Think Creatively to Spread Holiday Joy from Anywhere

 

(BPT) COVID-19 restrictions will make the 2020 holiday season different this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a Grinch. While extensive travel, large group gatherings, and many traditional activities can’t happen, there are imaginative ways to be just as joyful with a dash of creativity. In fact, many are discovering new ways to make one-of-a-kind memories with family, friends and coworkers.

Alternative approaches to work holiday parties. The culmination of the work year is celebrating the holiday, a time to enjoy great food, fun games, and cheers to a job well done. However, with the pandemic causing many offices to go remote, as well as restrictions for restaurants and group gatherings, this year will be a celebration of a different kind, which technology is making possible. Employers who want to show their employees they care are doing so in creative ways, such as sending meals to everyone through home delivery, and then meeting online to enjoy them together. Some employers are gathering virtually for an ugly sweater contest paired with fun games that can be played digitally, such as bingo and holiday trivia. Others are hiring a live musician to play, and creating a virtual singing happy hour or karaoke.

Online shopping expected to soar. Last year, 56 percent of consumers made their holiday purchases online vs. at retail stores, according to the National Retail Federation. Since March, online shopping has soared. With so many continuing to work or attend school from home, the most popular (and practical) gifts to be purchased and delivered right to people’s doors include new laptops and home electronics, personal health and fitness equipment, and ergonomic office furniture. Toys, video games, and small luxury items will also be popular. 

Travel less, make more memories at home. With airline travel at a minimum and health concerns in mind, most people won’t be traveling to bake holiday treats and celebrate good tidings in person. Consider alternatives this year, and plan a family video chat time to bake cookies together. Select and share a recipe ahead of time, and then sign on to your digital device to talk with each other as you each prepare dough, bake and enjoy treats. This might be the perfect time to tackle that traditional family recipe that’s been handed down for generations, and see who proves most successful.

Activities for children. For younger children with shorter attention spans, consider planning a virtual cookie or cupcake decorating party, or perhaps get crafty and make some hand-cut snowflakes or colorful paper garlands. As you add the perfect touches to holiday treats, exchange memories of holidays past, and even pull out old family photo albums or videos to reminisce. Make sure to enjoy a few treats together and take video stills to capture these special moments for future celebrations. Finally, wrap the fun up by reading a traditional holiday book to little ones before bedtime.

The 2020 holiday season is sure to be unique, but “different” can still be good. With an optimistic mindset and clever ideas, you’ll put a new spin on family and workplace traditions, and make some lasting memories.