Most people have had a difficult 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic affected many spheres of life.
From becoming unemployed to losing someone very dear to us, this year has challenged us in more ways than one.
However, during such troubling times, we tend to realize that there is nothing we care about more than our friends and family.
Seeing as how socializing in person is a big no-no nowadays, we have to come up with different ways of showing our loved ones how much we care about them.
So, regardless of whether you live half a world away, down the street, or in the same home, keep on reading for some suggestions on how you can bring some happiness to the people closest to you.
Related: 5 best games to play during the lockdown
Give them a call
Giving your loved ones a call is something you can do every day. This is the simplest way of showing them that you care.
Whether you did something interesting that day or not, you can still catch up and make sure you are all doing okay.
A phone call will do just fine, especially if some older members of your family are not good with smartphones.
However, you can also think about video calls. Put some effort into teaching the seniors in your family about the most basic options so that you can see each other as well.
Send them photos and videos
In case you think calling every day is a bit too much, you can still text throughout the day.
Sending photos of yourself, your kids, or pets doing various things around the house can bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces.
It doesn’t matter if you’re baking, doing crafts, or simply filming your dog run around the backyard, the people who can’t be there to witness it in person will certainly appreciate this gesture.
Also, consider sending them memes as that can always cheer people up as well as handwritten letters and attached photos that you printed out.
Play games on video calls
Perhaps you and your friends used to have a tradition of playing games together once a week.
Well, the game night does not have to disappear completely due to the pandemic – it just needs some adjustments and collaboration.
For example, if you love charades, this is easily done over a video call. Then, if you prefer one-on-one games like chess, you can still pull out your sets and play.
You will just have to move both sides of the board. What is more, there are plenty of board games that you can play together online, from trivia to Monopoly and Clue.
Seeing as how there are so many platforms to choose from, you can easily find one that will suit you and your friend group.
Have a movie night
Maybe you and your close ones prefer movies to games. In that case, you can also have a movie night.
For instance, you can install the Chrome extension Teleparty that allows you to watch Netflix, HBO, and Disney Plus in sync with your friends that can’t be with you.
Furthermore, you should not neglect the people you live with either. It doesn’t matter if it’s your family or roommates, watching a movie together is a great way to spend quality time together.
Surprise them with flowers
Just because you cannot go to the local flower shop, it doesn’t mean that you can’t surprise a special person in your life with a nice bouquet.
Whether it’s a birthday present or a gesture to show them how much you care about them on any given day, you can easily find shops that offer same-day flower delivery.
It doesn’t matter if the person is in the same city or another country, this little token of your love will not go unnoticed. Moreover, if they live with you, they will be particularly surprised.
Make them food
If you’re an expert cook or baker, you are probably showering your household members with tasty treats.
If you’re not, consider doing it or at least surprise your partner with breakfast in bed every so often.
Furthermore, think about sharing your delicious food with friends who live in the same city. You can send them photos of you preparing it and then surprise them by dropping some off at their home.
On the other hand, if you’re not good at making meals, you can order your loved ones’ favorite food online and have it delivered to their doorstep.
That way, not only will you make your friend happy but you will also be supporting local food businesses who are surely struggling during the pandemic.
Organize socially distanced celebrations
You were probably forced to cancel or postpone many parties this year.
However, if someone in your family or friend group has a big day coming up, you can still find a way to celebrate it.
Of course, you will have to take certain precautions but that doesn’t mean that you will not have fun.
For example, the person celebrating can stay indoors or in front of their home while you and other attendees have a drive-by parade.
That way, you can all see each other albeit from a distance. Then, you can also drop off gifts on their lawn and step away as they pick up and open them.
You will not be able to hug but you will be able to see the look on their face and how happy you made them.
Take care of their chores
Finally, a great way to show someone you care about them is to offer to run some errands for them. Especially if it’s an older member of your family, they might not be able to mow the lawn, go grocery shopping, or walk their dog.
By taking on some of their chores, you will not only make their life easier but also express your love and gratitude for everything they’ve done for you.
As you can see, there are many ways to show how much your loved ones mean to you.
Just because there is a pandemic in the world and social distancing is recommended, it doesn’t mean that we should neglect the bonds we have with the people closest to us.