Pandemic parties…
I have always loved planning events. Everything about it really gets me going…lol. The details, the million DIY projects I come up with (and generally finish at the 11th hour)… they are all so worth it when I see everything come together and see the joy on the faces of the guests, and guest of honor.
As a mom of three, my “events” these days are usually centered around my kids, and over the past year we have put together two and a half pandemic birthday parties. Naturally, I’m feeling like an expert now. Lol. Just kidding… but here are some tips that have helped ensure they were just as fun as they were in the good ole’ days, a.k.a. BC, a.k.a. Before COVID.
1) Know that Zoom fatigue is real - It’s been a year of this… and we are tired. If you aren’t jumping for joy at each and every Zoom invite you receive, know that your guests probably aren’t either. Don’t be offended, empathize. Lol. Think about the best and worst parts of some Zoom’s you have attended and learn from them. Here are a couple tips:
Be conscious of your guest list - The fact that Zoom allows you to invite any and everyone that you can… doesn’t mean you should. Think about the number of guests you are inviting and how that might impact the call.
Think through the logistics - Are you planning on making your Zoom event interactive? If so, how? Will guests be asked to speak? How will you call on them? For the twins’ first birthday we incorporated trivia and a scavenger hunt. We thought this would be a good way to ensure we didn’t spend the entire time talking “at” our guests. The trivia game was set up so players answered on their phones - independent of Zoom. We used Kahoot and loved it. If you are planning on calling on people to speak, think through how you will moderate… If it makes sense, leverage the chat feature.
Get the technology together - This almost goes without saying, but a Zoom with spotty audio, spotty internet or anything else janky can really mess up an event. So, if possible have someone dial in early and test things out with you. Also - decide if you want this recorded or not. The option to record is not included in the free version, so you may need to upgrade your account if you want to leverage this feature.
2) Incentivizing is a thing. My son had a weekend-o-fun for his sixth birthday this month, and on one of the days we had the good ole’ drive by. To be honest I wasn’t all that enthused about it because… I was fearful people would have drive-by fatigue and not show. But, I decided on it anyways and knew we had to find a way to get people a little more enthused about it (and also stretch it out a bit) so we made a contest out of it. We gave prizes to the car with 1) best decor, 2) most enthusiastic, and 3) best soundtrack. And much to my delight - it worked. People showed up and showed out lol. :) Everyone loves a good competition right???
3) Less is more. These are not normal times, yet somehow, someway… we live in a world where - even during a pandemic - the pomp and circumstance is at an all time high. Lol. So here is your reminder, if you need it, that less is more. This year, for my sons last birthday I made the cake myself. There was no decked out dessert table. No favors. No hosting of any sort. No cupcakes and goodies for the class. And let me tell you, I rather enjoyed being able to focus more on my little man. If something isn’t completely necessary - ask yourself how it’s helping you towards your goal (whatever that may be). Remember the reason for the party in the first place and who it’s about. What will they remember? What will matter for them? If this is the year to relax a bit, do it.
4) K.I.S.S. (Keep It Safe Sister) - Safe celebrations during the pandemic have been a priority for us, hence the Zoom party and drive by parade for our kiddies. We have also participated in and hosted other non-birthday events that were done with COVID-safety in mind. We all know kids love to touch, and share, so the less they have to, the better. Think of each child as their own bubble, and what activities they can do in those bubbles without getting all up in someone else’s, Here are some examples:
Paint parties
Outdoor picnics where each child has their own space
Outdoor movies
Field-day type celebrations with activities that have teams of one (tennis, volley ball, scavenger hunts with color coded items to find, races, etc.)
Virtual - anything! Think of fun events you have attended virtually, and make them appropriate for your kiddies. Dance parties, cooking, baking, art, watch parties. The sky is the limit. :)
5) Remember the reason for the party in the first place. A party is a celebration. Who are you celebrating and what will make them the happiest? A call with 50 people they don’t know? Or something more intimate? This goes for all events, but it is so easy to get caught up in all the - extras - and lose sight of the real reason for the party or celebration. In this environment, you have every excuse not to let that be the case. :)