We’ve been searching far and wide for the best things to keep us entertained during lockdown.  Our Lockdown Entertainment series currently consists of our Arts Edition, Music Edition and Gardening Edition.

This one’s a little bit different, as it focuses on celebrating all things big and small while in lockdown. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, Mothers' Day or some other milestone, you don’t need to go through it alone.

The NSW government has announced a loosening of restrictions to come into effect tomorrow, 1st May. This allows 2 adults to go to a person’s house to deliver care, essential items and some company during this isolating time. However, it’s still advised that people over 70 stay at home and maintain a low level of contact with people.

Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and milestones are events that we all look forward to. Human connection is a crucial element of general happiness, so it’s important to find creative ways to celebrate these important moments throughout this period.

Thanks to the wonders of the Internet in 2020, there are many ways to bring family and friends together. With Mothers’ Day just around the corner, we’ve put together a few of our favourite ways to celebrate special occasions.

Glossary

• Video Chat: Calling with a full audio and visual experience.

• Smartphone: A phone with the ability to use the internet, watch videos and see images.

• App: A program that you can add to your smartphone to meet a variety of needs.

• Virtual game: A game you can play online thanks to the magic of technology.

• UberEats: A food delivery app allowing you to order from your favourite restaurants.

• Netflix: A service that allows you to watch a range of TV shows and movies online.

Celebrate on Video Chat

If you only read one part of this article, make sure it’s this. Video chats are the closest thing we have to “the real deal” in terms of contact at times like these. Those of us who are able can not only hear our loved ones’ voices, but we can see their facial expressions as well. See the kids, their kids, your siblings, friends and even pets!

There are lots of different online platforms and programs online that we can use. People commonly think of Skype - but this is best used when speaking with someone one on one. You can also make video calls through WhatsApp, if that is easier for you. If you already have someone saved as a contact, and they have a smartphone, you should be able to call!

If you want to speak to a group of people and see them all at once, try Zoom. You will need to set up an account if you want to “host” a meeting, but if you’re just the guest, then you just need to follow a link and/or provide a password, which should be provided to you by the host.

Want even more good news? You can celebrate on a video call while doing many of the other activities below.

Have Your Cake

A birthday without cake? No thank you! Luckily, even in lockdown, you can have your cake and eat it too. The best way to find a local cake delivery service is to type “cake delivery + (your area) into Google or your preferred search engine. For example, you could type “cake delivery Newtown”, if you live in Newtown.

If you use UberEats, you could order cake (if it is available in your area). If you follow this link, you can download it to your phone.

Remember, whenever you order something online, you will often need to enter your credit card details. Never give them to an individual, only a legitimate website.

If you prefer to bake a cake, that’s great! Baking is a really productive way to spend our extra time at home. For new recipes, try Taste.

Bring The Bar To You

Yes, in a world that allows cake to be delivered to our homes, there is alcohol delivery as well! If you’d like a tipple or two to celebrate your big event, you don’t need to leave your house to get it. There are a few alcohol delivery services, but one of the easier ones to use is Jimmy Brings.

Whether you want a bottle of wine on your birthday or a beer to mark a new baby entering the world, they have you covered. You can even select champagne! Head to their website to order - and for links to download their app.

Of course, please drink responsibly. If you feel that you are drinking more as a result of lockdown (or in general), please consider seeking professional help. You can find a list of resources here.

Play Virtual Party Games

Do you love going to the bingo? You’re in luck, you don’t have to give up on the things you love just because we’re in lockdown.

These days, bingo is all the rage, and people of all ages are discovering just how fun it is. That means that it now happens online - and with themes! Join these Sydney Drag Queens for virtual “drag bingo” every Friday night. 

First, you buy a ticket over the Internet. You will find the link for the week on their Facebook page. They will email you a bingo card, and then all you need to do is play along from home. You can even win $100! Tickets cost $10, and they do tend to sell out.

If bingo isn’t really your cup of tea, there are so many other games you can play online in lockdown right now. We love Houseparty, a website and an app for your smartphone. You can make video calls while playing games. These include “Heads Up”, which is a bit like charades, and a game where you have to guess what the other person is drawing.

When using Houseparty please consider your privacy. You should always click on the “lock” icon at the bottom, to ensure nobody else can join your conversation uninvited.

Try Online Karaoke

Do you love singing, even if you’re not very good at it? We bet you love karaoke!

When it comes to virtual karaoke parties, you really have two options. One, you can log on to your favourite video chat app or website, and just do a good old-fashioned singalong with family and friends. This can be especially funny after a few celebratory drinks!

Two, why not use a specially created website? Sing with strangers over at Karaoke Camp. The website uses Zoom to connect you with up to 100 people, all singing the same songs.

Confused? Don’t know the song? Don’t worry, it’s not as though you’ll ever have to see them again!

Host a Remote "Dinner Party"

Many of us love to cook for large family gatherings, but even though they’re off the table right now, the food doesn’t have to be.

Sharing a meal over a video chat might seem a bit strange, but it’s certainly more fun than eating alone. One innovative idea is setting a menu as a family, and then each creating your own versions of the same thing.

For example, you could say that you’ll all be having steak, dauphinoise potatoes and a salad. Then, you could share a recipe, found on a website such as Taste.

It’ll be like you’re all sitting down to a family meal. You can all display your creations to one another, so you might want to work on your presentation!

Watch A Movie Together

Going to the cinema with loved ones is a great way to celebrate an occasion. The cinemas are all closed right now, but these days, it’s never been easier to watch a film.

If you have a Netflix account, you can now watch along at the same time with others. All you have to do is download Netflix Party. This allows you to synchronise a film or show on Netflix, as though you were in the same room. Everyone participating will need a Netflix account.

This is a great one for people who like to stay social while watching the TV. You can talk about what you’ve seen because you’ll all be at exactly the same part. This perhaps isn’t right for people who hate having to divide their attention between conversation and the screen!

Spoil Mum on Mothers' Day

Mums are often the best people in the whole world. It’s a shame that many of us won’t be with our mums (or children) this year.

If you happen to be reading this and want to find a way to spoil mum without seeing her on the big day, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want something bright and beautiful or something practical instead, we have you covered.

We love:

• Indoor plants: Shop on Lvly

• Puzzles & games: Shop at Journey of Something

• Candles & fragrances: Shop at Jo Malone

• Hampers: Shop at A Little Luxury

• Flowers: Flowers for Everyone

Mothers’ Day is on Sunday, May 10 this year.

Contact Us

If you are an older person or a person with disabilities requiring assistance at this difficult time, you can contact us on 1300 941 750. We offer a wide range of services, including private in home nursing. We can even help you with social activities, including gardening or learning about garden-related activities online.

Stay informed with COVID-19 updates by regularly checking our COVID-19 Support page.

Feeling worried? Remember that this, too, shall pass. Right now, COVID-19 is bigger than all of us. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay home.