10 Essential Tips for a Memorable Virtual Holiday Gathering in 2020

The holiday season, characterized by carefully hung stockings, exquisitely wrapped gifts, and the warm presence of family and friends, has a new twist this year - virtual celebrations! As challenging as the past year has been, it has also highlighted the value of virtual connections in maintaining a sense of closeness. If your holiday festivities are taking a digital route this year, we've got you covered. Here are some effective ways to boost the festive atmosphere, regardless of the distance.

1. Embrace Technology Initiating a successful virtual party begins with ensuring a smooth tech setup. Even if technology is not your strong suit, fear not!

Dispatch Virtual Invitations One benefit of hosting a virtual gathering is the convenience of digital invitations. Once you settle on a video chat platform, remember to set a date and time, and share a link (if needed) for your event. Your invitees will appreciate the advanced notice and the clarity in instructions. For some creative ideas, explore these complimentary e-card templates and delight your guests with a festive digital invite!

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity Given the trend of virtual parties this season, it's essential to keep your guest list manageable. This allows for deeper, more meaningful interactions and prevents guests from overbooking their schedules.

Make Your Space Festive While a virtual call limits your guests' experience of your holiday decorations, you can choose a location that best showcases your festive spirit. Ensure the background of your call is neat and attractive. For those struggling to find an appropriate spot, numerous video chat platforms offer holiday-themed backgrounds. Take a look at these vibrant Zoom backgrounds or upload your own festive image!

Plan an Agenda Though you don't need a minute-by-minute schedule, having a loose agenda with conversation starters or games can enhance the party experience. Consider introducing Christmas trivia, holiday-themed bingo, or a challenging round of "Name That Christmas Tune!" Refer to our compilation of the Top 25 Christmas Songs of All Time and our Pinterest board for more virtual game inspiration.

Craft a Joyous Menu Holiday seasons are incomplete without delicious treats, and this year is no exception! Encourage your guests to share their signature holiday dishes, and consider sharing the recipe links in the chat. This virtual cookbook could become a beloved new tradition! For additional inspiration, explore these quick and tasty holiday treats.

Compile the Ultimate Playlist Recall the Top Christmas Songs list we mentioned earlier? Curate a playlist from these songs (or your own festive favorites) to play in the background during your call. You can later share this playlist with your attendees for future listening.

Reminisce About Previous Holiday Parties Revive cherished memories by taking a trip down memory lane. Share your favorite past holiday experiences, recalling past parties, and envisioning future gatherings. To really dazzle your guests, compile a Christmas-themed photo slideshow to present during the party.

Maintain a Grateful Attitude The past year has been a rollercoaster, yet we still have much to be grateful for. Before kicking off the festivities, encourage everyone to share something they're thankful for or anticipate in the upcoming year. This sets a positive tone for the party and reminds everyone of the exciting times ahead.

Continue Old Traditions or Forge New Ones Does your grandfather recite "The Night Before Christmas" every Christmas Eve? Do your children don matching pajamas and sip hot cocoa while watching a Christmas film? Maintain these traditions! In a year that feels disconcertingly different, it's vital to keep the holiday spirit alive. Perhaps arrange a group movie screening or allocate time for story reading or song singing, depending on your family's unique holiday customs. Regardless of the games played or songs sung, remember to cherish each holiday season spent with your loved ones.

In the midst of holiday preparations, it's essential to plan ahead! Loan limits have been elevated for 2021, leading to an increase in your purchasing power. To learn more, connect with a Mortgage Advisor from CrossCountry Mortgage using the form below.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.