Talking via video chat is old hat. Sure, it’s super important to me that I see loved ones’ faces as I’m hunkered down inside during this pandemic, but c’mon—video chatting got stale quick. Just talking, while helpful, isn’t the only way I wanted to spend my time connecting with my friends and far-off family. I started thinking about how to make video chatting more fun, and tried these couple activities that do a really good job of keeping me sane. Hopefully, these can inspire you to mix your chats up too.
Have a Painting Party
If you had plans for a paint and sip before all this, don’t put them on hold. Host a paint and sip party virtually. I didn’t realize how much I wanted to just be present with my loved ones until I did this. Hosting our own paint and sip, personal beverages in hand, helped with that. To do this, get a canvas, some paints, and a brush, and you’re set. Better yet, though, you can make your own paints before you put brush to canvas. After shipping in some pigment, consider one of several ways to make your own paints so that you can do this together virtually with your loved ones. That way, you get to enjoy creating your custom paints and your beautiful paintings.
Play a Game Together
Another way to make video chatting more fun is to play a game with those you video chat. This can take a plethora of forms. You can give over your husband to playing his hours-long games of Risk with his friends. Everyone can download a games-centered video chatting app. Or, you all can just make up a game together. While nothing truly gets close to the feeling of gathering around a table for game time, I was surprised by how fun it was to play a party game over video chat.
Cook a Family Staple
This one may be my favorite. I feel closest to my family when we’re all in the kitchen, bumping hips and side-by-side as we create a delicious meal together. That’s something I dearly miss, but all of us cooking the same dish from our respective homes was so much fun. If you want to, you can even teach each other a new dish. This way, you change up what you eat and make a lasting memory with your family (or friends) in the process.
Gather ‘Round for Story Time
I may have lied—telling stories over video chat may actually be my favorite video chatting activity, especially if you have kids. For kids, what’s in front of them matters a lot and, sadly, their aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents aren’t tangibly present right now. Arranging a dedicated story time gives grandparents or other important adults a precious way to be present and active in your kids’ lives.
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