Since the coronavirus is still widespread and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued recommendations encouraging people NOT to gather for the holiday, it is hard on everyone to skip favorite traditions. Your family may be preparing for a different kind of holiday season celebration this year. This means shifting to virtual holiday activities with friends and loved ones. To make your event just as cheerful, meaningful and joyful as before, check out these quarantine friendly ideas, activities, games and themes that work for those that are visually impaired.
Virtual holiday cocktail party
An inventive trend to emerge from the pandemic is the virtual cocktail party. Friends, family and colleagues are logging on video calling apps to drink at home collectively, creating new memories from a distance. Before the event, send out a drink menu to prepare in advance. Be sure to provide a list for alcoholic and nonalcoholic options so that everyone can join in on the fun without reservations. Then during the call, everyone can share about their favorite libation from the list while playing some holiday games.
Online holiday trivia
Play holiday trivia for a fun family activity with a twist. Prepare your questions, split the group into teams, and quiz your crew on holiday knowledge. For extra festive flair, use holiday themes for team names. Create trivia questions from topics like holiday songs, traditions, movies or stories. Divide the group into teams. Quiz each team on a holiday subject. Allow each team time to discuss the answer in a separate chat window. Collect the teams’ answers on the video platform’s private chat feature. Keep score, record points and declare a winner. For a competitive edge, give prizes to the best teams.
Make a holiday playlist
Most gatherings have music and some even have a DJ. With virtual get togethers, everyone can help produce a holiday playlist. Select the playlist on an accessible service like Spotify, which is great for the visually impaired. Invite everyone to add their favorite Christmas/holiday carols to the roster. During the activity, cue up the playlist. Ask friends and family members to guess which one added which song, or ask why that holiday classic is a favorite. This activity builds closeness because everyone has a say and gets to contribute to the fun.
Holiday recipe guide
The holiday season is full of eating and cooking. Swapping and sharing recipes among friends and family is a part of the jolly atmosphere. To make your recipe guide, ask for a minimum of one recipe from each person. Organize the instructions based on category, such as hors d’oeuvres, entrees, sides and desserts. Send the completed collection to the group. Go a step farther and set up time for cooking demonstrations or holiday-themed cookoffs.
Holiday scavenger hunt
Participate in a virtual scavenger hunt with friends and family. Make up a list of items or things to do around the house. Send a message with instructions on what to find and how to share their findings. Repeat until the end of the scavenger hunt. Base it on a holiday theme or story. Whether it’s for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, it’s a fun game to unite families and friends and even a Grinch.
Outlook Enrichment is getting in on the act this holiday season with a variety of virtual activities for the visually impaired. There are virtual board games like the Christmas Carol Challenge and creating a winter wonderland during It’s Not Rocket Science Saturdays. To have a great time and connect with others this winter season, register and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
Although you and your friends and family may not be able to gather physically for a jingle bell get-together, you can participate in some lively virtual holiday activities. Everyone deserves a chance to unwind, connect and celebrate the season. Use the suggestions on this list and have a festive and memorable online party that is sure to bond and please everyone. Happy holidays!
