Virtual Thanksgiving with Your In-Laws
If you didn’t think there was anything worse than spending Thanksgiving with your in-laws, how about spending it virtually, either via an all-day Facetime or Zoom call, or even just having to sit down and stare at them for an hour or two instead of watching the game or spending time with your family that is in the home. The good news is that you don’t have to just sit and stare at the screens, trying to come up with endless conversation. Especially for older generations, it can be hard to connect virtually, but there are a growing number of solutions to help.
One great idea is to check out a virtual event or experience. In light of the coronavirus epidemic, many companies are branching out to offer online events and virtual tours, classes, talks, and other experiences that people can attend alone or with their family and friends, or even with complete strangers. Instead of spending the day having to pass your own potatoes because Aunt Judy is on the other end of the screen in Texas, you can have some fun and spend some time doing something different.
Virtual Experiences are Accessible
One of the biggest benefits of these types of events is that they can be fun for anyone. You don’t have to be an Internet whiz to have a good time. Even people with basic online skills can sign on and follow along or attend an event to enjoy a good time. Plus, there is something out there for just about every interest. Perhaps your family shares a love of educational tours. Maybe you all want to take a virtual holiday-themed cooking class. Whatever it is, it’s definitely out there.
As more families realize that this pandemic is here to stay for a while, they are looking for new and better ways to connect. We have to reach for new connections and new ways to make them so we can maintain our relationships and our sanity in this uncertain time. Have some turkey and pie, and be sure to sit down and check out the game for a minute if that’s what your usual tradition entails. But this year, consider adding something new like a virtual tour or class that everyone can enjoy.
Is it Expensive?
The great thing about the Internet is that there are so many different options for virtual experiences is that you might even spend less this Thanksgiving than you have in years. No one will be paying for travel, hotels, eating out, or other expenses. You might even scale bag on the “big dinner” and save yourself some money and hassle there. So many experiences and virtual events are offered completely free of charge. Others may require a small fee, but that typically goes right back into making the event possible.
You can check with local event websites and social networking solutions to see what’s available for your family’s holiday, or ask around to see what other people are doing. Although the pandemic has made life difficult in so many ways, it has made it easier than ever for people to connect online for any and every occasion. From school to work to family “outings”, the Internet is becoming a world of its own.
Instead of inviting everyone to your house and risking the exposure, or spending endless hours on a family Zoom call listening to Uncle Frank cough in the background of awkward conversation, consider doing something. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that there is no better time than now to stay connected when you can and make new traditions. This is one great way to start.
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