Why A Virtual Halloween Is The Best Response To The 2020 Nightmare
Every year, we celebrate Halloween. Thanks to the COVID19 pandemic, this year seems to have been one long frightening experience that’s better to forget. But the 2020 nightmare is no reason to abandon such a fun holiday. Even with workmates remote working, Virtual Halloween celebrations can still bring colleagues together.
Traditionally, office Halloween parties are a highlight of the year – after Christmas, of course. A host of activities are organised, from bobbing for apples and festive quizzes to all-out costume competitions. And as with all such activities, they have clear psychological benefits for everyone in the workplace.
With COVID19 travel and work strictions, many workmates are now prevented from being together in the office this year. But this doesn’t mean that the holiday cannot be celebrated.
Why Virtual Halloween Is The Alternative
We are already getting used to working together on-screen, and for many it has become the chief method of communication with family and friends too. So, using technology to celebrate is a ‘new’ way to get together for special occasions.
Using this same technology to host Virtual Halloween parties allows colleagues to keep things going as close to normal as is permissible during this coronavirus pandemic. Here are just 3 ideas for Virtual Halloween parties:
- A Virtual Costume Competition
- Live Stream A Halloween Movie
- A Pumpkin Carving Party
It’s impossible to ignore the chance to host the traditional costume competition online. Invite employees to choose their Halloween outfit, dress up as they wish with make up and effects, and then take pictures of themselves. The winner can be decided upon through voting, either by employees themselves or a selected panel – depending on the numbers involved – and the announcement of the winner made on the designated night (in costume, of course!).
To allow participants a chance to make the best impression, they can submit photos in advance. This can give everyone a chance to view all the entries fairly. You could also encourage employees to involve their kids of family members, just to add more to the event.
Sometimes just hanging out is the best way to boost morale. In the past, you might have done this by showing a Halloween film in work and inviting everyone to down tools, grab some popcorn and watch it together.
Despite COVID19, it’s still possible. Simply stream a movie online, so everyone can watch from the comfort of their own living rooms – where cushions are close to hand to hide behind! All you have to do is set a date, choose a film, and send a calendar invite with the link to watch. Several platforms provide you with a multi-viewer option.
To make a big night of it, you could provide a budget to allow employees order food while they watch the movie, making the experience even more memorable.
How can you carve pumpkins online? Well, it’s not difficult. Just have individual employees carve their pumpkins on-screen in view of their team and work mates, then decorate them as they wish. Some will never have done this kind of thing before, but that’s where the fun comes in.
All you need to do is issue each person with a list of items they’ll need – like a knife, paper to protect the table surface and decorations. Pumpkins can be bought at most supermarkets.
All this might cost a little, so it’s worth setting a budget for everyone. And while you’re at it, why not offer a takeout budget too! Encourage interaction by asking everyone the share their favourite Halloween stories, traditions and memories.
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