While the holidays are traditionally a time of family gatherings: celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, Festivus, or many other fun December holidays, this year with the limitations of COVID-19, many of us are looking for ways to connect with those around us, virtually or in our own bubble. Historically, we have shared memories and experiences with those we cannot see in person via cards, letters, photos, and gifts.

And, while sales of licensed holiday goods tied to such films as The Grinch, A Christmas Story, or A Charlie Brown Christmas are likely to perform quite well this year, the new top shining stars of isolation are games, especially online multiplayer games.

Top games recommended for family play include Fortnite, Roblox, Fall Guys, Animal Crossing and Overwatch. So, rather than gathering around the living room or setting up a watch party, you could all log on and play any of these as a family, complete with audio chat.  And, with merchandise programs of their own, you could not only play Animal Crossing with your favorite niece, but send her an Animal Crossing wallet, stickers, and a tee from Box Lunch.

If all of that seems a little beyond the level of commitment you want to give to learning how to play games or maybe you don’t have anyone under the age of 40 in your family, there are digital games for the rest of us including:

• Psych!
• Pictionary
• All Bad Cards – the closest thing you can get to playing Cards Against Humanity digitally, unless you want to play against a computer

Because over the holidays it really is the connection that counts. Just don’t forget to put on your ugly Festivus sweater when you turn on the webcam.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your holiday season, we hope you are healthy, safe, and sane as can be as we wrap 2020.