We all know 2020 has been weird.
I did not see this pandemic coming, no one did. Well, except for Bill Gates, probably hundred’s of scientists and my friend Jane. But that is another story.
I feel like I will remember this year more than others and one of the things I will remember is discovering Zoom. You might roll your eyes and hate Zoom by now but I can tell you, Zoom has saved me this year.
In March when I got back from Mexico (just in time for lockdown after leading four retreats in 2.5 months)Â I ‘pivoted’ my classes to live-stream Zoom classes and have not looked back. There are so many reasons I like these classes, but one of the things is the community of students I have.Â
In order to celebrate the season, I used to have a small gathering in the basement studio I taught in. This year, of course, called for something different. I had a Zoom party! Maybe you want to also so…
Here are 5 things I think made the zoom party I had a success.
#1.The magic light bulb. My friend Sharon lent me her’s thankfully because everywhere is sold out! Â
The atmosphere they create can not be underestimated! Cheesy but true.Â
#2. Have some structure to the party (ugh, I know, but it helps us relax to know what is going to happen). Have a time limit. Zoom fatigue is real and it is more taxing than you think! One hour seemed right to me, we went maybe ten minutes over. Have someone lead the introductions, inviting people to talk one a time.
#3 If you have more than 25 people, you can use break out rooms. The idea is like a real party where people might gather in smaller conversations. There were about 21 of us so one room seemed fine.
#4 Play a game. A scavenger hunt takes advantage of everyone being in their own house and it is active. It can also be hilarious if your list of items is right and if you have sarcastic friends 😉
#5 Finally, I love to dance so I don’t want to be part of any party I can’t dance to. (To paraphrase Emma Goldman)
If you are the host, you can click on share screen and go to advanced settings, and click on the new share only audio option.
I played dance songs (see playlist here) that were pretty cheesy and that everyone kinda knew.
So that was it! My tips for hosting a zoom party. I hope to do it again soon.Â
And happy holidays to you. xo
