The current situation makes it impossible to spend time with friends or engage in activities together. The distance is hard for those who are used to seeing each other on a regular basis. Fortunately, technology allows us to set aside time during the week to make a short video or easily chat with our friends and loved ones.
Some have created group chats with family, while others have done so with friends on social media. Some have also rediscovered the power of the phone. This tool is actually very useful for checking in daily with older adults who have been confined to their homes for weeks.
It was through these unique moments that my friends and I came up with an idea to make the situation a little more lighthearted and take our minds off the uncertainty. We organize one or two contests a week on a specific theme. We then reveal our entries at 8:30 p.m. as photos in our private group chat. Finally, we create a collage and ask our friends to vote for their favorite photo in a blind vote on the news feed.
These simple contests keep us entertained for the day, and we really enjoy reading the comments from voters after the results are revealed. So far, we’ve held contests on the following themes:
- cupcakes;
- alcoholic beverages;
- cookies;
- 1980s fashion.
The last one, in fact, was a huge success and brought a lot of laughter. We’ve even been getting private messages asking about the themes for upcoming contests. These moments of laughter are precious in the current situation. No matter the circumstances, we need to stay in touch with our friends and loved ones—and above all, create moments of joy. We’ll get through this difficult time. I’m also certain that, despite the difficulties, we’ll hold on to some wonderful—and even funny—memories. We don’t yet know when we’ll be able to see each other again, but until then, let’s find ways to stay connected with everyone who’s part of our lives.
I’d like to thank my friends for allowing me to share this collage of our contests along with my text.