The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us to review our habits. Amidst physical distancing regulations we are now gathering and celebrating virtually, screen to screen.

You, your parents and family members are at home. Those that returned from vacations experienced self-isolation for 14 days.

We are all in a new reality. Your clients, your colleagues are telecommuting and so are you, as well as your loved one, while your children are also at home.

As we all are abiding by our governments’ confinement regulations, it is, for now, impossible to socialize and celebrate in person. But you can still connect from the comfort of your home, to the comfort of their homes.

With “zero” risk of contamination, no prepping for company and only your dishes to clean, we can virtually reunite, celebrate and hang out.

Here are some tips to connect online.

The invitation

Since everyone can participate from anywhere on the planet, choose a date that is not a holiday elsewhere.

Assign the start and end time taking into account possible time differences. Celebrate at breakfast, lunch, happy hour, the end of the day meal, tea or dessert. It’s your choice.

Invite virtually on your favourite platform and especially one that is accessible to all, so as not to leave anyone out, especially the elderly.

Decorations, food, drinks and outfits

You can order online to send meals and even decorations, hats and confetti to each of your guests. Send gift cards by email or text for each guest a gift card so they may purchase their favourite treat.

Cook and concoct your cocktails together. Make it a contest. Everyone takes turns presenting their recipe. You can then vote for the best on a virtual voting platform.

Ask guests to dress up or dress in a colour theme. Again, here too you can vote virtually. It’s completely anonymous.

Activities

There are many creative and simple activities that you can do together:

• Watch a movie.
• Play online the classic board games.
• Draw or paint together on a virtual whiteboard.
• Dance while playing musical DJ: each guest presents their song.
• Organize a talent show.
• Knit or make art together.
• Compose a story in a group: one sentence per person at a time, taking turns typing in a group chat or saying it out loud.
• For a birthday, ask everyone to present their favourite photo of the person celebrated by sharing screens.

When you will have a drink to your good health and that of your friends, also take the time to acknowledge all the front-line workers that are making this pandemic end as quickly as possible.

Translated from my article on veroniquecloutier.com March 19, 2020 (c) Julie Blais Comeau