How do you celebrate when you’re stuck at home?

Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and safe-at-home orders, many people have canceled spring break and vacation trips, large family gatherings and even getting together with friends. You might have birthdays or anniversaries but can’t go out to a favorite restaurant or throw a party to celebrate.

“It’s important to keep celebrating special days for children and adults alike,” says Stella Mahaga, nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry at Aurora Behavior Health Center in Milwaukee. “Spending this time at home can provide opportunities to build stronger family ties – and maybe even create some new traditions.”

So what can we do to make the days special or to make up for plans lost? Along with virtually connecting through FaceTime or Zoom, many people have shared some creative ways to celebrate online. Here are some that could brighten your time at home.

Birthdays

• Gather your friends together online for a workout class. Many yoga studios, and gyms are offering free live-streaming workouts, and some subscription services offer free sharing of yoga and other sessions. Have everyone log on to the same one and afterward connect virtually for a smoothie or healthy meal.
• Have a drive-by party, where people wave, sing, cheer and fly balloons from their cars as they slowly drive past the house of the birthday person, who’s watching from a safe distance.
• Have a walk-by party, where your neighbors have posted signs in their windows, written greetings in chalk on their sidewalks or left treats on their front porch for the birthday person as they take a walk around the neighborhood.

Anniversaries

• Have a wine tasting night. Pick up a few different bottles of wine. Sip a little of each and talk about appearance, aroma, taste and finish. Enjoy along with some artisan cheeses and crackers.
• Have a themed date night. Go Italian and cook a pasta meal together, eat by candlelight and then cuddle up to watch a classic romantic movie like Roman Holiday. The theme possibilities are endless.

Vacations and trips

• Visit a museum or zoo virtually. Places around the globe like the Smithsonian, Louvre and Vatican now offer free virtual tours. See the exhibits from the comfort of your couch while enjoying themed beverages and snacks.
• Pick a country and learn about its culture. Listen to its music and even try learning the area’s traditional dance.

Want a reliable way to stay up to date on the COVID-19 outbreak and tips on how to protect you and your family while safe at home? Check out this resource center.