Written by Eve
As I think we’re all well aware, Christmas this year will be a little different. For big families, or families spread across the UK and the world, things will have to unfortunately be different. Even with the relaxing of restrictions, here are a few ideas to keep our Christmases as safe and enjoyable as it can be.
Firstly, here are a few digital resources for connecting with family and friends.
My first idea for connecting friends or family spread across the UK is completing a Secret Santa. There is a lot of online resources for this. For example, me and my friends used drawnames.co.uk which allowed us to easily pick names out of a hat without having to be with each other, and also set up a wish list, a budget, a swap date and even anonymously message the person we got (very useful). Then you can mail your presents to one another and maybe even set up a virtual Zoom opening together!
One of my favourite resources I’ve used throughout lockdown and will probably continue using whenever I’m away from friends and family for whatever reason is Teleparty, which is a Chrome extension that allows you to watch films together on Netflix. It is so simple to set up and has a chat function, allowing you to chat away as you watch the film. So my recommendation is find a Christmassy film on Netlflix, of which there are plenty of options, and catch up with people you might not be able to see. I would also recommend using Skype or Zoom at the same time to truly feel like you’re watching it together.
Over lockdown, my Rangers completed an online escape room. We split into two teams and raced to see who could solve it first. I think this could be a really fun and inventive way to catch up with friends and family, and test your problem solving skills.
I found quite a few easily online if you search online escape rooms, and many are free. Here is a link to a Harry Potter themed one that is free of charge.
And here is an article listing a few different options
We have put together our own scavenger hunt, which could be a fun way to safely get out of the house and have some festive fun, especially with younger children to entertain, or maybe just to get in the Christmas spirit!
There were a few ideas to reconnect digitally with those you may not be able to see this year. Some general advice to enjoying this year as much as we can would be to try to stay positive and celebrate the little things. Try and decorate, to get yourself in the Christmassy mood. Perhaps set up a movie night with popcorn and blankets with your household. Maybe practice being thankful for what we do have this year. Bring out the board games. Learn to cook new foods. Create your own cards, gift tags and ,maybe even wrapping paper! Maybe what we need is a year that’s quite a bit different so we can all really enjoy and not take for granted what we have done for many years previous.
I hope that you will be able to enjoy your christmas and be kind to yourselves for surviving this very stressful and different year!
Merry Christmas!
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