5 ways to share a sense of togetherness, while apart

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it has traditionally been a time to gather inside with friends and family to celebrate. However, like everything else about 2020, this year is going to look a little different.

With COVID cases spiking to new highs across the country, now is the time for us to get creative about how we can celebrate safely.

Remember, the safest things that you can do are:

• Wear a mask
• Stay 6 feet or more apart
• Meet outdoors

And the safest thing of all is to do all three. While some counties are allowing indoor dining at reduced capacity, we already know this is one of the highest risk activities to participate in. Regardless of where your local county is at in terms of re-opening, it’s critical that we are mindful and proactive. Practicing safe behavior, regardless of the COVID case rates in your communities, is especially important as we experience a third surge of the virus this winter.

It might not be what you imagined, but you can still get into the holiday spirit.

Here are 5 ways to share a sense of togetherness, while apart.

1. Create a collaborative playlist

Apps like Spotify and Youtube have features that allow you to create a collaborative playlist so that you can jam out together. And, if you still have the equipment, you can always make a good old fashioned mix tape.

2. Share a recipe

Eating together is off the menu this holiday season, but you can always swap recipes by email, text, or even a handwritten postcard. This is the year to try familiar favorites from your own kitchen.

3. Order in

Cooking not your thing? While many restaurants are opening back up, dining with people outside your pod is still a pretty risky activity. Why not support your local restaurants by ordering in? Protect your health and your local economy.

4. Stream the same movie

If you’ve got Netflix’s Teleparty you can watch the same thing at the same time from living rooms all over the country with built-in chat and synchronized pausing. Of course, if that isn’t an option for you then you can always just queue up the same movie and countdown “3-2-1-Play” to get started at the same time.

5. Host a Virtual Game Night

Not a gamer? Not a problem! There are lots of ways to host a simple virtual game night. Here is an article that can help you get started on anything from Go Fish to Cards Against Humanity.

While none of these suggestions can truly replace the joy that large gatherings bring, they do ensure that everyone will be safe and healthy for many celebrations in the years to come.

For a more complete list of holiday activities and how safe they are – visit the CDC site on coping with the holidays during COVID