Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

10 Comfort Food Recipes to Try this Winter

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When winter comes, across the country, comfort foods become essential. The colder temperatures encourage warm soups and comfort cooking. From crockpot meals to leave it and forget it soups, we could all use a collective break. Let’s dig in!

Crockpot meals are the best at comfort foods because you can pour the ingredients in and let it cook while life goes on. This chicken and stuffing crockpot meal combines frozen, boxed, and canned ingredients for a tasty creamy crockpot casserole.  If creamy, cheesy goodness is your jam, this crockpot savory cheese soup using broth, fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheddar cheese is perfect for a busy day. Put all the ingredients in and let your crockpot do the work for you for the next 7-8 hours.

Soups are the perfect winter food. This white bean soup utilizes and rehydrates dried ingredients with fresh winter vegetables for a delicious, veggie-full comfort soup that begs to be eaten cuddled under a blanket in front of a fire (or the yule log on your television)! If a creamy clam chowder is more your speed, check out this clam chowder combining chopped clams, potatoes, onion, and celery with spices and topped with bacon that takes about 30 minutes to cook. Make it dairy-free by putting in vegetable broth instead of fat-free milk. Another delicious bean-based soup of Navy Bean Soup is perfect for feeding the family, with leftovers, using canned beans, fresh and sautéed vegetables, and potatoes.

Casseroles are wonderful winter meals. Toss everything in a dish and bake it up, which allows for the mingling of all the flavors. This Tater Tot Casserole is a classic and favorite. This casserole mixes ground beef, sausage, and beef with frozen vegetables, pantry items, cheese, and spices is topped with frozen tater tots and makes enough for two casseroles! The second casserole’s bonus is perfect for hungry days or for freezing one for use at a later date. This burrito casserole is perfect for Taco Tuesday! The casserole layers the ingredients of a taco of ground beef-cream of mushroom soup mix, onion, taco seasoning, bean, cheese with tortillas, and topped with hot sauce for a spicy casserole ready after 20 minutes of baking.

Pasta dishes are wonderful comfort foods. They are quick to prepare. They combine cheese, tomato, and starchy pasta for a quick, filling meal. What is better than pasta? Well, this creamy spaghetti pie! It combines all the pasta goodness of pasta, parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, pasta sauce, and herbs in a pie dish. Bake the dish for 30 minutes to melt the cheese into the herby, tomato-ey goodness, and viola – a dish that is for sure to be a new comfort food favorite.

Comfort desserts are the perfect combination of a warm hug and a fuzzy blanket. This Peach Bread Pudding is the perfect comfort dessert. Combining evaporated milk, butter, peaches, bread, egg, sugar, and spice for a warming and well-seasoned dessert. It is rich in flavor and taste. In winter, frozen peaches can be used in place of fresh peaches. Peanut butter-chocolate pudding parfait is the perfect chocolate comfort dessert, and it is easy too. It combines milk, whipped topping, and peanut butter with instant pudding mix for a quick and easy treat. You can even change the pudding mix with vanilla, chocolate fudge, or butterscotch to change the flavors. Make it like a sundae with toppings like nuts, fresh or canned fruit, and extra whipped topping!

Winter can be a hard month with cold days that make us stay indoors in the warmth. Enjoy these comfort foods this winter, and maybe find a new favorite! Which one will you add to your meal planning this season?

10 Tips for Overcoming Deployment Blues in the Winter During a Pandemic

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As if the dumpster fire of 2020 wasn’t enough, many military families added the element of family separation to it with deployment. Deployment on their own can be stressful time periods – anxiety and stress for the family members left behind and the active duty service member. Surviving deployment in the winter where it is cold outside (not you SoCal or Okinawa – temperatures in the 50s don’t count!) is hard. Throw in a pandemic where each state has different guidelines and regulations, and that adds just a touch more stress. Here are some tips from families who have survived deployment, albeit from the “before times.”

  1. Have a routine. Even if you have older kids where this doesn’t seem to be as necessary, creating a routine can keep everything running as smoothly as possible. It helps adults create a predictable pattern that sets up appropriate expectations. Curate monthly care packages to your deployed family member if you can keep the school schedule organized to help keep things on track. Whatever you have going on, keep the routine going.
  2. Have something to look forward to. Maybe on Monday it is movie night every week (check out your local library for access to digital movies for free movies) or monthly you virtually visit somewhere new. Creating an event creates a smaller, more manageable countdown to something exciting and fun, and makes a fun and easy way to countdown to the return of homecoming.
  3. Meal plan. Whether you use a meal service where boxed groceries come to you, or you do crockpot meals, make mealtime easier. If you have a new address, ask around to your neighbors to see if they have a meal box service as sometimes your first box can be free. Planning out meals can help limit grocery trips out in the cold.
  4. Be Flexible. While this may sound like the anti-thesis of having a routine and planning meals, it is crucial to survival. Planning is a great and useful tool, but things do happen, and being able to go with the flow when the crockpot wasn’t plugged in or one of the kids needs to head to the ER will help.
  5. Don’t forget about that resource YouTube. If you have cabin fever and just want to try something new – there is a bevy of tutorials on YouTube. Want to try a new hairstyle on one of your girls or want to draw Captain America? They are on YouTube!
  6. Do something for you. Whether it is a Zoom call with a friend on a regular schedule or reading a book for yourself – remembering self-care matters no matter what is going on in the world. It can be difficult to carve out time depending on work, school, or children’s schedules, but make sure to take time for yourself.
  7. Avoid the news. While things like the weather are useful during the winter times, avoiding the news is a tried and true piece of advice for all deployments. Avoid the stress-fest that is the news will prevent you from going crazy.
  8. Embrace creativity. Art can be done indoors, no matter the weather outside. Paint, draw, journal, mold with clay or playdough. There
  9. Ignore Debbie Downers. There are 1000 ways to survive a deployment, and some tips will work for you and some won’t. Ignore the tips that won’t work for you, and rock the ones that do.
  10. There is help if you need it. Deployments are stressful, add in the winter and a pandemic, it can be overwhelming. Virtual visits are available with unit Chaplains, Military Family Life Counselors and through Military One Source.

When the weather outside is cold, and deployment mixed with a pandemic makes life frightful, we hope these tips help just a little. What are your favorite tips to surviving deployment that can be used during the pandemic-lifestyle in the winter?

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Official 2021 Air Show Schedule is here!

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Outdoor entertainment is fun and safe entertainment for the entire family. The military air shows have a lot to offer, from the music to the amazing aerial skills on display.

There may be an associated cost to shows that do not occur on military bases, so make sure to contact the event or location for specific information.

Thunderbirds 2021 Air Show Schedule

The Thunderbirds will perform 25 shows this season from February to October, with two more planned but currently postponed with no current updated date information at the time of this posting. Due to COVID-19, only 6 shows were performed in 2020, and the 2019-2020 pilots have remained on the team for 2021.

2021 Schedule:

  • February 14: Flyover at the Daytona 500 in Daytona, Florida
  • April 17-18: Cocoa Beach, Fl
  • April 24-25: Davis- Monthan AFB in Arizona is currently POSTPONED
  • May 1-2: St. Joseph, MO
  • May 8-9: Barksdale AFB, LA
  • May 27: USAF Academy, CO
  • May 30-31: Wantagh, NY
  • June 5-6: Smyrna, TN
  • June 12-13: Fairchild AFB, WA
  • June 19-20: Tinker AFB, OK
  • July 3-4: Traverse City, MI
  • July 10-11: Dayton, OH
  • July 24-25: Milwaukee, WI
  • July 28: Cheyenne, WY
  • July 31- August 1: McMinnville, OR
  • August 14-15: Westfield, MA
  • August 18: Atlantic City, NJ
  • August 28-29: Boise, ID POSTPONED
  • September 4-6: Cleveland, OH
  • September 11-12: Portsmouth, NH
  • September 18-19: Reno, NV
  • September 25-26: Mather, CA
  • October 2-3: San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • October 9-10: Houston, TX
  • October 16-17: Sanford, FL
  • October 23-24: Lancaster, CA
  • October 30-31: Salinas, CA

For more information on the USAF Thunderbirds, show locations, and dates, visit their website at www.afthunderbirds.com. It is recommended to check their website and the show’s location for the most up to date information on scheduling.

Blue Angels 2021 Air Show Schedule

The Blue Angels are entering the 75th anniversary season this year. This is the first show season flying the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The entire 2020 show season was canceled due to COVID-19 except for flyovers, including Operation America Strong. If the 2021 season can be completed as scheduled, the Blue Angels will fly 30 shows from March to November, ending at their home base of Pensacola, Florida. If you are local to one of their planned performances, it will surely be worth the watch.

2021 Schedule:

  • March 13: Open to the public practice at NAF El Centro, CA
  • April 10-11: NAS Jacksonville, FL
  • April 17-18: Lakeland, FL
  • April 24-25: MCAS Beaufort, SC
  • May 1-2: NAS Corpus Christi, TX
  • May 8-9: Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • May 15-16: Melbourne, FL
  • May 26-28: Annapolis, MD
  • May 29-30: Latrobe, PA
  • June 5-6: Lake Charles, LA
  • June 12-13: La Crosee, WI
  • June 19-20: Niagra Falls, NT
  • June 26-27: Duluth, MN
  • July 3-4: New Century, KS
  • July 10: Pensacola Beach, FL
  • July 24-25: Fargo, ND
  • July 31-August 1: Eielseon AFB, AK
  • August 7-8: Seattle, WA
  • August 14-15: Owensboro, KY
  • August 21-22: Chicago, IL
  • August 28-29: London, Ontario, Canada
  • September 4-5: JB Cape Cod, MA
  • September 18-19: NAS Oceana, VA
  • September 25-26: MCAS Miramar, CA
  • October 2-3: Huntington Beach, CA
  • October 9-10: San Francisco, CA
  • October 16-17: Lovelnad, CO
  • October 23-24: Ft. Worth, TX
  • October 30-31: Rome, GA
  • November 5-6: NAS Pensacola, FL

For more information on the USNA Blue Angels, show locations and dates, visit their website at www.blueangels.navy.mil. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up to date information on scheduling.

Pack up those noise-canceling headphones and plan out a picnic lunch and find an airshow near you!

Use Your Military Discount to Shop This Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is just over 30 days away! The décor started popping up in stores before Christmas passed, and some holiday candy were already supplanted by heart-shaped chocolates and boxes before Santa came! It isn’t surprising that shopping has already begun for the holiday of love. After the cost of the holidays, the idea of spending more on a gift for Valentine’s Day can be daunting. For military and veteran families, don’t forget to use your military discount to save money while buying a gift. Think outside the heart-shaped chocolate box with these ideas.

Clothing

Asics offers a 40% discount when you purchase directly from them.

L.L. Bean offers 10% off their gear online and in person.

LuLuLemon offers 25% for all in-store purchases.

Verify your discount with North Face, and you can get a discount on clothing and footwear.

Reebok offers 50% to Military and Government employees for purchases.

Under Armour traditionally offers 10% discount and has recently increased it to 20% – in store only.

Zappos offers 10% for every purchase to military and their family members.

Crafts

If you have a crafty person in your life who paints or bakes cakes, you might be looking at Michael’s to purchase a gift – don’t forget to ask for your 15% military discount!

Electronics

Moving back to the states and need a new phone plan? Or maybe looking at changing your service provider for Valentine’s Day, make sure to use the discounts offered from AT&T,  T-Mobile, and Verizon.

If you are looking at an Apple product or device, Apple offers a 10% discount or check out your local military exchange where you won’t pay sales tax!

If a computer is on your list as a Valentine’s gift, Dell offers a 10% discount by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Experiences

If you are local to Colonial Williamsburg, consider a trip there using up the annual passport discount offered to Active-Duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans.

If you are local to Sea World San Diego or Sea World Orlando, Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans can use the complimentary one day admission for up to 4 people in total including the service member to spend time together as a family – don’t forget the masks and sanitizer, and check up on local regulations before you go.

How about paying $0! All current U.S. military service members and their dependents are offered a free annual military pass to the National Parks! Show your military ID at any of these federal recreation sites and get your military pass for the year.

Fitness

If you are placing an order for Bowflex, call and ask about their military discount. Military families have saved 15% off equipment.

Peloton offers a free Essentials Package (Peloton shoes, weights and headphones) with the purchase of a Peloton Bike if you were looking at purchasing one for Valentine’s Day.

Home Goods

If you need a new appliance or even stores containers (hello preparations for that PCS!), consider using your military discount at Home Depot or Lowe’s to buy these items for your Valentine. They are useful items that will be used daily, why not make these your valentine gift.

Big Lots offers a 10% year-round discount for active duty as part of their Big Rewards Program if you are looking for housewares, games or clothes on offer at Big Lots.

If you are needing a new piece of furniture (thank you moving company for sending that reimbursement check), Pottery Barn offers a 15% discount for military and veterans and their families. While it is typically verified in store, there have been reports of getting the discount added via phone.

Heading out to Restoration Hardware? Don’t forget to ask about the military discount, which military family members shared is 25% off!

Yeti offers a military discount online through verification from ID.me.

Toys

American Girl traditionally offers a 15% discount in store only, but with the recent pandemic they have also been offering it if you call in as well.

I wonder what St. Valentine would think of this celebration in his name that became a day for love in the Middle Ages.

Saving money when making any purchase is just that – saved money. It doesn’t hurt to ask if you are making a purchase from any store that isn’t listed here.

Is there a discount you use, that isn’t listed here? Let us know!

How Might Airmen Be Affected by Change in Retention in FY 21

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Air Force Retention is at an all-time high. For the first time in twenty years, the Air Force has the highest number of airmen in active duty service. Some members who had planned to transition out of service in 2020 delayed their transition due to COVID-19 concerns. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly credits Congress with helping to keep manpower high stating in a press release that “Congress delivered immense help, increased our numbers and helped us make real readiness improvements after sequestration reductions.”

Different programs are being considered to bring numbers back to below the total end strength of 333,700.  Voluntary opportunities are being reviewed by Headquarters Air Force to provide airmen the opportunity to waive active duty service commitments or to move to the Guard or Reserve from active duty through waivers. In addition, retention bonuses will no longer be utilized for all specialties to maintain the force needed to meet the requirements of the DOD and Air Force. “We have to bring in the right number of Airmen each year to sustain the force throughout the continuum of service, Lt. Gen Brian Kelly said further, “We have a plan to avoid future year-group gaps and we will announce volunteer options soon that we believe will balance end-strength appropriately.”

All movement from active to reserves or guard or out of service would be voluntary and no involuntary shape forcing programs would be utilized in Fiscal Year 2021. Airmen would be The FY 2021 Selective Retention Bonus Program for 37 eligible Air Force Specialties was released on December 10. The FY 2021 Selective Retention Bonus Program Listing is available on the retention page for the Air Force here and on myPers.

All You Need to Know about the 2021 Inauguration

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By Constitutional law, inauguration day is 20 January. As Abigail Bartlett remarked in The West Wing show, it is usually a cold day in the District of Columbia. The 59th Inaugural ceremonies will occur on January 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. The opening remarks are scheduled to begin around 11:30 EST with the completion after the new president takes the oath of office.

Attending in Person

In a usual year, there are tickets available through Congress and Senate members. Each person is typically provided many tickets to give out. In 2021, amongst a pandemic, only 1,000 tickets are available versus the normal 200,000 tickets– meaning that the seat holders of Congress and the Senate are invited with a guest. Some representatives have decided to open online submission feeds to those interested in coming. However, the Presidential Inaugural Committee has made the recommendation to refrain from traveling for the inauguration.

What are the Inaugural Events?

There are several traditional events that typically occur with every inauguration –the procession of the outgoing and incoming President to the ceremony, Vice President’s and President’s Swearing-In Ceremony,  the well known Inaugural Address, Honorary Departure of the outgoing President, Signing Ceremony, Inaugural Lunch, Pass In Review. Per a statement released by the Inaugural committee, the “ceremony’s footprint will be extremely limited, and the parade that follows will be reimagined.” A traditional giant parade of inaugurations passed will not be happening. However, construction of a reviewing stand in front of the White House has continued, which may be part of the Pass in Review of events passed. Traditional events like the luncheon for the new president is also not occurring due to the current coronavirus situation.

Where Can You Watch It Virtually?

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Chairman Roy Blunt stated that due to the global pandemic, they are “working on enhanced opportunities to watch the ceremonies online, in addition to the traditional televised national broadcast.” If you have cable television, you can expect most major networks to carry the live broadcast.

For those who have cut the cable ties, it is expected to be available for streaming here:

Even if you don’t have cable, the major news networks of ABC, CBS, Fox, MSNBC, and CNN will most likely carry live streaming on their website or YouTube channel.

The pre-event festivities historically begin at 9:30 am EST with the official ceremony occurring neatly at noon EST.

7 Financial Resolutions to Commit to in 2021

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2021 – a much-anticipated bright new year. Want a new start with this new year…especially after 2020? Start off with a bright financial future by committing to these financial resolutions in 2021.

  1. Create a budget
  2. Make a savings buffer.
  3. Start saving for PCS now.  
  4. Make the most of credit cards.
  5. Pay bills when you get them.
  6. Stick to the planned budget.
  7. Get the kids involved!

Create a Budget

This isn’t easy. You need to know what you need to spend on things like groceries versus what you want to spend. There a bounty of budget sheets on Pinterest. Check your base resources to see if there is a financial Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) as he/she may also have free resources and information, inclusive of a budget book. Don’t have a MFLC on base, check out Military One Source to talk to a financial counselor.  A financial MFLC can even sit down and review personal goals. Living on a Navy or Marine Corps base? If you are having a baby, check out the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society who provide services to complete one-on-one budget counseling through the Budget for Baby classes. There are many free resources including monthly spending sheets, bill trackers and expense lists to help build a budget.  

Make a Savings Buffer

This can be done in small increments, and doesn’t have to be a big chunk all at once. If you can save just $10 a week, that will add up in the long term to $2,600 in 5 years, and that’s not counting interest! An emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses is recommended as a buffer in case there is a job loss, or any other type of emergency. Thankfully, in the military, there isn’t a usual loss of job immediately, but starting the habit now of having that savings buffer will create lifelong healthy financial habits.

Start Saving for Your PCS Now

PCS – Permanent Change of Stations or Permanent Change of Sanity level – you choose. Moving is not easy emotionally or financially. According to the Military Times, military families lost about $5,000 out of pocket each move. Normal “costs” associated with moving are outlined further by Military.com and that doesn’t include all the wild expenses of loss during a move.

Make the Most of Credit Cards

If you have a card you love, make sure you are using all the benefits. There have been credit card changes over the last year – cards that typically favor travel have been offering credit on TV streaming services or exercise apps. Use these benefits to save money! If your card gives you cash back, consider using the bonus to pay off your bill if you have a big ticket item like a new appliance. Credit cards can be useful if you are paying off your bill monthly and can utilize the benefits.

Pay bills when you get them.

Going off the previous paragraph – in order to use the benefits of credit cards, you often have to not carry a balance. When you get the bill, pay it off if you are able to. APR, the annual percentage rate, that credit card companies charge for any amount not paid off by the due date. There is also a late fee! That $100 amount not paid off may then add up to $149, and that’s only in one-month period. There are some cards that have a 0% APR offering for a year, and these can be helpful in purchasing big items like a new fridge or freezer so you can pay off a little at a time monthly. But make sure to put a calendar alert to know when the APR will begin to avoid those charges.

Stick to the planned budget.

This can be hard. It will require planning and understanding of your budget. If next month you know you need to pay for movers for that PCS and didn’t have time to build up a PCS buffer, consider cutting out a few things so you can stick within the budget for the next month. Maybe stop the $5 daily coffee habit for that month. As most military families know, unexpected things happen, but beginning the habit of sticking to that budget will get easier over time.

Get the kids involved!

It’s never too early to start learning about saving. In as early as second grade, children in U.S. schools are learning about the economy in basic terms of imports and exports and the “costs” and “savings” associated with them. Getting children involved early helps build financial attitudes of understanding. The Mint offers free resources for kids and teens to learn about earning, saving, spending, giving, investing, tracking money and more.

Military One Source is a great resource for anyone – CONUS to OCONUS.  Free online financial resources are available at MilSpouse Money Mission and popular tools from Dave Ramsey can be requested here.

What is your favorite financial tool?

TRICARE Select Retirees Must Pay New Fees to Avoid Losing Coverage

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TRICARE has gone through several changes over the last several years. One such change is coverage expanded for retirees. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017  changed TRICARE Standard to TRICARE Select and established a monthly enrollment fee. Enrollment fees for 2021 must be set up for payment in 2020. Starting January 1, 2021, Group A retired beneficiaries on TRICARE Select will be paying new enrollment fees, in a monthly or annual sum, in order to continue TRICARE Select coverage.

Who does this apply to?

Group A retirees on TRICARE Select. Group A applies to any retiree or sponsor who had an initial enlistment or appointment before January 1, 2018. AKA anyone who began their time in military service before January 1, 2018 and is a retiree.

Who doesn’t this apply to?

If you have TRICARE for Life, TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, or TRICARE Young Adult – this does not apply to you.

What are the costs?

Individual Plan: if you are the only individual on your plan

  • Monthly fee of $12.50 OR annual fee of $150

Family Plan: If there is more than one person the plan

  • Monthly fee of $25.00 OR annual fee of $300

If anyone in your family is an active duty member, medically retired retiree or family member, or survivor of an active duty sponsor medically retired retiree, the enrollment fee will be waived.

Will the Catastrophic Cap Change?

The catastrophic cap, the most you will pay out of pocket per year for TRICARE covered services, will change to $3,500 from a previous $3,000. Paid enrollment fees go towards the catastrophic cap.

What Do I Do Next?

  • Set up a monthly enrollment fee by December 31, 2020 to avoid a gap in healthcare coverage.
  • Set up payment plans here.
  • Questions? Contact your regional contractor.

What if I don’t setup a payment plan by December 31, 2020?

  • You, and or your family, will be disenrolled from TRICARE Select – meaning you will not have TRICARE Select health coverage.
  • You can request reinstatement of TRICARE Select within 180 days from disenrollment through your regional contractor.
  • You can get healthcare through military treatment facilities if there is space available

If you are a Group A retiree on TRICARE Select – set up your payment plan today to avoid a lapse in TRICARE Select coverage in 2021!

Keeping Kids Connected Across the Miles

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It isn’t new for military children to deal with separation. From parents who are deployed or training or on exercises. From extended family members who live half a world away from where they are currently stationed. From friends, they make after a PCS (Permanent Change of Station – aka military move). In 2020, kids are separated from their classmates who might live down the street due to social distancing and virtual school. Keeping kids connected to the friends they have made is even more important now that there aren’t as many opportunities to find and make new friends and build new friendships.

Letter writing

In addition to writing out thoughts to friends, sharing details about their new house or clothes, letter writing allows for practicing writing letters, words, and penmanship. Letter writing is a skill in itself – working on addressing, composing a letter, and determining the best signature. Making it a weekly practice. In the letters, they can share pictures or bookmarks, or handmade bracelets. It’s a way to share, stay connected, and all while they practice and learn and don’t even realize it. So shhhh!

Video Chats

When able to, this is an awesome option to keep kids connected. There are several applications on computers, phones, and tablets that can be utilized and should all be used with adult supervision. It allows children to read and take facial cues while looking at each other and talking to each other. It continues to build the bond of friendship and allows them to share drawings or games or books on the video chat as the interest of the children determines. If possible, schedule the video chats so there are a pattern and expectation to the calls.

Virtual Book Club

While these are reserved for adults most times, keeping kids connected with the same reading level with a shared book is a great way to keep kids connected. It promotes reading and allows for the development of conversation while working on the skill of reading comprehension – and all under the guise of “just catching up” with a friend.  If you aren’t sure what books to use, ask your child’s teacher for reading level acceptable choices. Books do not have to be purchased if you have an electronic device. Most libraries have e-books you can borrow from and the service libraries also have a large library presence online with a large volume of books available to borrow.

Online Gaming

Kids who love to play games online can connect with their friends online. There are computer games, apps, and live games on streaming devices that allow for people across the world. There are parental controls to limit the amount of time spent online and which games can be played. Utilizing headphones, they can talk to each other as well. This is a bit outside my scope as a non-gamer, but with age-appropriate limits, being able to bond while playing a game together is a great way to stay in touch with friends.  As with any online activity for your children, check on what they are doing and who they are talking to.

Old Fashioned Games

Consider playing a game on video chat. If both parties have UNO, split the deck and play. Or consider charades or Battleship – games that can easily be split between two parties and can be played solo. For the little kids maybe Boggle, and for older kids Monopoly or any board games that both parties have.

Movie Night

Thanks to streaming services introducing group play, you can watch a movie together at the same time and even send messages while watching. This does take some prior planning and technology link-up, but being able to continue movie nights is pretty amazing.

This year has certainly brought on the need for creativity in staying in touch but socially distanced, and these are great ways for kids to stay in touch. Based on age, children may need some parental assistance. With any technology, parental guidance and monitoring are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What have you been utilizing to help your children stay in touch with their friends? Can the adults get on a long-distance game of CLUE?

Get Creative with NYE Celebrations This Year

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Get with you Quarun-team

In keeping with state-specific guidelines in regards to group size, avoid large group gatherings, and stick to your family or quarun-team, aka the group of people who are in your safe circle and stick to that. While the holidays are a great time to get together with friends, with COVID-19 and flu season, no one wants to be sick over the holidays. Get your group together and celebrate in a fun and unique ways that are as unique as the year 2020.

Make it a Bake Off!

Gather baking supplies, look up your favorite baking show, and find a topic or recipe to try and do it! Have fun together trying something new and maybe you will create your new favorite bread courtesy of Paul Hollywood or custard that Mary Berry would favor.  

Fireworks whenever you want

The sparkling fireworks and the accompanying music is a highlight for outdoor NYE celebrations. Continue them from home before midnight by streaming fireworks from Disneyland via their Youtube channel or from the Nagaoka fireworks Festival show in Japan who as a country have the best fireworks you have ever seen. Just type in “fireworks” on YouTube or an online video search engine of your choice and guarantee you will find the perfect firework style and length to suit your taste.

Craft a Memory Keepsake

While a lot of people are ready to just get the year over with, the truth is, it has happened. While there aren’t vacation photos like years past or birthday parties with huge cakes, chances are there are lots of selfies, pictures of science experiments, and game nights. Consider printing off a few to make a scrapbook or photo book or perhaps a photo ornament. Celebrate the silver linings of this year and build more memories together.

Pjs and a Movie

In keeping with making New Year’s Eve whatever you want, consider cuddling up in comfy PJs, make a couch fort with blanket and pillows, and pop in a movie – you know those digital video discs that we all owned – or stream a movie and relax and enjoy. Make it a phone-free event for extra enjoyment!

Dinner Buffet

While keeping it your family or quarun-team, put out fun plates of veggies, fruit, crackers, jams, cheese, meats and enjoy noshing over a fun appetizer-like dinner that you may see at NYE parties. Remember to never leave perishable food out for longer than 2 hours as that can become a bacteria breeding ground.

Make a Photo Booth

Use things you have at home to decorate a wall – maybe a bunch of tissue paper or wrapping paper to make “stars.” Use paper plates to make face masks, or perhaps dig into your Halloween or dress-up bin and go to town taking selfies to commemorate the year. Use cardboard boxes to make a background frame with a fun slogan or perhaps to make cardboard cut-out glasses.

Bust out the Games

Make it a game day and go to town on card games like Uno or Go Fish, or if you have older family members consider lengthy games of Risk or Clue. Go really old school by playing musical chairs – there is something fun about musical chairs that gets everyone giggly and giddy.

It’s a Dance Party!

Check out the many dance playlists on your choice of device and clear the living room or dining room or dorm room to make it a dance party! Make it personal by getting everyone together to build your own playlist, and share it with your dearest friends. Consider getting friends or family in on it by video chatting with them while sharing the music.

While collectively, the world is looking forward to a new year and continuing to go forward, don’t forget to celebrate and have fun! It may be 2020, but it is still New Year’s Eve!

What are you doing to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Let us know in the comments!