5 Tips to Host a Virtual Holiday Party
Healthier holidays: Focus on the social while social distancing
‘Tis the season of celebrations. We know they’re important- and a key to our emotional and physical health - even if you won’t be together in person with family and friends. And with just a bit of creativity, the holidays can still be fun even when you and your loved ones are physically apart.
Here are some ways to make merry at your virtual gathering:
- Make it official. Create a guest list, set a date and time, and invite friends and family to attend. Mail some sparkly invites or take advantage of free online invitation makers or templates and email or text invitations to your guests.
- Create the menu. Separate locations doesn’t have to mean different menus. Send out your favorite healthy recipes and ask your dinner companions to vote on the holiday menu. Need some suggestions? Try some of our tasty recipes.
- Set the scene. Choose a mood and theme for your party. Deck your halls with balloons, flowers and holiday décor — and don’t forget the mood music. Make a playlist with traditional favorites or mix it up with modern versions of old classics. Ask your guests to send you their top three songs to include.
- Dress for success. Invite your guests to dress to complement the theme of your party. If it’s silly and fun, maybe make it an ugly holiday sweater party. (You can even make it a contest by voting on winners in different categories, such as Funniest, Most Colorful and, of course, Ugliest.) If you want to get super casual, throw a holiday pajama party.
- Say “Cheers!” No holiday or celebration is complete without a toast. You can drink a glass of sparkling water between each alcoholic beverage or whip out the mocktails. Celebrate your accomplishments and express gratitude for your guests with a group toast or take turns sharing.
Here are a few more ideas to make your virtual holiday party merry, memorable and meaningful:
- Movin’ and groovin’. Once you’ve finished the meal, find something active to do as a group like a dance party or challenge or charades.
- Lights, camera, action! Record your virtual holiday party to create a fun video to post on social media or to send to loved ones who couldn’t join.
- Get crafty. Decide on one or two virtual DIY craft ideas. Kids can make holiday cards or ornaments, while adults try their hand at painting wine glasses or making ugly sweaters. Be sure to provide the craft ideas in plenty of time before the party so your guests can buy supplies.
- Give from the heart. Assign random guest names to other guests for a group gift exchange at least a couple of weeks before the party. Ask guests to send a small gift (assign a suggested value) to their recipient to arrive before the virtual party.
- Say “Cheese!” Create a virtual holiday photo booth by taking a screen shot of your guests. Email or text the photo to the attendees as a memento.
- Name that tune. Play snippets of holiday songs and challenge guests to guess the name of the song.,
- Find the next American Idol. Download a free karaoke app, share your screen and have guests take turns performing their favorite holiday classics.
- Anyone’s game. Go online for ideas and free ways to play family-friendly games, such as Bingo and holiday trivia.
- The joy of cooking. After the party, share the party recipes in a digital “cookbook” with your guests. Be sure to include photos of the finished dishes.
Have little ones? Try these activities:
- Once upon a time. Elect one master storyteller to read a holiday book, or ask each party-goer to take a turn reading a page. (Be sure the reader turns the picture book to the camera so everyone can follow along.)
- Organize a holiday scavenger hunt. Pull together a list of items that kids can find in their home. Go online for free ideas and templates.
- Participate in a sing-along. Make a playlist of well-known kid-friendly holiday songs. When you play the tunes, encourage kids (and adults!) to sing along. Guests can keep connected to the party with their smartphones while walking around the neighborhood belting out some carols.
- Simon says. Ask each older child to lead a round of the traditional game Simon Says in which the younger kids participate.
Happy Holidays!
