The rules and issues around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and information changes consistently. Please take note of when our content was written and always go to the sources we’ve provided for the most current guidance.

Right now, many of us are missing (physically and emotionally) celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays like Easter and other annual events. If this is you, we’ve brainstormed a few ideas to translate some of these traditions and celebrations into memorable alternatives that respect physical distancing. 

Stay connected: 

Remember that you can still connect with your loved ones, even if you can’t be in the same room!  

Use technology: 

  • There are many online platforms that can facilitate a virtual connection through video call—pick whichever works best for you and your loved ones.  
  • Text, email, or another messaging platform can be an effective and quick way to connect.  
    • You could also send a picture or recorded video message.  

Pick up the phone: 

  • Some people you may wish to connect with could struggle to navigate the online world.  Be inclusive by incorporating more traditional methods of connection, if needed.   

All of these methods of connection can go further than being a way to simply say “Hi!” You can also combine technology and tradition to find new ways to celebrate with your loved ones. Here are a few ideas on how incorporate the two, but you can probably think of some others as well! 

Recreate (and share) traditions: 

If you normally look forward to a family dinner: 

  • Recreate a favourite holiday dish (or the whole meal, if you’re ambitious). 
  • Have a video/phone conferenced family dinner. 
    • You can combine the first two tips so you can enjoy the fruits of your labour together. 
  • Celebrate with the people who live with you. 

Plan ahead for someone special. 

  • If someone you care about has a birthday coming up, instead of celebrating in person right now, how about sending them a card in the mail or a “birthday in a box” package? 

For Easter, perhaps you usually have an egg hunt in the park. This year, consider:  

  • Bringing it to the backyard, or into your home. 
  • To include participants from multiple family units, use a video call: 
    • Grandparents and relatives can spectate, 
    • Kids from different family units can start their search at the same time and compare ‘loot.’   

Find new ways to celebrate: 

Although the specifics of traditions can differ from household to household, celebrations and holidays tend to have some common traits. If altering your normal celebration still leaves you wanting, here are a few ideas for some additional ways to do something special to mark an occasion: 

  • Look into how your favourite charity or food bank are accepting donations or support.  
  • Make sure those in your community who may not have an extensive support system have what they need during this difficult time. 
  • Reach out (virtually) to those who may be lonely in a time of celebration. 
  • If you live with other people, use this holiday to celebrate your time together. 

Have any other tips or tricks for connecting during the holidays while respecting physical distancing? We want to hear them! 

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Look through all of our COVID-19 related information on our website.   

Where do we fit in? 

Yes, we are a provincial regulator. We are responsible for some very specific transactions in BC. We aren’t experts on COVID-19. We won’t – and shouldn’t – ever give medical or legal advice. But we are in a unique circumstance right now and we want to help people navigate the current reality. We don’t have all the answers, but we will do our best to share information from reliable sources, put it in ways that are easy to digest and understand, provide referrals and help you navigate this situation. This is an evolving situation and information is changing all the time, so go to the source for updated information. 

About Consumer Protection BC 

We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.