While birthday parties might look a little different right now than they did this time last year, who’s to say you can’t celebrate and have some fun? You’d probably do almost anything to be in a room full of all your friends for your birthday — maybe at a restaurant or bar — and hopefully, you will be doing that on your next big day. However, with current lockdown restrictions, the chances of gathering with all your pals on your birthday are pretty slim. You may not be able to hang out in person, but you can gather online!
Virtual hangouts are how most people see others these days, and while not the same as the real thing, they create palpability. Seeing your friends' faces is much more meaningful than merely talking on the phone. Do you have a birthday coming up and want to host an online celebration? Read on to discover our list of virtual birthday party tips.
First, Take a Break
If you’re like so many others, you might be experiencing the infamous "Zoom fatigue." Trying to engage with colleagues by staring into a screen all day isn't good for your mental or physical health. It's critical to make space in your life that’s away from the computer, and if you can, outside. Take pauses throughout the day to rest your eyes and your mind. Schedule your hangout (whether it’s on Zoom, Skype, or another online platform) for the weekend or later in the evening. Hosting the party on the weekend or long after work hours will allow people to unwind a little before joining the party. Of course, not everyone works from 9 am to 5 pm. Create a Google Poll to distribute to your guests to find the best possible time.
Stock Up on Snacks and Drinks
One good thing about celebrating at home is that you can snack and drink like there’s no tomorrow, all within the comfort of home. If you prepare ahead of time and get everything you’ll need for the party, you’ll be able to relax without needing a thing until it’s time to shut down the computer and hit the sheets. You’ll need to know things like: which LCBO near me has my favourite vintage wine? What kinds of chips are on sale? Stock up on your booze of choice and treats beforehand, and encourage your friends to do the same.
Find a Game to Play
Games connect people because they’re interactive and stimulate conversation. Look for an online trivia game to play with friends. Trivia doesn’t involve too much concentration, and you can all slowly engage with the game as you also catch-up and enjoy each other's company. If you want to get more in-depth with the birthday game, there are several Zoom-appropriate games to choose from that are slightly more engaging than trivia. For example, did you know you can host virtual murder mystery games? Now there’s a fun birthday idea.
By resting your eyes from the screen before you launch the Zoom party, ensuring that all your favourite treats are close-by, and playing a virtual interactive game with friends, you’ll have a birthday to remember for a long time to come.
