Being in quarantine for so long (and for a much longer time than some of us had expected), I can personally say that one thing I miss the most is social interaction with friends. I see people talk about missing their friends during quarantine as well (on multiple social media platforms). This pandemic has affected in-person quality time GREATLY and activities we would have enjoyed in the past we can no longer do now or at least not without the proper modifications to fit social distancing guidelines. With the autumn and winter season approaching us, creative and safe activities can be limited due to the change in weather. 

So, how can we maintain quality time with our friends and loved ones all while staying safe during these upcoming seasons? Here are a few activities that can be done with small groups of friends during the autumn and winter seasons. 

A pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkin carving is a traditional fall activity for many people. You and your friends could set up chairs and tables in the backyard that are 6 feet away from each other. After doing that, grab your pumpkins, sit at your tables, and get to carving. While doing these you can catch up on your quarantine lives and play your best playlist, all while staying safe. Another fun traditional fall activity is visiting a pumpkin patch. Luckily this is an activity that we can all still enjoy. Pumpkin patches are known to be large areas. It’ll be easier to social distance which makes it a great activity to enjoy with friends during this time. 

Hosting a virtual Halloween party with friends. This isn’t an in-person activity but it’s still enjoyable, there are plenty of facetime apps with streaming that you can use. Set a time, a date, and if you want you can even dress up while you watch scary movies and chat during the call.  It’s a great way to catch up and connect with your friends and you’ll all be safe while you’re doing it.

“Usually I’d go out of town to snowboard or have a snowball fight,” says sophomore Deysi Urquilla. Even though you could be separated during snowboarding, Urquilla says “there’s a chance that the virus may spread through equipment, chairlifts, or even crashing into each other.” So, how can they make snowboarding safer without making it no longer enjoyable? Well… Urquilla says “Wearing a mask is mandatory, We’d sanitize before and after usage.” During quarantine, Urquilla went through some ups and downs within the first few months and she hoped everything would return to normal. Later on, she adjusted to this new lifestyle and she was able to have safe hangouts with a few friends during the summer.  Urquilla says “It doesn’t matter if it’s in person or virtually, it really does help whenever I’m able to hang out with my friends. They’re the people I trust the most and I’m grateful to have them in this unpredictable time.”  

For the winter season, you can do a Secret Santa. Secret Santa is also what I would consider a traditional winter activity. You can buy or DIY a present for your friend(s) and leave it at their door for pick up. You don’t even have to leave immediately. You can wait six feet from the door and watch them open their presents. 

Another traditional winter activity is snowball fights. Normally in snowball fights, you want to keep a distance anyway to prevent getting hit. Make sure to play in a large space, it’ll make it easier to social distance. For those who don’t like being in the cold, you can host a virtual Christmas hangout or even a virtual baking contest. 

Although we’re not able to do much at this time, there are a few outdoor and indoor activities we can still enjoy with friends and loved ones. It is important to maintain and care for as many relationships, friends or family, that we can during this pandemic.