Virtual Christmas: 15 Ways To Celebrate with Loved Ones from Afar
Fire up Zoom and get in the spirit of the season
- Festive Family Talent Show
Turn your virtual gathering into a showcase of family talents and hidden skills. Whether it’s singing carols, performing magic tricks, or even demonstrating a unique holiday-themed dance, encourage each family member to bring their A-game to the virtual stage. This lighthearted talent show is sure to bring smiles and laughter, making it a Christmas to remember.
2. Ugly Sweater Contest: Virtual Edition
Just because you’re not physically together doesn’t mean you can’t flaunt your most garish, bedazzled, and all-around outrageous holiday sweaters. Set up a virtual runway and let the fashion show begin. Bonus points for creatively incorporating Zoom backgrounds into your festive fashion statement.
3. Online Secret Santa Shenanigans
Embrace the digital age of gift-giving with an online Secret Santa exchange. Websites like Elfster make it easy to draw names, and you can even set up a virtual reveal where everyone opens their presents together on video. It’s like being in the same room, minus the inevitable chaos of paper shreds and misplaced bows.
4. Yule Log Bake-Along
Coordinate a Christmas cookie or gingerbread house bake-along with your loved ones. Share recipes in advance, set a date, and let the culinary creativity flow. Don’t forget to exchange critiques and accolades as you showcase your masterpieces on camera. Warning: The smell of fresh-baked cookies may induce serious virtual envy.
5. Carol-aoke Extravaganza
Turn your virtual gathering into a holiday karaoke party with a festive twist. Sing your favorite carols or put a Christmas spin on popular tunes. If your family is competitive, you can even turn it into a friendly competition — with awards for the best performance, most creative lyrics, or most spirited dance moves. Remember, the key to a successful Carol-aoke Extravaganza is to fully commit, even if you’re a little off-key.
6. Santa’s Workshop: DIY Decor Edition
Get crafty with a virtual DIY decorating session. Share ideas for handmade ornaments, wreaths, or any other festive creations. It’s like having your very own Santa’s Workshop, complete with elves showing off their crafting skills. And who knows, your DIY creation might become a cherished family heirloom.
7. Virtual Movie Marathon
Cozy up in your respective homes with hot cocoa, fuzzy blankets, and a list of holiday movies. Use a platform like Netflix Party or Disney+ GroupWatch to synchronize your movie-watching experience. Whether it’s a classic like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or a modern favorite like “Elf,” nothing says Christmas like a virtual movie marathon with loved ones.
8. Virtual Santa Show-and-Tell
Bring the North Pole into your living room by encouraging family members to share their favorite Christmas decorations, ornaments, or even quirky holiday traditions on camera. It’s like a virtual show-and-tell with a festive twist. Aunt Mildred might proudly display her collection of handmade elf figurines, while Uncle Bob showcases his prized Santa hat collection. It’s a delightful way to learn more about each other’s holiday traditions, no matter the miles that separate you.
9. DIY Virtual Escape Room: Christmas Edition
Transform your virtual gathering into a holiday-themed escape room adventure. Create a series of Christmas-related puzzles and challenges that everyone can solve together. From decoding Santa’s secret message to rescuing the runaway reindeer, this interactive experience adds a playful element to your celebration. The team that successfully completes the virtual escape room first can be crowned the official Christmas champions.
10. Midnight Mass Watch Party
For those who celebrate Christmas with a touch of spirituality, consider organizing a virtual watch party for midnight Mass or a holiday church service. Many places of worship now offer online streaming services, allowing you to share a moment of reflection and prayer with your loved ones. It’s a meaningful way to connect spiritually and feel a sense of togetherness, even from a distance.
11. Virtual Snow Globe Showdown
Turn your virtual backgrounds into a festive showdown by creating the ultimate holiday scenes. Whether it’s a snowy village, Santa’s workshop, or a cozy fireplace, let everyone unleash their creativity. The challenge is to create the most captivating virtual background, complete with holiday cheer. This is a lighthearted way to see who can transform their video call into the most festive setting.
12. Christmas Trivia Extravaganza
Test everyone’s holiday knowledge with a virtual Christmas trivia extravaganza. Create a list of festive questions covering everything from classic Christmas movies to historical tidbits. You can even divide into teams and compete for the title of Christmas Trivia Masters. Just be prepared for some friendly banter and maybe a heated debate over whether Die Hard is officially a Christmas movie.
13. Virtual Polar Express Pajama Party
Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve with a virtual Polar Express pajama party. Encourage everyone to don their coziest PJs, grab a mug of hot chocolate, and settle in for a heartwarming reading of “The Polar Express.” If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even coordinate a synchronized hot chocolate-making session. Don’t forget to listen for the sound of the virtual train whistle as you embark on a festive journey together.
14. Share Your Holiday Traditions
Take turns sharing your favorite holiday traditions and memories. Whether it’s a special recipe, a cherished ornament, or a quirky family ritual, these shared stories can help bridge the physical distance and create a sense of closeness. It’s a touching way to connect with each other’s holiday experiences and build new traditions even when miles apart.
15. A Virtual Toast to Christmas Cheer
No Christmas celebration is complete without a toast to good health, happiness, and the joy of being together, even if it’s through a screen. Raise your glasses for a virtual toast, and let the warmth of shared laughter and love fill your homes. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to acknowledge the spirit of Christmas and express gratitude for the precious moments you can still share, even from afar.
