Connecting Without Leaving Home: A Throwback to COVID

Living through a pandemic was a whirlwind of challenges, but it also presented our family with opportunities to connect and engage in new ways.

Spending so much time at home, feeling disconnected from the outside world, and missing out on what used to be considered normal life was tough. Yet, we discovered innovative ways to stay engaged, find joy, and support each other during these trying times. It is a conscious choice to look for the silver lining when things are hard, and we were always trying to find ways to have fun and stay positive. 

As we reflect on our experiences, we want to share the creative ways we found connection and joy, hoping that they might inspire others as well. Even though we are no longer staying home, we can still find fun and creative ways to have a great time when we do want to relax at home. 

Neighborhood Meals: A Taste of Community

One of the standout ideas that brought us together in our community was planned neighborhood meals. It all started when a thoughtful neighbor posted on social media about arranging a restaurant to deliver meals to each house on one particular night. They created a spreadsheet, allowing us to order from a menu and schedule deliveries. This saved the cost of having to pay for individual delivery, and provided the restaurant a guarantee that they would have a set amount of business. The restaurant called each resident to accept payment and coordinated a set delivery time for each family. 

This initiative not only allowed us to enjoy the same delicious food simultaneously but also supported local businesses. We also started making arrangements to have food trucks come to the neighborhood that we could enjoy together. During the pandemic it allowed neighbors to share something, eating outside together and maintaining social distancing. It was heartwarming to know that while we were physically apart, we were sharing a meal and a moment of togetherness. We still enjoy these kinds of activities and have food trucks coming in to the neighborhood regularly.

Virtual Learning: Expanding Horizons

With many organizations transitioning to online platforms, we found ourselves immersed in a wealth of virtual lectures and classes. From the Museum of Math in NYC offering online lectures to NASA providing engaging classes on space, the range of topics we were able to access was astounding. We attended social justice discussions, science lectures from universities, and even virtual tours of destinations. The shift to online learning kept boredom at bay and opened doors to experiences we might not have explored otherwise. 

We also took advantage of cake decorating classes, and the adults earned our WSET Level 1 sommelier certification. We had to suffer through learning all about, and even tasting wines. I had purchased the course to complete the certification as an anniversary gift in late March, while my husband purchased an online cooking class with a Chef from Italy. Obviously we both had the same idea. One of the most creative experiences we booked through Airbnb experiences and involved a Zoom with shoe makers in Spain. I planned this to enjoy with my mother on her birthday. We selected and designed our own espadrilles which were handmade and then shipped to us to be able to wear. These virtual experiences became a source of both education and entertainment, making our time at home productive and fulfilling. During the pandemic many business were pivoting to online activities out of necessity, however many of these types of activities are still available to book.

Streaming Entertainment: Bringing the Show to Us

The pandemic also revolutionized how we experienced entertainment. Performances by Broadway stars, virtual concerts, and streaming services brought the magic of live shows straight to our living rooms. We enjoyed performances by our favorite artists and watched recorded shows and concerts on-demand. Whether it was a live-streamed performance or a movie premiere available for home viewing, the convenience and accessibility of streaming transformed our entertainment routine. 

Planning our viewing schedule became a new form of excitement, and we cherished the ability to enjoy high-quality entertainment from the comfort of our home. We would set up comfortable cushions for relaxing, and make popcorn. Even though we are back to our regular routines, we still try to find time for this now.

Themed Food Boxes: Culinary Adventures at Home

Another delightful discovery was themed food boxes. These kits, like those from the James Beard House Fellows, allowed us to cook gourmet meals from the comfort of our kitchen. Each month, we received a box with ingredients and recipes, and joined a Zoom session where chefs guided us through the preparation. Truffle Shuffle offered similar experiences in shipping a box and providing a zoom lesson, making it a fun group activity. One of the physician groups I am a part of planned a class together to make lemon ricotta gnocchi.

Another favorite cooking activity was the Wednesday Night Supper Club from the Chef and the Dish. For this class I would purchase all ingredients, but we would join a different Chef each month and prepare a whole meal inspired by their home. We learned how to make empanadas, homemade pastas and sauces from scratch, ceviche, all kinds of things. I also learned new culinary skills, such as improving how to make charcuterie boards. I signed up for an online class through Alice’s Table as a Valentine’s Day activity. We received a box with all materials that we needed, and joined a Zoom to talk about the best items to include, and then watched a  demonstration on the best way to assemble the board in fun and visually pleasing ways. I continue to make fun boards as gifts to bring to friends who are hosting us, and for our family to enjoy when we are relaxing at home. 

We also explored themed boxes related to events like the Masters or the Kentucky Derby, allowing us to experience famous dishes from these events while watching the festivities from home. These culinary adventures brought a sense of occasion and enjoyment, even when we couldn't be there in person. We definitely ate well during this time, and are much better cooks for having all of these experiences.

Zoom Holidays and Celebrations: Connecting Beyond Boundaries

One of the most surprising and heartwarming changes was the use of Zoom for holidays and celebrations. The pandemic prompted us to rethink how we connect with our loved ones. We celebrated Thanksgiving, birthdays, and other holidays with both local and distant family members via Zoom. After the first holiday where it was just our immediate family at our house and we zoomed with grandparents, we wondered why we hadn’t taken advantage of this before. The ability to include family from distant places made our celebrations more inclusive and special. While in-person gatherings are ideal, virtual connections became a lifeline, allowing us to maintain relationships and create memories despite the distance. Now we do this more with family who are spread out in other places. We also organized Zoom parties and hangouts with friends and families from various locations, making socializing during the pandemic more flexible and accessible.

Finding Joy in New Norms

The pandemic's forced downtime gave us a chance to explore and embrace new ways of connecting. We took advantage of the extra free time in order to try new ways of bringing fun to our home. We learned that it's possible to feel a part of something even if it's not happening so close to where we live. We are working to hang on to this now that our schedules are full again. Staying on listservs and keeping an eye out for virtual opportunities became part of our routine, helping us continue to engage with the world in meaningful ways.

As we move forward, we plan to hold onto these innovative ways of connecting and engaging. The creativity and resilience we discovered during the pandemic have left a lasting impact. Think about your own experiences and consider whether there are any new habits or activities you might want to keep, or add to your current activities. Whether it's a zoom to connect to family that is spread out, a virtual learning opportunity, or a themed food box for cooking, even virtual connections and creative activities have a way of enriching our lives and reminding us of the joy that can be found in adapting to new circumstances.

What were your favorite ways to connect during the pandemic?

How did you find joy amidst the challenges?

We'd love to hear your stories and suggestions as we all continue to navigate this ever-changing world together.