We’ve all had to come to terms with the fact that the holidays this year won’t be anything like any we’ve experienced before. With the rapid advancement in technology coupled with the rising cases of coronavirus, there’s a high chance you’ll be having a very small gathering at home—or perhaps you’ll decide to go completely virtual.

So how do you enjoy your holidays in quarantine? You won’t have the same feelings of excitement of big parties, large dinners, or going to stay over a friend or family’s place for the holidays. You will most likely have to manage within the walls of your own home—but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun.

Here are some ways to stay connected, have fun, and still make this holiday season just as special as every other year despite the pandemic.

Plan Lots of Games

Being at home during one of the most awaited times of the year can be a huge drag, but if you make being at home fun, then it makes it easier for everyone to adjust to the changes. You can buy lots of board games to keep everyone entertained.

Take a poll of what kinds of games your family is interested in. If you’re planning on inviting a few close friends and family over, ask them what they like to play so you can purchase it beforehand. You can go for the traditional board games, or even download apps that allow people to play together.

You should also have virtual games if you’re going to be social distancing and want to connect with friends and family living away. You can do this, again, by downloading games online and making sure everyone has the same game installed.

You can also do a conference call, with video, and play a traditional game. The person who has the actual game can be in charge of moving everyone’s piece and showing everyone the card they have chosen. Make sure you all have stable internet connections so the images are clear and the spirit of the game remains intact.

Have a Virtual Gathering

Another way of having a fun night online is by making up your own activities. For example, if all of you used to get together and sing songs and dance together on Christmas Eve, you can gather everyone on a conference call and encourage them to sing and dance in their respective homes, while getting a chance to share the moment with each other by seeing them on video.

You can extend this to New Year’s too. Everyone loves the thrill of counting down to the new year with their loved ones. You may not be able to get out to see the fireworks this year, however, you could watch a livestream of it and share the screen with everyone who used to partake in this year tradition with you before.

It’s important to incorporate a virtual element into your holiday plans because many elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions will be wary of traveling or mingling in gatherings because of the coronavirus. The holiday season is a time for cheer and these restrictions could increase their feelings of isolation and resentment.

Part of the holiday spirit is making sure you spread love and kindness to those around you, especially those who you are closest to and those that mean the most to you. This is why you should have a video call and let those who are unable to show up meet everyone else and share a few laughs and loving words online.

Send Out Care Packages

Another way to make sure the holiday season has just as much love and happiness this year as every other year is to make an extra effort to connect with everyone. Previously, you may have had a big family dinner. Now, it would be smarter to send out your special holiday dishes to your friends and family by delivering them to their doorsteps instead.

You could even parcel gifts to those who you know aren’t doing well financially or health-wise. Many people are struggling in the pandemic, and if you notice that someone who’s usually cheerful during this season has been distant or silent, you should let them know that you are there to support them.

Care packages can include food, a present that you know will come in handy, a warm blanket or a pair of socks—you can even send them photos of your last get together to remind them of old times and bring back the old feelings of togetherness and joy.

Plan a Small Gathering with Those Who’ve Been Social Distancing

If you’ve been isolating for a safe amount of time and know a couple of other people or families that have been responsible and isolating as well, you can try and plan a small gathering with them. It adds a little more energy to the environment as opposed to only spending the holidays with your household.

Some people who have the resources may even go to a resort or stay at a summer home with those who have been social distancing. Once you’ve confirmed that the people you’re calling over are safe to interact with, you can spend a few days to a week together and return to your homes when the holidays are over.

Final Words

It’s important to remember that the change in holiday plans this year doesn’t apply only to you. You may be frustrated or upset about having to postpone or cancel plans that you had been looking forward to each year. You may also be angry about not getting to see those that you always spend the holidays with.

However, these changes are being felt by everyone across the world. You aren’t alone in these bitter feeling, but by being responsible and making the necessary changes that the pandemic calls for, you are potentially saving lives and increasing our chances of getting out of this pandemic sooner.

As long as you can stay in touch—even if it’s virtually—with those that bring out the holiday spirit in you, you can reassure yourself that your holidays were well spent while you were also a responsible citizen at the same time.