How to Host a Virtual Easter or Passover Celebration
There are lots of things that are, shall we say, not ideal about a worldwide quarantine. Chief among them is not being able to physically be with your families on special occasions. And while that may seem trivial compared to some of the other problems our world currently faces, consider the importance of family, friends and community in our everyday lives. It’s okay to be disappointed, and it’s okay to be sad. Yes, staying healthy is the top priority right now… but that doesn’t mean your feelings are invalid.
But the good news is that we live in an age of technology. So while we can’t physically be with our families, we can still be together virtually on Easter and Passover. And we can bring in some personal touches to make us feel close to our loved ones even when we’re far apart.
CREATE A PRIVATE GOOGLE HANGOUT ROOM
I know this may seem daunting if your family isn’t the most technically savvy, but so long as everyone you’re inviting has access to a cell phone or tablet, it’s easy peasy. Google Hangouts, if you’ve never used them, are like chat rooms with video. You can have up to 10 people in the room at a time, and it’s totally free! Here’s how to set it up.
Download the Google Hangouts app on your phone. (For Android | For Apple)
Open the app and click the Add -> New Conversation -> New Group
Name your group. Something like “Smith Passover Seder” or “Williams Family Easter” would be perfect! Hold off on inviting anyone for the moment.
Hooray - your group is formed! Select your newly formed group. Click the three little dots (More) at the top of the screen and select People.
Turn on Joining By Link. Click Share Link and copy the unique URL created for your room.
Yahoo! The hard part is finished - yup, that was the hard part! Now you need to invite folks to your Hangout. There are a few ways to do this. You could invite them through the app, but I don’t recommend this. Why? Because this room is for a specific event at a specific time - if you invite through the app, they’ll just be asked to join at that moment.
Instead, send a calendar invitation or Paperless Post with the event name, date, time (be sure to include time zone if you aren’t all in the same one!) and paste the link of the Hangout Group room. Or, take it up a notch and…
SEND A PHYSICAL INVITATION (FREE TEMPLATE DOWNLOAD)
I know that video conferencing can feel impersonal, especially when it’s supposed to be a family celebration. You can add a personal touch by sending a real life, paper invitation. Is it the same as being there? Um, no. But an invitation is something your loved one can hold in their hand, a physical manifestation of togetherness. Too dramatic? I don’t think so. Plus, think of the JOY you would feel if you opened your mailbox and found something that wasn’t a bill or a PSA about social distancing? Especially if the envelope was as pretty as this.
I know what you’re thinking. First, you’re thinking, “Okay, Kim, this is great and all, but where am I going to get invitations? Not like I can run to the stationer right now.” And you’re totally right. That’s why I’ve created two downloadable 5 x 7 invitations for you to print at home! Use whatever paper you have on hand. Doesn’t need to be on fancy cardstock - trust me, your loved one won’t care.
Now the second thing you’re probably thinking is “Okay, I got the invite, but isn’t it going to be a huge pain to ask everyone to type that SUPER long and nonsensical URL?” I got you there, too!
Go to bitly.com.
Paste your super long URL into the Shorten URL textbook.
It will give you a much shorter link, but still nonsensical. Not to worry! Select Customize Back Half and type in the name of your room with no spaces. For example “SmithPassover” or “WilliamsEaster”.
Et voila! You now have a super short and easy to remember link for your guests.
If you are on the mailing list, your free downloads should be waiting in your inbox! If you aren’t yet on the mailing list, you can join and download your printable Easter or Passover celebration invitation here.
INCLUDE PLACE CARD(S)
This may seem a little silly, but it adds some formality and cohesiveness to your event — include personalized place cards in your invitations! These can sit at each person’s place setting while you’re dining together. So even though you’ll be in different homes in different parts of the world, it will feel a little bit more like you’re together. I’m using my BonBon Paper place cards (seriously, the besttttt - they are slightly embossed and smooth and ink just glides over them like buttah), but you can use whatever you have on hand (though if you do want to get some BonBon Paper place cards, they are selling online).
INCORPORATE YOUR TRADITIONS
There are many ways to incorporate Easter and Passover traditions into your virtual celebrations — you just gotta get creative! Have an Easter egg hunt with the kids every year? Here are some great ideas from Romper. Want to celebrate Passover with a virtual, multigenerational seder? JewishBoston has great tips for creating a meaningful virtual event that appeals to all ages. No matter what your traditions, there are ways to adapt them for this wild, weird time.
For more tips on ways to host virtual Easter and Passover gatherings, check out this great article from Martha Stewart Living — I think you’ll recognize a name in there! :)
Next week I’ll be back with some spring celebration ideas and decorating tips — because if we ever needed a party, it’s now. Until then, stay home, stay healthy and happy scripting!