Posted on April 4, 2020 at 6:22 pm by Clay Curtin
With the upcoming religious and family gatherings such as Easter, Passover and Ramadan, it is tradition for many of us to get together with our families and close friends.
The COVID-19 outbreak, and countywide and statewide stay-at-home orders have changed lives and traditions in our community for the time-being. The City of Menlo Park understands that means traditions and family gatherings might change while this pandemic is happening. Almost all cultures celebrate special holidays with some form of rituals or traditions in the form of prayer, gift-giving or games. Almost all of them include group meals.
Here are some ideas to connect with family and friends and keep the celebrations alive:
- Check out virtual services being offered by many religious institutions such as temples, churches and mosques, including via Facebook Live.
- Order specialty foods online, or check with local grocery stores for delivery services.
- Cook traditional foods for family members you share a household with.
- Email favorite recipes and have each household cook a new dish at the same time via FaceTime. Eat together and enjoy a virtual meal.
- Do a virtual Easter egg hunt or afikoman and have the children hunt for the eggs and matzo in different rooms via video conference.
- Research and make new family traditions, try a new game or do an art project with the whole family.
- Donate to organizations that are supporting those in need during this time.
Religious and family traditions bind us together and help us stay connected to loved ones. Focus on the positive during the upcoming holidays, and make the best of what is available and possible.
The April holidays during COVID-19 can still be a memorable time to honor and be thankful for the values of health and family, let’s make these the best yet.
