Creating Special Memories through COVID-19
Recently, we’ve had to get pretty creative finding ways to maintain some sense of normalcy and curb some disappointment – especially when birthday parties, celebrations, and playdates are being cancelled. This can throw us and our kids off! But…we’ve found a few ways to keep things really special and FUN that we think you’ll enjoy, too!
- We have a family tradition of having a tea party on St. Patrick's Day. This year we couldn’t all be together in person, so instead we did it over FaceTime! And it was still so fun! We made fun lunches for our kids as well as tea and then called each other at the table! You could easily do this with another family even if it’s not a holiday. Tea Tuesday anyone? ;)
- Recently, we had a family birthday party scheduled that had to be cancelled due to the quarantine. So, we got creative! My family hid a birthday present for our Mimi in her yard and then sent her video messages with things she had to do to get progressive messages. Each video had a rhyme with something she had to do and take a picture of, send back to us, until finally the last video led her somewhere in her yard where she then FaceTimed us and we got to see her open our present and sing "Happy Birthday". Even thought we couldn’t all be together, it was SO fun to make the videos, wait for her pictures, and then have a FaceTime celebration!
So if you have a birthday coming up in your family or friend group, or even just want something fun to do “with” friends right now…what if you did this to make them feel loved, celebrated and special, even while quarantined! We could remind them to, "wash your hands before handling your present and then wash your hands after opening it!" to keep everyone healthy and safe, too.
- Some people in our neighbor just started putting their Christmas lights back up to spread some cheer.
- A friend shared that she has been decorating her front door or window to spread some warmth!
- Fun stations around the house which change each day (she has a small house and said she's "Spreading out the fun")
- Reach out to friends through a call, FaceTime or text chain to check-in, share prayer requests, and ideas!
- My sister and I have started a Pinterest board where we are sharing ideas to do at home with our families (I highly recommend this!) It keeps us connected and gives us great ideas to try.
- BONUS ideas: Lots of non-screen rainy day ideas are on Pinterest, but if mom and dad need to use screens for a little sanity, I love Duck Duck Moose apps and Leapfrog videos for preschool and Superbook (of course). And my friend Nathalia loves Mo Willems Lunch Doodles on YouTube and to view livestreams from the San Diego Zoo! At least they are learning instead of completely zoned out!
Be blessed friends,
Hannah VanMeter
