The usual holiday tradition sees families, friends, and acquaintances gathering over food, fun, and activities. This season also calls for rest, recreation, and the much-awaited “me time” for most busy people.
However, the current pandemic brought new challenges when it comes to social gatherings. People are encouraged to practice proper community guidelines and protocols at all times, so as not to put everyone’s health at risk. The silver lining is that there are available tech and tools to connect with loved ones, even from a distance.
Break the barriers of technology and use it to your advantage to keep in touch with your loved ones this holiday season—social distancing and health protocols considered.
Video Conferencing Platforms
Due to advancements in technology, talking online while seeing each other virtually is now a “normal” thing. Video calls can be done using a range of gadgets and tech such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops among others.
Some of the video conferencing platforms that are widely used most especially this season are FaceTime, Facebook Messenger (Rooms), Zoom, Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, Google Meet, and Google Duo. These allow for more ways to connect with loved ones and friends during this festive period amidst trying times.
Online Activities
Through video calls, keeping in touch with your friends and family isn’t just possible, but can be more fun and exciting even if you’re not physically together. Here are some ideas on how you can use this tech to connect with loved ones during the holiday season.
Host a game night.
Who says online games through video calls can’t be fun? Since we’re all encouraged to stay at home and practice social distancing, why not bring fun through virtual gatherings? Online platforms such as Kahoot and Skribbl are just some of the fun options to host game nights for you and your friends or family this holiday season.
Have a movie party.
If watching movies is a hobby you share, having a movie marathon online can be a great activity as well. Pick movies to watch and organize a watch party. Start a fun commentary about the movie/s through chat or text, and even watch each other’s reactions through a video call.
Hold a simple yet warm call session.
Most times, we tend to overlook the simplest of things and gestures that make us all feel connected and remembered. So, if you prefer just having a simple virtual get-together asking about how life has been, this is perfect for you.
However, there are still some people who aren’t familiar with the use of tech. They still see landlines, snail mails, and physical gatherings more favorable during holiday seasons. But due to the restrictions of the current pandemic, let’s do our part in making them understand some drastic changes this year when it comes to reunions and spending time together. Since seasons like this only happen once a year, invest in calling plans if you have a long list of to-call friends and loved ones.
The true spirit of the holiday season lies in giving, connection, and remembering those that truly matter to us. Time to not think about work for a while, and just enjoy the time you have with those dear to you.
Need more holiday ideas? Read other ways to spend the rest of your December during the pandemic.
