Don’t Overwhelm Yourselves

Starting A Home Tradition

There are few things more grounding than quality time with people you care about. In the midst of self-isolation it’s crucial to cut out time a few days each week to call friends and initiate some scheduled virtual gatherings together. Zoom meetings and group Facetime calls have been put to the test amongst my friends and family and now prove to be tried and true ways for everyone to come together. What at first seems a bit odd, virtual hang-out meetings quickly become reassuring ways to feel comfort and familiarity with friends. Meeting through video chat allows for life updates, jokes, and important check ups on how everyone is getting through their quarantine practices. Recurring weekly traditions help add to a communal lifestyle during online school and strengthen relationships–something that is easily overlooked if an effort to meet up is not made. Give these video chats some theme or purpose and you’re on your way to a great new tradition in light of all the chaos. Written by Siena Dorman

Beginning a tradition at your home can also be very constructive and enlightening. Some great examples of this could be initiating a book or cooking club. “Club” can of course just entail your closest gang of book worms or amatuer chefs, but it does make the new tradition sound a bit more established and will keep everyone accountable.

Picking and deciding on a book each month is a fulfilling and consistent way to share ideas with the people that matter most to you. It’s nice to take comfort in knowing the hilarious chapter you’re reading will also be read by your friends where you all can soon discuss it. Book clubs give you the incentive to finish a book you otherwise would have let collect dust on your nightstand. By the time everyone has finished their books your club can gather and share ideas, interpretations and questions. It often proves to be pretty hilarious too depending on the books selected.

As for a cooking club, this is another constructive way to hone in on the more tangible life skill of home cooking! Not to mention, the reward you get at the end of the night is a great meal that was made with maybe only a few mishaps. You and your gang might be impressed with what you can whip up with a little help from a Youtube video or two. When meeting up in person doesn’t work or your culinary team is practicing social distancing, platforms like Instagram Live and group Facetimes are great for streaming in the kitchen. Capturing documentation of your new cooking skills is also a great way to push towards a little friendly competition.

At a time like this, good company has been given unprecedented value. It feels like an ideal time to reach out and make an effort to establish and honor community with your people–even if it’s bridged through a facetime call.