A Guide to Virtual Gathering
It’s no secret that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges to our world. In a way, though, this year has also given us a glimpse into what truly matters: one another. As we gear up for what will surely fall short of a ‘normal’ holiday season, Poppy Seed has collected a few ideas for Virtual Gatherings to help your holidays:
If you celebrate Thanksgiving:
Online resources from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Use your time at home for a bit of education. The Smithsonian’s online resource center offers free content for all ages, including content around the origin of Thanksgiving, traditions of Native American Tribes, and more.
Thanksgiving Bingo from TeamBuilding
TeamBuilding created a Thanksgiving Bingo game, which can be shared virtually and played. SImply share the graphic, log into a video chat with your loved ones, and go around the table asking questions at random. As your loved ones weigh in, fill in the board and share in the laughter together.
Free virtual gathering ideas:
For adults only, this site allows for a private game, or a game with a shareable link, to play a version of ‘Cards Against Humanity.’ Simply hop on a virtual gathering, like Zoom or Google Hangouts, and share the link to play together and see each other’s reactions in real-time. There’s also a family-friendly version to play if that’s more your speed!
With what started as a trend on social media, where friends would make powerpoints of absurd things they were passionate about, PowerPoint Parties are resurging in popularity in the remote environment. To pull this off, task your friends with making a powerpoint presentation around one singular theme, or subject they’re passionate about, share it over Zoom, and get to know one another even better.
Options that cost:
This site offers private, 90-minute game nights guided by hosts. Their games are intended for a minimum of 4 players and maximum of 12 players, for ages 13+, and the cost is about $149 for the whole group. Why we love it: this takes the pressure off of you for planning, facilitating, and hosting your loved ones.
JackBox has been around for decades, creating games to share, but the platform gained more users in light of the pandemic. Using JackBox, families can join a game remotely. Each are rated T for Teen, but you can use a family-friendly mode to play with younger children, or even grandparents. The cost ranges from about $12 - $99.