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How To host a virtual Christmas Party
It’s no secret this year has been tough especially during the holidays and birthdays. Everyone has had to get creative with coming together without actually coming together. It’s hard not being able to see family in person or embrace them if you do see them, within safe distance of course.
Just because we have to adjust with the way we do things this year doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of it and have a party! That’s right I said party, a virtual Christmas party of course. It’s easier than ever to get your family together and enjoy some virtual family time. So grab some emails and host the perfect first annual Christmas Party for your family!
How Do I start a virtual Christmas Party?
First things first, just like with any party you need to start with picking a date, time and location. Okay, so location might be easy, but figure out the best time and day everyone can get together. If that means on Christmas Day perfect but if you prefer to have the party a few days ahead great.
Once you get it all situated send out the invitation virtually inviting your friends and family to the party of the year. You also want to make sure you set a meeting place. You can choose anything from Zoom, Facetime, or Google Meets. I personally prefer Zoom, mainly because that’s all I’ve used and it’s worked great. But work with what you know. Then send a ‘meeting’ link to your friends and family via email so they know where to log into.
What’s Next?
Now that the date and time are set and the invite is sent, the fun part begins. Is there a theme? Will you cook ahead of time? Figure out what games you want to play, what food you want to eat and if there should be any decorations involved, the answer to that is obviously yes! It’s not a party without decorations.
Make sure you tell your invitees what you have planned and what items they will need so everyone is on the same page. I know that seems like a lot of work but don’t worry I will give you all the info and ideas you need to plan to perfect virtual Christmas party.
Does your virtual Christmas Party have a theme?
First we want to pick a theme! You don’t have to but it always make it that much more fun. Here are a few theme ideas to choose from:
- Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Dress Up Christmas party
- Pajama Party
- Christmas Movie Party
These are the best ideas to host virtually because it requires little prep. Almost everyone has an ugly sweater or can make one, everyone has that one nice outfit they can wear, almost everyone should have Christmas pj’s and everyone should have a way to watch a Christmas movie.
What Games should you play at your virtual Christmas Party?
Now that we have a theme let’s figure out what games we should play! Here are some ideas and games we play every year.
- Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest
Whether you plan to have an Ugly Sweater theme or not this is a must for any Christmas party virtual or not. The rules are pretty simple, have everyone take turns parading around the camera showing off their sweater. Whoever has the ulgiest Christmas sweater wins. The prize can be something simple like a virtual gift card or an IOU for when things are safe to enjoy again. This is a fun game for kids too so let the whole family enjoy!
2. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
What you’ll need: As the host brainstorm a list of themed items that would most likely be in someones house during Christmas time.
Scavenger Hunt Item Ideas: Ornament, Snowman, Christmas Tree, Present, Santa Claus, penguin, snowflake, garland, Christmas lights, Star, Christmas themed book, Christmas movie, Christmas Disney item, Santa Hat, Elves, hot chocolate, Christmas mug, gift wrap, unique Christmas Decoration, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, fruit cake, eggnog, ugly Christmas Sweater, cookies for Santa, Carrots for the reindeer.
How To Play: Write all of the ideas above down in separate pieces of paper. Place them in a bowl or hat to make it easier to select at random. Pick an item and have everyone else look for said item. Whoever comes back with that item wins. If someone takes longer than 1 minute they are out of the game. last person standing wins a prize.
3. Gingerbread Decorating Contest:
What you’ll need: Gingerbread cookie mix, icing, sprinkles and candy to use as decoration.
How To play: Have everyone get all the ingredients from the grocery store or Amazon and have everyone decorate their Gingerbread person anyway they want. Once everyone is done have each person show off their masterpiece and then everyone will vote on the winner. To make it interesting they cannot vote for themselves this way it’s fair game.
3. Secret Santa
This one is pretty simple. As the host you get together the list of everyone participating in the virtual party. Figure out how you want to split it up and separate gifts for kids and adults. Then write down everyone’s name on pieces of paper and pick randomly and match with another. Once you’ve picked, email each person their Secret Santa. As host you unfortunately won’t be a part of it since you’ll know who picked you, but that’s okay! Since we are sticking to virtual you can limit the amounts and ways of delivery. So a gift card could be the best and safest bet that way all they have to do is send it via email. Get creative with it!
What Should We Eat?
Really the possibilities are endless of what to eat during your virtual Christmas party. You can make it easy and have everyone order food for delivery around the same time. Or maybe you have a special family recipe you make each year. Have everyone make it in advance and have it ready to have a virtual sit down Christmas dinner. If you and a few of your family members plan to cook beforehand that could be a separate and fun virtual call to make it feel like you are all cooking together.
If you have the time for it and if pozole is a family favorite, check out my authentic Mexican Pozole here to cook with your family.
As long as we are together
I know it’s hard and we want nothing but to be together and hug our loved ones. It’s no secret this year has been hard on every level possible. But thank goodness we are alive the time we are because technology has made it more than possible to be together even without being together. I hope you embrace this, just for now normal as a way to keep everyone safe and find fun and creative ways to host your own Virtual Christmas Party.
Let Me Know
I’d love to know if this post inspired you to host your own virtual Christmas party. Please tag me on Instagram @whatceesays or let me know in the comments.
