Spending time together with relatives during the festive season can be difficult as life brings upon new responsibilities. Some might be caught up with work, some far away from home and some have different priorities. This year, it can be more challenging than ever to celebrate the holidays, let alone with your loved ones. There are a lot of practices and protocols to consider when we hang out in a group which may hinder the usual fun and cheer around this time of the year. Though despite that, there are still plenty of ways to spend this special day with your loved ones! Need some help with ideas? Here are some suggestions.
Hold a virtual event
Even before the pandemic, the internet has made it easy for people to stay connected through the computer screen. There are plenty of video chat services available for you to choose from such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and Discord. Chatting with your friends and family through these channels are fun ways to stay in touch but what about organising an event through video call? Plan ahead to set a time and inform your relatives so that everyone can sit down to have dinner together and catch up with each other.
Make a virtual hangout
Many of us have not hit the cinemas since the start of the pandemic. People used to have movie nights with their friends and family on a whim where you sit in front of a large screen with a bag of popcorn. Do not feel dejected as you can still make a watch party happen with a movie party by simply sharing a URL. You can also spice things up a little by playing games together. It is still possible to enjoy charade games or even board games virtually!
Create surprises
Aside from sending your love through video calls, let’s get old school by sending gifts to the people you hold dear. You could go to any e-commerce platforms and it would offer you the option to deliver your package to any address you desire. Alternatively, you can also have their favourite food delivered to them right at their doorstep. Imagine how you could make a person’s day with just one simple gesture.
Safe gatherings
The holiday gatherings might be a custom to some families and getting together is still a must even during these times. The National Security Council (NSC) has previously announced the standard operating procedure for festive celebrations of the past. Let’s take the recent Deepavali celebrations in Malaysia for instance. Hindus were only allowed to perform their offering ceremony at temples between 7 am to 12 pm. So, be sure to take extra care by strictly following the guidelines set if you plan on organising or attending any event, all for the sake of everyone’s health including yours!
It is easy to feel socially isolated and detached with the situation that we are facing right now. Even though we have our social media platforms to communicate with one another for the most part, the connections created are merely superficial.
Perfect reason to reflect this season
Whether you’re a student studying overseas or stuck in quarantine, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the holidays to your heart’s content. Let’s be honest, there’s no need to be embarrassed about spending the holidays solo. Put aside your thoughts, avoid checking social media and focus on yourself with some ‘me time’.
#1 Pamper yourself
It’s a new year and you should be proud that you have come so far. What’s a better way to tell yourself that than treating yourself, right? Take your time doing your self-care routine by preparing a warm bath for yourself and showing your skin some love with a facial mask (that’s right, not a surgical face mask but a mask that will pamper your skin).
#2 Cook your own feast
Have you ever felt a sense of pride from cooking a dish yourself? We’re not talking about the cup noodles you cook when you’re on the go. Try to browse for ideas and recipes on the internet or visit our website to whip up something new. This is because cooking can be therapeutic as it gives a sense of accomplishment and self-contentment.
#3 Do the things you love
Whether it’s binge watching your favourite television series or immersing yourself with your favourite console game, this is the best time to do it. You can also pick up a hobby that you have always wanted to try but just doesn’t have the time to do it. Knowing how to spend quality time inside your comfort zone can help distract yourself from vulnerable feelings.
This festive season could be a whole new experience to every one of us. Nonetheless, it is very important to stay strong and safe at all times no matter how you plan to celebrate the holidays. After all, we are all in this together!
Covid-19 Holiday Safety Kit
- Avoid travelling to visit your family
- Avoid mix households
- Avoid crowded places
Quote: This festive season could be a whole new experience to every one of us. Nonetheless, it is very important to stay strong and safe at all times no matter how you plan to celebrate the holidays.
Source: Emerson Hospital, New Straits Times
