The holiday season is looking a little different for many this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing still required to slow the spread of the virus, many gatherings with friends, family members, and coworkers are going from in-person functions to online affairs.
Your virtual video calls can still be fun and festive, though! Here are some tips on how to create a cozy, joyful, and merry ambiance from your home that’s perfectly suited to all of your holiday Zoom calls, video conferencing dates, and virtual rendez-vous.
Set the Mood by Unplugging All Other Devices
You want to be present and able to fully connect with others during your holiday Zoom call, so take the time to create a peaceful environment by putting your phone on silent, turning off the TV, pausing email notifications, and doing any other things you need to do to create quiet surroundings. You may also want to attend to the needs of your pets, children, or any other dependents before your call to ensure that everyone is taken care of and calm. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the call without interruptions. Forget about your to-do list and enjoy!
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Celebratory Garb
You’re not meeting in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Putting on your best holiday outfit (or ugly Christmas sweater), festive jewellery, and makeup that makes you feel amazing will help get you in a party mood – even if the party is happening from your own living room. Silly Santa hat, anyone?
If you’re looking at ways to make your home more hygge, check out our recommendations here.
Set the Scene with Festive Décor, Food and Drink
If you have jolly surroundings in your home, you’re much more likely to be in a joyful, holiday-focused mood during your Zoom or video conferencing call. Set up your computer or phone so that the background behind you shows off your Christmas tree, twinkling lights, holiday wreath or other festive décor. You can also set the mood with holiday food and drinks, like a glass of wine or spiked eggnog and a tasty cheese place or slice of fruit cake.
Opt for a Merry Zoom Background
Festive décor in your home not feeling so festive? Another great option is to select a holiday-themed Zoom background to use on your video conference call. Whether for desktop background or mobile wallpaper, there are countless fun, festive options available for download online – from a reindeer-patterned backdrop to a snowy Christmas tree, festive lights, holiday decorations or even a classic Christmas morning living room setup complete with stockings hanging by the fireplace and gifts under the tree. A quick search on Google will uncover hundreds of appealing options.
Involve Your Entire Family, Including the Kids
Kids sometimes struggle to focus on video calls and to participate in adult conversations, but engaging your entire family – including kids and even pets – is a great way to help them feel involved and included in the family celebrations. Let them show off their favourite holiday gifts or decorations, and encourage them to listen to the stories and pleasantries being shared by their family members and family friends. If there are kids on the other end of the video call, all the better!
We wish everyone a happy holiday season, whether you’re celebrating with your loved ones in person or via video conference. How are you connecting with your friends and family this month? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!