Have a "Virtual Thanksgiving"

With Thanksgiving nearing and covid-19 cases rising, families have been faced with the difficult decision- to eat delicious foods and socialize with family or skip the annual holiday traditions. With all 50 states having different regulations, travel been shunned, and potential stubborn high-risk family members who will attend- people are considering another option for their holiday get together- virtual meetings!

How Can I Stay Connected With My Family?

Families, especially those with school aged members are getting familiar with online communication apps such as Zoom and Google Meet. Some people are pulling out the old favorites and using Facebook Calling, Skype, and Facetime. Even older family members are able to access a device such as a phone or computer and use internet to join in the fun. But once you get on the call, you now face the problem of finding something to do or talk about to keep everyone entertained. Fortunately, there are lots of options to keep you entertained this Thanksgiving!

1. Murder Mystery Party

Whether it be themed for the holiday or a randomly chosen theme, Murder Mystery Parties will add fun and an exciting new twist to your virtual family meeting. Murder Mysteries can have as many players as you want- with some packages having 16 or more reading parts! If you have an outgoing and quirky family, this would be a wonderful option to distract you from not being able to be together. Dress up as your assigned character for even more fun!

Visit: https://mastersofmystery.com or https://www.mymysteryparty.com/ for murder mystery packages!

2. Kahoot Trivia Party

Kahoot is a free trivia website that is very popular among teachers right now, but holds fun for all ages! Select from hundreds of quizzes with various topics including movies, science, pop culture, and more! Every family member will be able to participate by logging in using the room code for each quiz! I have done this at my church and we were able to have over 30 people playing at once. Super fun for the fact and culture lovers in your family!

Visit Kahoot.com and select the free version to play with family.

3. Among Us

Among Us is the new, online hit game in which one player plays the "imposter", while other players complete tasks. In this game, you as the imposter will try to kill off other players before anyone suspects you as the murderer. This is a fun game to play with younger family members, but I have also played with my grandma and she loves it! This game will require each player to have their own device. The only downfall to this game is that it only allows up to 10 players, so any larger zoom gatherings may have to take turns.

4. Device Free: Break Out the Classics!

There are, in fact some games you can play over zoom without an extra electronic device. These would include games such as apples to apples, pictionary, mad gab, scattergories, heads up, and charades provided that each family unit joining has the right materials to play!

Any way you paint it, Thanksgiving will be looking very different this year for many people. Despite the not-ideal circumstances, you can still find a way to make a fun and entertaining night that the whole family will remember!