a virtual family game night! As a Leadership Inspirations staff, we have played Family Feud and hosted a murder mystery party online. I have also heard some really great things about virtual escape rooms! Other options include themed games of Bingo, Name That Tune, Heads Up, or Charades!

Gift Exchange – You can still participate in this classic from afar. Use a website like Draw Names to assign people, then establish a budget, and mail your gifts by a certain date. You can still all open your gifts together on your favorite video platform. 

Cook Together – I know that one of my favorite parts of the holidays is cooking with family and friends. Use this as a time to host your own cooking shows and guide family members through cooking the same meal together online, or do a recipe swap so you can all test and try something different. 

Host a Virtual Tasting – Try beverages, cheeses, olive oil, whatever you want! Send a list ahead of time so that everyone can prepare and have the same foods to experience together. 

Get Crafty – Choose something to craft or decorate together online like ornament making, cookie decorating, or a virtual paint night. Send a list of supplies or a supply kit ahead of time and then show off your creations afterwards!

Virtual Talent Show – Have everyone choose a talent to show off to family and friends. Any talent will do (teach your dog new tricks, line dance, read a poem, or even stack golf balls). The idea is just to have a good time. Give out awards if you so choose!

Have a Powerpoint Party – At a Powerpoint Party, participants craft and give short presentations on different fun and playful topics of their choice (how staples are made, is a hot dog a taco or a sandwich, which One Direction member is best, etc). You can also assign silly topics ahead of time for a challenge, choose a theme for costumes, and include an element of Q&A for added fun. 

Storytime – For the kiddos, have each family choose one of their favorite children’s books to share. Parents or older children can read these tales out loud for a cozy virtual storytime together. 

Car Caravan – If you are tired of being online, get a group together for a caravan around town. Pick a route to look at holiday lights, landmarks, or hidden gems in your town. Designate someone in each car to have a walkie talkie or to talk safely on speakerphone so you can all share in the experience on the drive. 

In the end, this year might look very different, but these ideas make me excited to start new traditions and to be thankful for the safe opportunities I do have to celebrate this year. This season, try one of the ideas above or get your family involved in coming up with a new idea together! 

Happy Holidays from all of us at Leadership Inspirations!

*Meet the Author*

Caelan Cooney is the Operations Manager for Leadership Inspirations. She got her start in leadership as a high school DECA student and went on to graduate from Chapman University with degrees in Business Management and Integrated Educational Studies. As a regular contributor to From the Balcony, her favorite topics to explore are personality theory, group development, and conflict management. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and listening to podcasts. 

Favorite Quote: “I am still learning” – Michelangelo

Fun Facts: 1) I once bought a goat on Craigslist 2) I am afraid of escalators 3) My life goal is to give a TedTalk