Virtual cookies

November 9, 2020 12:52 PM

Every year I have a cookie exchange party to usher in the winter holidays. I’m at a loss of how to host this party this year, if even at all. What are peoples best COVID holiday party ideas?

Any fun ideas beyond just a Zoom? I know numbers are increasing so I don’t want to do anything too risky. But it’s normally such a good party to catch up with everyone.

posted by inevitability to Food & Drink (5 answers total)

So this is literally us (7 years running of cookie or desert exchanges with a crew of college friends) and we're thinking that the plan this year will be to do it outdoors somewhere we can exchange cookies which we will all pre-package for distribution and if the weather is amenable to hang out in a distanced fashion. I think the backup plan would be to exchange in person and then retreat home to socialize together online.

Its not ideal by any stretch - but there is just no responsible way to be having indoor parties or congregating in groups. A cable news guests i was watching this morning put it well when he said we should act as though 1/10 people have it and adjust our plans accordingly (unless you live in North Dacovid in which case that would substantially underestimate your risk).
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 1:04 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]

We're actually doing a virtual cookie exchange at my library this year. People will sign up in advance and submit the recipe they're going to make, along with a photo of their finished cookies (optional). When we meet via Zoom, all particpants will share info about their recipe, snack on the cookies they made, share conversation, and then everyone will receive a copy of every recipe and photo afterwards. It's not ideal, but we're hoping people will participate during these strange times.
posted by bookmammal at 1:55 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]

Ornament exchange?
posted by raccoon409 at 2:20 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]

What about a cookie swap by mail combined with a Zoom party once all the treats have arrived? As icing on the cookie, it would support the postal service. Plenty of treats are sturdy enough to withstand a short trip in a small Priority Mail box.
posted by doift at 4:46 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]

Zoom tree decorating party? You can decorate your tree, play holiday music, show everyone your favorite ornaments or sentimental decorations. I love hearing the stories behind holiday traditions, ornaments from childhood, grandma's plate that you always put Santa's cookies on, etc.
posted by jhope71 at 5:09 PM on November 9, 2020