Guest Post by Emma Grace Brown
The 2020 holiday season is gearing up to look like none other. Between travel restrictions, bans on large gatherings, and fears of our parents and grandparents catching the virus, this year will bring about many changes to the way we celebrate. Here, Trilogy Event Design presents five tips that can help you make the most out of what can only be summed up as a weird year.
1. Host a virtual gathering.
Virtual gatherings are a trending topic — and for a good reason. The coronavirus continues to have the biggest impact on the elderly population. And, considering that these are the ones we typically get into closest contact with around the holidays, many people are rethinking their Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Instead of gathering around the table, consider hosting a Zoom meeting. Using your smartphone or another connected device, you can share your holidays with friends and family near and far. If your technology isn’t up to the task, now’s a great time to treat yourself to a good deal on a tablet or laptop.
2. Plan a food exchange.
No matter how far apart you and your family members are, you can still share your favorite treats. Get together with your parents, siblings, cousins, and friends and agree to a food exchange. If you have a pie that everyone loves, for example, start baking. Most items — yes, even Christmas cookies — can be shipped safely. UPS notes that it’s best to use plastic wrap and padding to keep freshly baked goods fresh and intact.
Image via Pexels
3. Create a signature cocktail.
Families that enjoy a drink around the holidays might want to consider designing a special drink as a proverbial nightcap for a very dark year. To come up with your drink, think about flavors that matter to your family. For example, if grandma makes a cranberry-orange chutney, a cran-orange vodka mix might be a fun way to be together apart. Give it a whimsical name, like Apocalypse Punch or 2020 Twister, and then send a care package with all of the ingredients needed to your closest friends and family.
4. Stay outside.
When you absolutely can’t stay away from one another, plan your event outside. Circulating air will make it less likely for unknowingly asymptomatic carriers to transmit the virus. To keep everyone warm, consider using a pop-up tent and blocking wind from one side, building a fire pit, or utilizing radiant heat so it stays cozy even in cold conditions. Gathering in person may not be permitted in your area, so do check local regulations before sending out invites.
5. Travel safely.
Finally, if you do plan to stray away from home this holiday season, do so responsibly. Keep in mind that travel, even by plane, does not have to be a super-spreader event. Most planes already utilize HEPA filters that remove virtually all bacteria and viruses from the air. Unless you’re traveling in your own personal vehicle, wear a mask. No matter how you choose to get from point A to point B, make sure to keep hand sanitizer within arms reach, use it often, and don’t touch your face. Most importantly, if you have the sniffles, stay home.
The above five tips won’t replace a traditional holiday gathering. But, they can help you end your year with a bright and merry memory, which is something we all need right about now. No matter how you choose to celebrate, enjoy your time together (or apart).
Let Trilogy Event Design help you plan your next family or business gathering. Graduation parties, bridal showers, and corporate galas are just a few of the events we can manage. Plus, our wedding design service can help you make your big day just as dreamy as you have always imagined.
