In a year with so much change and upheaval, we’ve all been looking forward to letting our hair down and enjoying our holiday traditions with loved ones. The second wave has made us pump the brakes on our plans and flip, “more the merrier”, to, “distance makes the heart grow fonder”.
BUT, and this is a big but - if there’s one thing us Saffas have on our side, it’s an uncanny knack of engaging glass-half-full-mode, and a boer maak a plan attitude! Don’t let C19 Grinch Christmas, take that lump of coal and gooi it in the braai!
Christmas is not cancelled - we’re just going to have to do things a bit differently! With online shopping and a multitude of nifty apps, we have the ability to be more connected than ever. They may not be the big bear hug we’re craving, but they are a good second option under the circumstances. We’ve put together some fun and frivolity to help you spark some joy, stay safe and enjoy a very merry remote Christmas!
We have the Technology!
Christmas shopping online: Shop in your pj’s with no crowds AND someone drops it off at your door, just like Santa? Yes please! This year ecommerce has BOOMED in SA, allowing us to avoid crowded malls, and has (in our opinion) revolutionised Christmas shopping forever! Here are some of our favourites:
Takealot: for just about everything!
Superbalist: Fashion, home and beauty
Mr Price: Clothing, home and sports gear
Bottles by Pick n Pay: Groceries and Liquor delivered same-day (app proudly developed by TCO members, SA Soft)
Cigars 4 Africa: Great for special occasions for your favourite tobacco enthusiast (another unashamed punt for one of our members and their growing business!)
Send your gifts in an Uber Sleigh: Send OR receive a package with Uber! If you or a loved one are isolating or can’t drive, use Uber to fetch or drop off your Christmas gifts - your very own on-demand sleigh! Be sure to thoroughly sanitise though to make sure you only send love (no germs please!).
Virtual Family Meeting: My fellow South Africans, we’ve all Zoom’d, hung out in Google Meet, and connected in Facebook Messenger Rooms for business and leisure this year. Why not share a link and bring your family and friends together this Christmas?
Watch Party: Everyone from Churches and Uncle Cyril, to DJ’s and Carollers have been using live streams to bring us together remotely. Find a movie on Netflix, or Christmas concert on YouTube, set up a Whatsapp group for chats and share the link with your loved ones so that you can watch and comment together!
Play Remotely:
PlayStation, Xbox & PC: gamers across platforms have been meeting up with friends online for years and going on adventures and missions together.
Jackbox Games: offer a hilarious range of games from family friendly, to more adult, that you can play together remotely. Our favourite is Drawful!
Traditional: need to grease the wheels of your Zoom get together? Plan a game of Charades,guess the tune, or sing along to some carols together!
Lighten the load with Vouchers: This year has been tough, with many people having to cut down on luxuries, entertainment and general expenses. Gift them with a pamper, or gift them with reduced expenses!
Uber: for rides, Uber Eats meals, and package transport.
Restaurant vouchers: for family meal out supporting local business
Netflix and Showmax: hours of movies and series for all ages!
Yuppie Chef: for the people who discovered their cooking passion during lockdown
Pick n Pay, Spar or Woolworths: for groceries and liquor
Spa Spoil: Our favourites are Bridget Filmer and Sandwana Spa, both offering online gift vouchers.
Take a break from the screens
All this technology is revolutionary, but with all this increased screen time (plus a lot more time with everyone at home), it’s great to step away from your devices and make some memories with the family. Get some sunshine, run in the sprinkler or go for a swim. Get crafty and make some Christmas cards or tree ornaments, learn a new hobby, or bake together.
Yes, this Christmas will definitely be different and for some it may feel like a sour cherry on top of a tough year, but being eternal optimists, we can't help thinking that this year may just be a gift wrapped in sandpaper. It’s made us all take a good look at our lives, adjust our priorities and visions of the future. We may just create some wonderful new traditions this year, and hey - 50% capacity means 50% dishes to do this holiday right?
Enjoy relaxing at home and have fun with the family instead of rushing around malls and dashing to dozens of social engagements this year. Wear your mask, fire up your braai and most importantly make sure your glass is always half full! From the whole Corner Office team, we wish you a wonderful and safe festive season! We’ll see you in the new year!
From all of us at The Corner Office, we wish you a safe and wonderfully festive holiday!