How to Celebrate Christmas with Family Virtually Over Zoom

This year has definitely been different in more ways than 1. COVID-19 has changed the way we live and makes it harder for us to stay connected with our families. If you are unable to celebrate Christmas with the ones you love in person, here are some ideas for how to celebrate Christmas virtually over Zoom.

First thing you will need to do is to make sure everyone has Zoom Downloaded and has an account. You can get a free account by going to zoom.us. If you have elderly grandparents joining in, you may want to take some time to help them figure out how to work zoom prior to Christmas.

Have a Themed Christmas

Decide on a theme for your Christmas, and have everyone dress according to the theme. The theme could be anything, but here are some ideas below

• Formal- Everyone dress to impress.
• Pajama Party- Have everyone wear their favorite pajamas, or everyone wear matching pajamas.
• Ugliest Christmas sweater- Have everyone dress in the ugliest Christmas sweater they can find. Has a competition by posting your sweaters on social media and have your friends vote on which sweater is the ugliest.

Have a Christmas Cocktail Hour over Zoom.

Talk with the family to decide on a Christmas Cocktail everyone can make and enjoy at the Zoom. You could even prepare the same appetizers. During your Cocktail Hour, everyone can share what they are thankful for this year. Have a cheers after each person shares what they are thankful for.

Here are some cocktail ideas:

• The Mistletoe Kiss by Smells Like Home
• Cranberry Gin Fizz by Wholefully
• Christmas Margarita by Call Me PMC
• Holiday Moscow Mule by Hot Beauty Health
• Eggnog Mudslide by Lemon Tree Dwelling
• White Russian by Celebrating Sweets

Here are some easy appetizer ideas:

• Hawaiian Roll Sliders by I Heart Nap Time
• Baked Feta with Olives by Midwest Foodie
• Cranberry Brie Bites by Grits and Pinecones
• Crockpot Mini Smoked Sausages by The Spruce Eats
• Spinach Artichoke Dip by Cooking Classy
• Christmas Cookies

Have a Ginger Bread House Decorating or Cookie Decorating Competition

This is a fun way to get crafty with the family and add a little friendly competition. Have everyone purchase a gingerbread kit. Everyone can decorate their houses while you are on Zoom together. Once everyone is done you can take pictures of their houses on Zoom and you can post them on social media, or send them to friends to vote on their favorite. You could even set up a little prize for the winner, like a lottery ticket, or a gift card.

Here are some places you can buy gingerbread house kits, you can even schedule curbside pick up.

• Target
• Publix
• Walmart
• Instacart

Play Virtual Games

Virtual games can be just as fun as in-person games. There are quite a few different virtual games and you can even make your own. What’s better than spending Christmas with the family laughing and playing games? Here are some ideas of games you can play.

1. Christmas Jeopardy– There are tons of Jeopardy games on the internet, some paid for, some free. Here is a free one I found. You can play individually or as a team. The person who opens the game on their computer will have to share their screen on Zoom so everyone can see it. The person who is hosting the game will have to click on the tiles chosen by each player and award points accordingly.
2. Fish Bowl- This game is kind of like charades mixed with Catchphrase. It is fun and easy to play. This is an app you can download on your phone. Everyone who is playing will have to have to download as well. You will also need to be on zoom to be able to see each of the players. You could even make a rule that all words chosen for this game must be Christmas themed.
   • One person will create the game, then tell everyone what the code is. You can find the code by clicking on the airplane in the upper right corner. Everyone else will click on join a game and type in the code.
   • Each person will then type in 5-10 different words, depending on the settings the person who started the game chose. The app will then break you up into teams. You will only guess when someone on your team is going.
   • The game will then start by having the first person describe the word they are given without using that word or phrase. You will try to get your team to answer as many questions as possible in the allowed amount of time. The next player will go until all of the cards have been guessed.
   • The second round will be the same, but you can only act out the word you are trying to get your team to guess. These are the same words used in the first round.
   • The third round will also be the same, except you are only allowed to use one word to describe the word or phrase on the card. You will rely on your team-mates memory to get these right. If they do not guess it correctly after receiving the 1 word, then click the x and move to the next card quickly. The goal is to get your team to get the most correct.
3. JackBox Games- This is a family favorite virtual game. There are many different games you can download and play. These games are not free, you do have to purchase them, but this was my families go to at the start of quarantine. So many good laughs from these games. Our favorite was Quiplash, I will warn you that this game was similar to cards against humanity, but there are other family-friendly games you can play. We bought the JackBox Party Pack two and played almost every weekend for 2 months.
4. Heads up- This is also a phone game you can download an app for. To play the game, you will select a category, then hold the phone up to your forehead. The other players will give you clues of what word is on your head. When you guess it right you will tip the phone slightly forward to get to the next word. The more words you get correct, the more points you will get. Each group of people will need a phone with the app on it. You will need to make sure the phone is visible to the people on Zoom and the people in the same room as you.
5. Virtual Family Feud– You can get a free group virtual game by clicking here. The person who opens the link to the game on their computer will have to share their screen on Zoom and will have to act as the “Host”. The person who is the Host will be in charge of keeping track of whose turn it is and typing in each answer.

Merry Christmas!

However you choose to spend your Christmas, I hope it is filled with family, happiness, and joy! I hope you find these virtual tips helpful. Merry Christmas!