'Tis the season...to be socially distanced! If you're anything like us, you're probably missing your office holiday party this year.
But just because we can't gather in person doesn't mean we can't have a little holiday cheer. Here's how to throw a virtual holiday party that's actually fun for everyone involved.
Send out invitations in advance
Sure, Zoom calls and House party chats are spontaneous and all, but a little planning goes a long way when it comes to making sure your virtual holiday party is actually enjoyable.
Send out invitations (email or text will do) at least a week in advance so people can clear their calendar and be ready to celebrate.
Plus, it'll give them time to find the perfect ugly sweater/Christmas onesie/Hanukkah pajamas.
Plan to have a theme & make it mandatory!
Whether you want to go the traditional route with an "ugly sweater" theme or get creative with something like "Christmas in July," having a mandatory theme for your virtual holiday party will make it more fun for everyone involved.
Not only will it get people into the festive spirit, but it'll also provide a much-needed sense of normalcy and routine during these strange times.
You'll need to have some structure...but not too much
No one wants to be stuck on a video call for hours on end, so make sure your virtual holiday party has some sort of structure—but not too much.
A great way to keep things fun and interesting is to have each person take turns leading a game or activity (e.g., charades, Pictionary, trivia, etc.).
And if things start to lag, don't be afraid to mix up the format or change things on the fly.
The beauty of virtual parties is that they're totally flexible!
Just because we can't gather in person doesn't mean we can't still have some holiday fun this year. With a little planning and creativity, you can easily throw a virtual holiday party that everyone will enjoy.
So go ahead and invite your friends, family, and co-workers—it's time to get festive!