A Guide to a Remote Holiday Fun

We are currently halfway through December, meaning that the holiday season is in full swing. However, holiday traditions are looking very different this year. Because of travel restrictions and health concerns that are preventing many folks from traveling to see friends and family, this year's winter festivities may need to be celebrated remotely. While it hasn't been easy spending nearly a year socially distancing, technological advancements have allowed us to develop creative ways to connect with each other and continue making the best of chaos. To help you have a wonderful holiday and a well-deserved break, we put together this guide to pandemic-safe activities that will put you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit.

We are currently halfway through December, meaning that the holiday season is in full swing. However, holiday traditions are looking very different this year. Because of travel restrictions and health concerns that are preventing many folks from traveling to see friends and family, this year’s winter festivities may need to be celebrated remotely. While it hasn’t been easy spending nearly a year socially distancing, technological advancements have allowed us to develop creative ways to connect with each other and continue making the best of chaos. To help you have a wonderful holiday and a well-deserved break, we put together this guide to pandemic-safe activities that will put you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit.

If you’re the type to stay up to date with TikTok trends, you may be familiar with hot chocolate’s latest reincarnation– the hot chocolate bomb. The hot chocolate bomb is not a new delicacy, but has definitely seen an increase in popularity on social media. This classic winter drink received the viral treatment primarily through calming recipe tutorials circulating TikTok. These sweet treats can be bought at local grocery stories, but even better, they are incredibly easy to make at home. Check out this recipe from I Am A Food Blog, and forward it to your loved ones as an invitation to a hot chocolate making session over Zoom or FaceTime.

While nothing may be able to truly replace the feeling of marathoning Christmas movies and being enveloped in warm blankets surrounded by your loved ones, technology can bring us pretty close. Many streaming services don’t allow screen sharing over video conferencing calls, so it takes some creativity and effort to watch movies “together” while socially distant. One way to enjoy films involves trivia games about classic Christmas movies. You can view 99 Christmas trivia questions here, or feel free to have each participant write their own! Another way to enjoy movies is to have a virtual cooking party with recipes from your favorite Christmas films, such as these delicious recipes.

Although the pandemic has put a pause on many in-person activities, there are still ways to get your festive fix. Christmas lights and holiday decorations are abundant this time of year, so put on your walking boots and mask to your nearest holiday location. Walking and viewing beautiful Christmas lights is a great way to relieve stress and remind yourself that the holidays are among us. Enjoy this activity with folks in your bubble or hop on a video call with loved ones to view decorations together.