Learn the best ideas to set up an amazing virtual holiday party with your family and friends this winter.

Unfortunately, we have made the tough decision this year to celebrate the holidays at home with just us. Normally, we would go back to Chi for a few Thanksgiving celebrations with friends and family and then have all our Illinois, Ohio, and Cayman Island crew roll through for a week long holiday extravaganza for Christmas.

Since this year has thrown us for a loop, I decided I was unwilling to give up my family and friend holiday time. Even though it may look a little different, I’m ready to power through and create some unorthodox memories this year.

Who’s with me?!

Here are my ideas for some amazing virtual holiday parties I plan to have this year.

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1. Get the tech!

You can totally do a zoom call or a FaceTime if you all have iPhone or iPad, but one of my absolute favorite ways to connect is with the Facebook Portal for your television.

It is legit the easiest and best way to feel like you are hanging out together for real. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law gifted them to us for Christmas last year since we all live in different states and were both about to have babies. Worth it’s weight in serious gold.

I love it mostly because it follows you around, but also when you hook it to your television, it makes the screen big enough to actually enjoy!

I did see the new Amazon Echo Show also moves, so that’s another option, but I would highly recommend the Facebook portal that hooks to your television.

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2. Pick a Date, Time, & INVITE THE PEOPLE

This goes without saying, but the key to having a virtual get together that actually happens is to put it in the books!

Even though our lives are different now, people are still busy doing all kinds of randomness. So, make it something that goes in the calendar. An email, group text, or formal invite all work just fine.

Make be sure to make it clear that you are inviting them to PAAARRRRTTTTAAAYYYY!

3. Pick a Theme

Rather than presenting your virtual party idea with a whimpy, “Let’s all get together some time,” make it have some fun factor.

Here are some theme ideas that would be easy and appropriate for the virtual holiday party setting:

Christmas PJ Party

Who doesn’t love partying in their pajamas these days? In your party invite, let everyone know they to show up in their favorite Christmas-themed pajamas. No need to get all fancy, but comfortable and fun being key.

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Ugly Sweater Party

A tried-and-true favorite of in-person parties, keep the spirit going with an ugly sweater-themed party. Maybe even give prizes, like the guy to your right needs to take a shot or you get to make a rule that everyone has to follow. The world is your oyster!

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Cocktail Christmas

This is probably going to be my first virtual holiday party theme. I found the literal best round up of holiday cocktails.

I am going to send this list to my attendees and have them choose their favorite holiday cocktail to make for our virtual party.

I love this idea so much because it is simple, but different because every drink would be holiday related.

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Cookie Recipe Swap

Another fun way to theme a virtual holiday party is to share cookie recipes and have everyone make someone else’s favorite cookie recipe before the party. Nothing better than some fun with friends and family centered around sweet, delicious treats!

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4. Pick an Activity

Sometimes just sittin’ around catching up is enough, but much like you would do at a normal holiday party, it’s nice to have a plan that centers around an activity. Here are some fun options I came up with.

Holiday Trivia

Of course, who doesn’t love trivia! It goes without saying that I would most likely win this activity, but having a set of holiday fun facts to keep people guessing could pair well with the Cocktail Christmas theme.

Dress Your Pet Contest

Look at this sweet boy! This was our Christmas card from a couple of years ago. I love dressing Lambeau up for the holidays. He has matching pajamas with the family for this coming Christmas, too.

I fun idea for your pet-lovin’ friends and family would be to have a “Best Dressed Pet” contest. I mean, we’d probably win that one, too, so…

Brunch-Mas

You know what I miss most about pre-covid life? Brunch! We haven’t been to a nice, easy-going brunch in for-ev-er. And sharing a meal together is a great activity to spend quality time with friends and family.

Pick a late morning and have everyone prepare to whip up their favorite brunch food or even have it delivered! This is definitely going to be one of our go-to’s this year.

Christmas Lights Home Tour

Another fun activity if you are using your phone or a portable virtual connecting device, take your fam or friends outside to see your Christmas decorations, or inside to scope your tree and favorite cozy corner.

You could also take some pictures ahead of time, all grab a warm cup of apple cider, and watch the holiday home slideshow.

5. Get Setup and Enjoy!

Once you’ve narrowed down the time, theme, and possibly activity, get your goodies lined up pre-party and get ready to enjoy each other’s company.

Make sure you have your house decorated to your liking Christmas DIY projects complete.

The holiday’s this year don’t have to be centered around what once could be, but instead all the new fun ways we can get creative with hanging out.

Get to plannin’ my friend!