Ways to celebrate Canada Day when social distancing
While we continue to practise physical distancing to protect ourselves from the coronavirus, many of us are reminiscing of what we were doing this time last year. As Canada Day approaches, afternoons with groups of friends and family outdoors or wading through crowds at public gatherings to see fireworks are no longer options for this year’s celebration. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun this Canada Day. There are several safe ways to celebrate Canada’s birthday at home.
THROW A VIRTUAL PARTY
There are many platforms such as Zoom, Skype, and Facebook that allow us to connect with others online. Hosting a virtual gathering with friends and family that you don’t live with is a great way to be together on Canada Day.
CRAFTS AND RECIPES
With a few simple supplies, the entire family can take part in creating something Canadian-themed. Check out the Egg Farmers of Canada recipes for Canada Pops and a delicious shortcake. Afterwards, you can create streamer wands with red and white coloured ribbon hot glued onto wooden dowels to parade around the house.
MOVIE NIGHT
There is no better way to honour Canada and our diverse culture through movies. Netflix has a category of Canadian flicks that feature Canadian people, places and stories. Ctv.ca also has hundreds of free movies you can stream online.
TOUR A VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
If you were planning to experience the nation’s most beautiful history, art, science, and nature exhibits, virtualmuseum.ca has you covered. You can visit virtual exhibitions for free, from the Montreal Science Centre, National Gallery of Canada, and several museums from all over the country. You can also visit the Google Arts & Culture database. It’s partnered with the Art Gallery of Ontario to showcase some of the photos, oil paintings, and impressionism collection they carry on site.
BACKYARD FESTIVITIES
Moving the Canada Day celebration from inside to outside is a great way to bring the household together. Firing up the barbecue should be accompanied with fun activities too. For those with kids, set up craft stations where they can fingerpaint or create streamers for when the fireworks begin. If you don’t have a backyard, taking a physical distancing safe stroll in a nearby park or by the lake is a great way to be one with nature.
DECORATE YOUR SPACE
Go red and white with all your novelty decorations and give your home a Canada Day theme. The Government of Canada is hosting a photo challenge this year. Post a selfie with the Canadian flag or Canada Day party decor with the hashtag #CanadianFlag to show off your pride.
CREATE A SIDEWALK MURAL
Kids of all ages can get into the spirit of celebrating Canada Day with some sidewalk chalk. It’s a great way to create a mural of all things Canadian and diverse. It’ll also bring festive cheer to the neighbourhood too.