Festive

Festive season virtual movie nights. Image via: Adobe Stock.

Isolating during the festive season? Five ways to stay in touch

Isolating, social distancing or just staying at home during the festive season? Here are five tips to keep in touch with your family.

Festive

Festive season virtual movie nights. Image via: Adobe Stock.

COVID-19 cases are rising, a new variant is among us and there is talk of the fourth wave, so whether you’re isolating or social distancing for safety, here are five tips to stay in touch with friends and family over the festive season.

SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON 

The omicron variant was detected in South Africa on 25 November. COVID-19 cases have been rising since posing a potential health threat. Whether you have picked up COVID-19 or you are socially distancing to be safe, there are still many options to keep in touch with your friends and family… from a distance. 

1. HOUSE PARTY

House Party is an app that became popular during the national hard lockdown in March and April 2020. It is a social networking service that enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps – like having a virtual “house party.” 

You can host both group chats or one on one conversations. 

ALSO READ: Festive spending: Five tips to save money this December

2. VIRTUAL MOVIE NIGHT – FESTIVE EDITION

In keeping with the idea of virtual chatting, you could also host a virtual movie night with your friends and family. Teleparty, formerly known as Netflix party synchronises video playback and allows a chatroom for users to communicate with everyone watching. Since its the festive season, you can invite your extended family to join as well.

3. VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT

Family game night can be moved online as well. Using whiteboard video conferencing cameras will allow you to virtually sit around the table with friends to play board games or any other game you could get creative with. 

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4. SHARE FAMILY MEMORIES VIA VIDEO 

If you’re usually the type to sit with a bunch of photographs during the holiday you could still share your sentimental side with your family. You can take pictures of your photographs and create a video to share with your family. 

5. SHOP ONLINE FOR FESTIVE GIFTS 

If you’re isolating or choosing to social distance, you may not be able to physically give your gifts to your loved ones. Instead you can order online from retailers or choose a gifting service that best suits your needs. 

Remember to order early to get your gift delivered before Christmas because the festive season is usually busy. Take note of the expected delivery date to be safe.

ALSO READ: Christmas online shopping in SA: What you need to know