Happy Holidays During COVID! Week #5: Virtual Caroling to Brighten Quarantine

For lots of us, this time of year means cranking up the holiday tunes, and gathering to sing our favorites at tree lightings, neighborhood strolls and other traditions for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

But during COVID-19, traditional caroling is a high-risk activity. So we’re bringing you tips to plan an updated – and quarantine-approved – version of this holiday classic.

This is the fifth week of Connecticut Children’s holiday series: ideas to make the holidays special for your kids this year – even in quarantine. Here’s last week’s idea.

#5 VIDEO CHAT SINGALONG FOR HANUKKAH, CHRISTMAS AND KWANZAA

What you’ll need for your virtual caroling party:

• A merry band of carolers: Invite all the family and friends your child is missing during these pandemic holidays, and any neighbors you’d traditionally serenade in person.
• Your go-to video chat platform: Zoom, FB Messenger, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Houseparty, WhatsApp, and more – there are lots to choose from, and by now, your family probably has a favorite.
• Song sign-up sheet: Depending on the size of your group, ask each household or individual to choose a favorite holiday song to lead. (If some guests prefer to simply enjoy the show, that’s great too!)
• Karaoke app (optional): For participants who want some backing music, free karaoke-style apps like Smule offer everything from a piano track to accompanying vocals.

> Related: How to Host a Virtual Cookie Decorating Event for the Holidays

Tips to make your virtual caroling event a success:

• Before the event, share the song order and lyrics: Once you have your song sign-up sheet complete, send around a musical program identifying the order of holiday carols, who will be leading each, and all the lyrics.
• During the event, invite everyone to sing along: This is where those song lyrics come in handy!
• But if Internet speeds are a challenge, encourage muting: If small delays in your guests’ Internet speeds are turning caroling into chaos, ask everyone to stay muted unless they’re performing.
• Want a permanent option? Many video chat platforms enable you to record your event. Share afterward with all of your guests for an extra burst of holiday cheer!

> Related: How to Help Kids Handle Holiday Disappointment During COVID-19

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Related links:

• Happy Holidays During COVID! Week #1: A Family Photo Contest
• Happy Holidays During COVID! Week #2: Virtual Cookie Decorating With Kids
• Happy Holidays During COVID! Week #3: Deck the Halls
• Happy Holidays During COVID! Week #4: Sending Cheer