After years of study and hard work, it’s frustrating for many college and high school students to discover that graduation ceremonies and celebrations have been cancelled due to the global Coronavirus outbreak.
But, just because you can’t meet up with classmates and friends doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your achievement. It might seem like a challenge, but with a little hard work and preparation, you can plan the perfect graduation celebration that keeps everyone safe.
If you’re graduating this year, then here’s our guide to hosting the perfect celebration from the comfort of your own home.
Invite Everyone to Join in on a Video Call
For friends and family who can’t travel, are vulnerable, or are self-isolating, getting to a social gathering is going to be almost impossible. To ensure that they can still enjoy the experience, invite them to join in on a video call. Get dressed up in your cap and gown, wave your framed diploma around, and catch up on news through the screen.
Wear Something Nice
Your cap and gown are mandatory, but even though you’re not going out to celebrate doesn’t mean that you can’t get dressed up underneath them. Wear your favorite feel-good party clothes, do your hair, and put on makeup and jewelry if you usually wear them for special occasions, so that you can look and feel your best. It might seem like a wasted effort since you’re not actually leaving the house, but you’ll feel better if you look your best and can celebrate your graduation to the fullest.
Play Fun Games
No celebration is complete without party games, so make sure you play some during your virtual graduation party. You can involve all of your friends, family, and fellow graduates by playing an online or video game together remotely or by playing word or board games through your webcams. Whatever you decide, you’ll be able to have fun and create great memories of your graduation, despite all the restrictions in place.
Bring Together Everyone You Can
If you’re self-isolating or live far away from loved ones, then it can be hard to have a communal celebration. However, if you have roommates and you’re all healthy and not at risk, then bring them together for your graduation celebration. Make sure you take necessary precautions, such as putting out hand sanitizer and not sharing cups, so you can all have a great time together celebrating your graduation.
Post Memories with Your Classmates
Being unable to meet up with your classmates for one last laugh is tough, so it’s important that you let them know that you’re thinking of them during this trying time. Post class photos and favorite memories on social media sites and tag friends to let everyone know that you’re thinking of them and are proud of everything they’ve achieved.
Make an Effort to Host a Party, Even if It’s Just for Yourself
Even though you’re not able to have a proper party, you can still have as much fun as possible during your home graduation. Get your favorite snacks together and dig out the speakers, so you can listen to an uplifting playlist. Streamers, a banner, and party hats will complete the look and give you the best celebration possible right now.
Keep Spirits High
Some members of your class might be having a difficult time right now, whether it’s because they’re showing symptoms, have Covid-19, are at risk, or are struggling to arrange their lives around the pandemic. Give them extra love and support by inviting them to a video call with classmates (consider sharing a cake you’ve decorated just for them and having a sing-along!). Collect favorite digital images and create a collage-style photo that you can put it in a custom-designed picture frame, so they have a lasting reminder of how much they’re loved and supported during this challenging time.
Give the Gift of Memories
If you’re looking for the perfect graduation gift for your best friend or family member, let them choose their own diploma frame or photo frame by giving them an eGift Card. Since they can be emailed to the recipient in minutes, it’s a quick and easy way to spread cheer while respecting social distancing etiquette.
Share Your Celebrations on Social Media
Bring everyone together, even when you’re apart, by sharing your celebration with your connections on social media. Whether it’s by posting pictures to Instagram of you having fun, your pet wearing a party hat, or a TikTok video of you dancing like a buffoon, you can share the love with your fellow graduates and everyone you know through social media.
Best of all? You and your classmates can post your favorite grad pics in the Church Hill Classics Grad Photo Contest for a chance to win a free diploma frame. The more creative your submission, the better your chances of winning. Be sure to submit your entry by 5/31/2020.
Don’t Forget Your Teachers
Your college professors, tutors, and teachers have all played a major part in your success, so it’s important that you don’t overlook them. Invite them to FaceTime or phone them on the day of your celebration to let them know how thankful you are that they supported you through college. Give them the gift of a class photo or a signed image to show them that you care and value their contribution to your achievements.
Call Your Elderly Relatives
Many older people don’t have social media. Or, if they do, they probably don’t use it that often. Involve your elderly relatives who are probably most affected by this isolating pandemic by giving them a call. You can spend a short part of your celebration talking to them and bringing them up to speed on all the fun you’re having. You can even include them in party activities through the phone to make them feel like they’re a part of your celebration.
Reschedule for Something to Look Forward to
Make sure you arrange to meet up with your classmates over the summer for a proper celebration that you can all enjoy. Even if you can’t make firm plans right now, make sure you at least set a rough date and make informal arrangements, so that you all have something to look forward to in the future.
