It’s that time of year again, the holidays. Although this year the holidays are looking different due to the pandemic. Packed airports – canceled, large Thanksgiving dinners – canceled, Christmas and New Year’s parties, yep you guessed it – canceled. Due to the overwhelming changes this year has brought some people may have feelings of loneliness and disconnect due to the fact that gatherings for the holidays isn’t possible. I’m here to tell you that should not be the case. Even though we may not be physically able to gather with all of our friends and loved ones we can still stay connected during these times. Below I have listed a few different ways that will allow us to stay connected during this Holiday season.

Zoom

The first way to stay connected is through Zoom. Zoom instantly became popular earlier this year when the pandemic first started and has since then become a widely popular tool for video calls especially as a way for virtual classes. Anyone can create a zoom account for free and host a meeting. The free version allows people to meet for up to 40 minutes and up to 100 people can join in.

 

Microsoft Teams

The next way to stay connected is through Microsoft Teams. Teams is also free to use, and anyone can create an account. If you’ve done any telework during this pandemic chances are you’ve already used Teams for a meeting or two. Usually you are able for to meet up for an hour with 100 people. But for a limited time, Microsoft is allowing a meeting for up to 300 people to meet for up to 24hours. This offer can be really useful during the holidays if you don’t want to worry about a time limit and having to set up multiple meetings.

 

FaceTime

In 2018 Apple came out with the group facetime feature as part of the IOS 12 update. Facetime is available for apple users and group facetime allows you to add up to 32 people. What is unique about facetime is that not only are you are able to access it on your phone and computer but also on your tv. Smart tv’s allow for Apple AirPlay which allows you to use screen mirroring to see your Facetime call on your television screen.

 

Staying Connected

Now I know some people may have feel as if seeing someone through video is not the same as seeing someone in person, which is true. But, just think of how 10 – 15 years ago video was not this advance. If this pandemic was to take pace in 2005 instead of 2020 there truly would be a disconnect. I know this holiday season is not ideal but, it’s important to stay cheerful this holiday season. Instead of complaining about how we can’t see each other, we should be glad that we have the video technology advanced enough to keep us connect in some way.