Image credit: Юрий Красильников / Adobe Stock
After everything 2020 threw our way, it seems like we're all ready to ring in a new year. While you might not be able to count down the seconds the way you’re used to, there are still fun (and safe!) ways to celebrate the holiday with your family.
Here is a step-by-step plan to a COVID-friendly virtual New Year's Eve party.
1. Choose a start and end time.
Do you want to spend the first minutes of 2021 together? Or do you want time with the whole family, including those who can’t stay up to see the clock hit 12:00? Do you want to share virtual space doing something like karaoke? Or do you want to meet up to show off a completed craft?
Decide on what you want your night to look like, and pick a time frame that works best for your family.
2. Choose a web platform you’re all comfortable with.
This year, many of us have gotten very familiar with tools like FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. Each comes with its pros and cons (including length of meeting time). Find out what family members have already used and feel comfortable with, and make sure you know how to use it, too!
3. Gather fun supplies to drop off at local guests’ homes.
Just because you won’t be together physically, that doesn’t mean you can’t take part in some of the same activities! To help your family feel the same connection they felt in past celebrations, plan a collection of fun party supplies to get and give to each guest. Think about a themed photo challenge, special decorations, or props for a game.
If you’re looking for something for your guests to snack on, The Cookie Cups Holiday Party Pack is sure to inspire a festive NYE with flavors like Gingerbread, Candy Cane Brownie, Creme Brûlée, Hot Chocolate, and Raspberry Dark Cherry. You can order online for pick up in one of our bakeries and then drop off at your guests’ homes right before the party!
4. Have an optional dress code or theme.
With a trend of “comfy” attire in 2020, an opportunity to dress up can be a welcome change. Encourage your guests to don the fancy outfits they haven’t gotten to wear out yet — or something that makes them feel good about entering the new year.
If you and your family or friends are into costume parties, you may want a theme. Is there a particular color that is meaningful or symbolic to your group? Is there a TV show or movie you all enjoy?
A fun theme specific to 2020 can be “high-tech,” since we’ve been exploring our digital reach. Suggest costumes that are metallic, pixelated, or inspired by our new techie world.
5. Invite and confirm.
Once you have all your details figured out, send out invitations to your guests that include a general description of your virtual fun. Using something that collects data for you (like a Google Form) can be a handy way to have quick, easy access to guests’ information. It’s also a good tool for updating your contacts for future chats!
6. Take lots of virtual photos.
Get familiar with your screenshot options. You’ll want to remember this time together and the types of things your family shared that made the final moments of this year special. Photos can be candid and posed, and don’t forget about babies and pets!
7. Count down together!
If you have access to virtual streaming, you can stream the live ball drop to your guests. If you don’t, you can focus your camera on a TV screen. But watching the ball drop is just one way to mark a new year.
You might want to start a new tradition with your family. Try counting down best memories, funniest moments, or hosting your own symbolic ritual of change. Whatever you do, make sure everyone can be involved.
This New Year’s Eve will look different than past ones, but it’s still full of love. Remember why you’re all important to each other, and be grateful for the safe time you are sharing this year.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year from all of us here at The Cookie Cups!