It’s the holiday season and the COVID-19 pandemic is still among us. With public health officials recommending mask wearing and no large gatherings, many people are left with questions on how we can safely get into the spirit. While these things are not the same as having fun holiday parties with friends and family, you can easily be merry by doing these alternatives.
- Winter Magic
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In Swope Park, there is a drive through Christmas lights display known as Winter Magic. Tickets are $20 per car and the experience is completely contactless. Workers outside scan tickets through the glass and after that, you are on your way. There are many themed exhibits throughout the drive, including a Nativity scene, a toy workshop and Kansas City-related decorations. You can even turn on your radio to synchronize with the lights. For a slight cost, you can enjoy beautiful lights and stay safe from the virus.
- Watch Holiday Movies on Teleparty
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One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is watching Christmas movies with my friends and family, “The Grinch” and “Elf,” to be specific. Now that we aren’t able to be with many people at once, a good alternative would be to watch these movies through Teleparty. Teleparty is an extension on Google Chrome that you install that works on Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and HBO. Once you select the movie you want to watch, you click the Teleparty icon on your browser and are able to share a link to your watch party. Through this, you will be able to chat with your friends, watch the movie together in real time and be cautious of COVID.
- Baking or Making Crafts on Zoom
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For the holidays, I love baking cookies and bread and making arts and crafts with my family. In case you or anyone in your family is vulnerable to the virus, you can set up a Zoom meeting with your family to carry on traditions. On Zoom, you will be able to make things together and apart. It’s a fun and creative way to have holiday cheer while being courteous to other people’s health.
While I hoped this year would end up different, it’s not. But instead of cancelling the holiday season, we can create other options to make sure everyone is safe. Whether you decide to take part in these ideas or not, I wish you all happy holidays. Stay safe and wear a mask!