Time Together Apart: Creating Holiday Connections During CoVid-19
- Ashley Janes
- Dec 23, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 16, 2025
There’s no doubt this will be an unusual holiday. Our social circles have tightened around the few cohorts we can safely see. For many of us, this means postponing gatherings with the family and friends we would normally visit. But we’re following these public health measures to protect each other and our loved ones so we can all be together next year - a commitment symbolic of the true spirit of the season. The good news is the holidays aren’t cancelled. We just have to be creative in our merrymaking. Let’s consider a few ways we can spend time together apart this holiday season.
Share Smiles Over Live Video
Whether playing a game, cooking, or exercising, being able to see family and friends over live video will help you feel connected. There are plenty of live video apps to choose from, but I’m recommending Google Duo, Zoom, or Skype. They’re all rated well, free to sign up for, and compatible with Android, iOS, or desktop. Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy since each has tutorials and support available through their websites. Pair live video with the suggestions below for the next best thing to an in-person hangout.
Forge Alliances During Family Game Night
Online board games are in no way a new addition to the internet, which is fantastic for today’s users because interfaces have improved greatly over the past 20 years. Check out Boardgame Arena or Tabletopia for a more traditional experience offering hundreds of games to choose from. If you want something contemporary, try Jackbox Games for mobile, PC, or console. They’re free to play and have multiplayer options so your whole group can join in. Setup and gameplay is different with each platform, so if you’re concerned about functionality, give yourself time to explore before jumping in.
Hobbies and Chill? Online Edition
Looking for something a little different? Try using the new live video app you just downloaded alongside your favourite music, movie, or fitness app. You can listen together on Vertigo, AmpMe, or Group Session, watch together through Kast, Watch2Gether, or Netflix Party, or get moving together using guided workouts on Active, 24GO, or Barry’s IGTV Channel. It’s a more indirect way to interact online while still spending time together as a group. Plus you can share your hobbies with your loved ones!
Have Yourself a Merry Little Cohort
Of course, some household cohorts may prefer to celebrate on their own and offline, and there are safe, creative ways to do that too! Just be sure to follow the current public health measures when making your plans.
For instance, why not check out some of the fantastic walking and cross-country skiing trails Edmonton has to offer? Or click here for a list of local tobogganing hills! And what better way to wrap up your day than with a local light display? Head downtown for the Holiday Light Up, walk the legislature grounds or drive through Edmonton’s storied Candy Cane Lane to experience the winter wonder for yourself.
Stay Safe and Take Care
It may not be the celebration we remember, but a little creativity can keep us connected even when we’re apart. Try some or all of these suggestions, take care of each other, and be well this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again in the New Year, friends.
*Disclaimer: The information contained within this post is for general educational and information purposes only, no doctor-patient relationship is formed. It is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
I liked how this post talked about finding ways to stay close with family even when we were apart because it made me remember how hard the holidays were for everyone. I even once used English communication exam taking service notes while video chatting with cousins to make the time feel fun when we were all stressed and stuck at home. Reading this made me think that small moments of connection can really lift your mood.
I really liked your post about making meaningful holiday connections even when we were apart because it made me think about how tough and special that time felt for everyone. When I was finishing a big paper in university, I once used PhD research proposal editing help late at night as something I had personally used to fix my final draft before submitting, and I learned from my mistakes. It reminds me that support and patience matter when we face hard tasks.
I really liked the post because it showed how families found ways to stay close and creative during holidays in COVID times, and it made me think about my own times apart from friends and family. When I was studying and really stressed, I used a NEBOSH exam preparation service to break down tough topics into small steps, and that helped me feel calmer. Just like the article shows, small moments help you feel connected. It made me think even hard times can bring meaningful memories.
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