Thanksgiving is a time when families gather together to share food, gratitude, and quality time. However, as we all experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering in person isn’t always possible. Four years later, we’ve realized that virtual gatherings can still be meaningful and special, allowing families to stay connected even when miles apart. Whether it’s a few family members who can’t make it or a larger portion of the family, incorporating virtual tools into your in-person gathering can help bridge the distance and make everyone feel included.
Let’s explore the best ways to stay connected with family virtually this Thanksgiving. From popular video conferencing platforms to fun activities that can bring everyone together, these tips will help ensure your virtual Thanksgiving is filled with joy and connection.
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Virtual gathering tools for a memorable Thanksgiving
When planning a virtual Thanksgiving, the first step is choosing the right video conferencing platform to bring your family together. Here are some of the most popular platforms, along with tips on how to choose the best one for your family.
Popular video conferencing platforms
- Zoom: One of the most popular platforms for virtual gatherings. It’s user-friendly and offers free meetings up to 40 minutes. For extended time, you can easily set up a new meeting or explore their paid options.
- Google Meet: Another great choice for families. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require downloading an app, making it simple for family members who aren’t tech-savvy. Google Meet is free and offers group calls up to an hour.
- Skype: A long-time favorite for video calls. Skype allows up to 50 participants in a group call, making it ideal for larger family gatherings. Plus, it’s free!
- FaceTime: For families who all have Apple devices, FaceTime is an excellent option. It’s seamless and can connect up to 32 people in a group video call.
- Facebook Messenger: Facebook Messenger is a great option for video calls and is widely used by families. It supports up to 50 people in a video call and is accessible via desktop or mobile, which makes it a popular choice.
Choosing the best platform for your family
When choosing a platform, consider these factors:
- Ease of use: If some family members aren’t tech-savvy, choose a platform that doesn’t require much setup. Google Meet and FaceTime are great for this.
- Number of participants: Zoom, Facebook Messenger, and Skype support large group calls, so choose one of these if you have a big family.
- Device compatibility: Help ensure that the platform you choose works for everyone’s devices, especially if you have a mix of iPhones, Androids, and computers.
How to plan a virtual Thanksgiving gathering
Planning ahead is key to making your virtual Thanksgiving gathering a success. Here’s how to set up a virtual event that everyone can enjoy.
Setting a schedule
With family members in different time zones or following different schedules, it’s important to plan your virtual event at a time that works for everyone. Here are some tips:
- Coordinate time zones: Use an online tool like World Time Buddy to find a time that works for all participants.
- Plan for different activities: If a virtual dinner isn’t possible due to time differences, consider breaking the gathering into different sections—such as a virtual cooking session, followed by a post-dinner chat.
Planning activities ahead of time
Having planned activities can help your virtual Thanksgiving gathering feel more engaging. Here are a few ideas:
- Share family recipes: Have everyone prepare the same dish, such as a family recipe, and share the experience of cooking and eating together.
- Virtual games: Plan fun online games like Thanksgiving trivia or family bingo to keep the gathering lively.
- Thanksgiving toast: Plan a moment where everyone can raise a glass (or their favorite non-alcoholic drink) and give thanks together.
Tech preparation
Nothing kills the holiday spirit like technical difficulties, so make sure everyone is prepared in advance:
- Test the platform: Have a trial run before Thanksgiving to make sure everyone knows how to use the video conferencing tool.
- Check internet speeds: Help ensure that family members have a stable internet connection. If you’re hosting and need reliable speeds for a seamless experience, Quantum Fiber offers internet plans of up to 200 Mbps (megabits per second), up to 500 Mbps, up to 940 Mbps and even multi-gig speeds in select areas.
Fun ways to celebrate virtually
Even though you may be apart, there are plenty of fun ways to make your virtual Thanksgiving gathering feel just as festive and warm as an in-person one.
Virtual dinner table
Create the feeling of sitting at the same table by setting up your devices in a way that replicates an in-person gathering. Here’s how:
- Set up your camera: Position your camera so that family members can see each other’s faces and table settings, as if you’re all at the same table.
- Eat together: Set a time for everyone to sit down and enjoy their meal together, even if you’re miles apart.
Sharing family recipes
Nothing brings families together like sharing a meal. Try cooking the same dish, such as a favorite family recipe, in your own homes. Then, during the virtual call, you can:
- Show off your dishes: Have each family member share their version of the dish and any funny stories from the cooking process.
- Cook together: If you want to make it extra special, consider cooking the dish together over video chat, with everyone preparing the meal at the same time.
Quizzes and games
Keep the gathering lively with some interactive games:
- Kahoot: Set up a Thanksgiving trivia game on Kahoot, where you can create custom quizzes. Family members can join via their smartphones or computers and compete for the highest score.
- Online bingo: Create a Thanksgiving-themed bingo game with prompts like “someone mentions pie” or “someone forgets to unmute.”
- Holiday charades: Play a virtual game of charades by using an online generator for holiday-related prompts.
Photo sharing
Create a shared online photo album where family members can upload pictures of their Thanksgiving meals, decorations, and family moments throughout the day. Use platforms like Google Photos or Dropbox to easily share pictures and create a virtual scrapbook of the holiday.
Tips for making virtual gatherings feel more personal
While virtual gatherings are different from in-person ones, there are ways to add personal touches that make everyone feel connected.
Personalized invites
Instead of sending a quick text with the meeting link, make the event feel more special by sending digital invitations. You can use free tools like Canva to design custom invites that include the video conferencing link and a festive Thanksgiving theme.
Decorating together
Encourage family members to decorate their homes for Thanksgiving and show off their decorations during the video call. You can even host a virtual “decorating party” where everyone hangs up decorations and shares creative tips.
Send a care package
If possible, consider sending a small care package to family members who won’t be able to join in person. It could include homemade treats, a holiday card, or a small gift. Receiving a package will add a tangible connection to the virtual gathering, making the distance feel a little smaller.
Overcoming challenges: Tech tips for a smooth virtual event
Technology can sometimes be unpredictable, but with a little preparation, you can avoid the most common tech hiccups.
Handling tech glitches
No matter how well you prepare, tech issues can still pop up. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Frozen screens or lagging video: This is usually a sign of a weak internet connection. Try reducing the video quality or switching to an audio-only call.
- Audio issues: If someone’s audio isn’t working, remind them to check their microphone settings. Encourage everyone to mute their mics when not speaking to avoid background noise.
- Platform crashes: If your chosen platform experiences issues, have a backup ready. For example, if Zoom crashes, quickly send a link for a Google Meet or Facebook Messenger call.
Choosing the right internet speed
A reliable internet connection is key for a smooth virtual Thanksgiving gathering. If you’re hosting, make sure your internet can handle multiple devices and video calls without lag or buffering. Quantum Fiber offers a range of internet speeds, from up to 200 Mbps, up to 500 Mbps, up to 940 Mbps, and even multi-gig speeds of up to 2 Gig, up to 3 Gig, and up to 8 Gig in select locations, making it an excellent option for helping ensure your virtual event goes off without a hitch.
Using breakout rooms for larger gatherings
For larger family gatherings, platforms like Zoom offer breakout rooms, which allow participants to split off into smaller groups for more intimate conversations. This feature can help everyone feel more connected and create opportunities for deeper conversations, especially in families with many participants.
Making Thanksgiving special, no matter the distance
While nothing beats the joy of gathering in person, virtual Thanksgiving gatherings have shown us that distance doesn’t have to keep families apart. With the right tools and planning, you can create a meaningful and memorable Thanksgiving, no matter where your family members are.
If you’re looking to help ensure a smooth, virtually uninterrupted gathering, see if you qualify for Quantum Fiber Internet. With speeds of up to 200 Mbps, up to 500 Mbps, up to 940 Mbps, and even multi-gig speeds of up to 2 Gig, up to 3 Gig, and up to 8 Gig in select locations, Quantum Fiber can help you stay connected with your loved ones this Thanksgiving. Plus, WiFi 360®, from Quantum Fiber, extends coverage throughout your home, helping ensure a strong, reliable WiFi connection in every corner—ideal for powering all your devices during your virtual holiday celebration.
This Thanksgiving, let technology bring your family together in new ways, making the holiday just as special, no matter the distance.
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