November 24, 2020
For many, the holidays can bring about a mix of emotions – joy, celebration, wonder, and community, as well as grief, sadness, loneliness, and loss. This year the holiday means something unique for all of us. 2020 has been a trying time for our entire country and across our globe. Some of us have felt it more than others, but whether big or small, all of us have felt it and can share in the empathy that is common experience.
As clinicians, Metrocare’s team has seen first-hand the impact this pandemic has had on the mental well-being of our friends, our neighbors, and our community. Human connection is the thread that unites us, it is a basic commonality that makes life rich, adds texture and color and life to our human experience. The loss of that connection inevitably takes a toll; it taps into the core of who we are as humans. Thankfully, this Thanksgiving we at Metrocare can choose to recognize the pain and struggle while also holding onto the light, the silver linings, and encourage ways to spread a little more cheer and connection this Thanksgiving.
Spending Thanksgiving physically distant from family and friends this year? Maybe it is physically distant but who says it has to be socially?
Here are a few fun ideas of ways to spruce up your virtual family gathering
Let’s Roam has trivia, pictionary, geography and emoji games. Check out the 7-day free trial option. https://www.letsroam.com/roam_from_home/virtual_game_night.
Virtual Scavenger Hunts ideas are all over the internet. Here is one that has free printable lists. https://www.playpartyplan.com/virtual-scavenger-hunt/
Anyone up for a bit of friendly family competition? Play Virtual Family Feud: https://www.distractify.com/p/how-to-play-family-feud-on-zoom
Need a good laugh? Houseparty is for you! It’s a free app everyone can download and play games “face to face,” like the infamous Heads Up from Ellen DeGeneres.https://houseparty.com
Kahoots – where you can make your own questions. https://kahoot.com/
Need more ideas? Check this out: https://snacknation.com/blog/virtual-game-night/
Let’s bring about laughter in someone else’s life this Thanksgiving and be reminded of the simpler pleasures. No reflection, no ounce of gratitude is too small to let light poke through and lift the spirit of another.
Join us at Metrocare this week for our Gratitude Challenge! Every day this coming week, choose 1 thing – big or small – that you are grateful for. Reflect on it, honor it, and take the time to share it with one other person on your team or in your life.
Spread gratitude alongside us this year. It’s contagious!
Wishing each of you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!
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