As 2020 winds down, we’re all beginning to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we’re thankful for. And in the wake of an especially challenging year, we’re also pondering what lies ahead.

The changes that have accompanied the last 10 months have been formidable, to say the least. Celebrating a birthday with loved ones or grabbing a bite to eat with coworkers used to be the norm, but we’ve all changed the way we connect with the people most important to us.

And now, as the temperatures grow chilly and cheerful holiday decorations begin to appear, it’s difficult not to remember how we celebrated the season in simpler times.

Although we can still bake cookies with the kids and send warm greeting cards to friends and family from afar, how we bridge the gap with coworkers is different. Many of us are still working from home, and those of us who have returned to the office must remain socially distanced. That means company parties and team outings have gone by the wayside in a big way.

At HON, we’re actively planning new and creative ways to recognize milestones and holidays, but we’ll be honest: It’s challenging. The HON Company’s Vice President of Members and Brand Jennifer Petersen has some ideas on how coworkers can foster connection even when we’re apart.

What a Difference a Year Makes

There’s no doubt that one of the best parts of being in the office day to day is rewarding hard work with special celebrations.

Whether it’s the boss bringing in donuts for the team for completing a project, a pizza party for a team member’s birthday or a rousing company town hall meeting, employees and leaders alike rely on the joy of camaraderie to bond with one another.

“The HON Company has always been mindful of how important it is to encourage a healthy work/life balance,” Petersen said. “The way we recognized special events and holidays in years past was always to celebrate together—no matter what the milestone.

“Because we can’t do that right now, it’s going to be important to recognize our members in other ways to ensure a sense of belonging and fellowship.”

Rewind just one short year ago. The average employee was in the office eight hours a day—and a substantial amount of our time was spent brainstorming, sharing anecdotes, developing lifelong friendships and supporting one another in person. Today, we’re attempting to keep those home fires burning at a distance.

Now that “the most wonderful time of year” is almost here, the gap feels even wider.

“Traditionally, the HON family has really gotten into the holiday spirit,” Petersen said. “We’ve always looked forward to gathering with fellow members to share food and fun. But what this lengthy distance has taught us is that it’s not just the special events that have us missing one another. Every day we can’t team up face to face is an uphill climb.”

Keep the Grinch Away by Giving

So, how do we navigate the holidays safely in 2020 and still feel connected to one another?

Americans love to celebrate with a delicious meal any time of year, but especially during food-centric holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas.

With food insecurity at an all-time high, Virginia-based organization Food for Others suggests replacing the company potluck with a virtual non-perishable food drive via Amazon. Employees can donate according to their own budgets and—as a collective group—help feed families who otherwise may go without nourishing sustenance during trying times.

“Helping others is the reason for the season,” said Petersen. “Giving back restores faith in others, and I can’t think of a better way to foster teamwork and kindness. We’re so much better together.”

COVID-19 has left our most vulnerable communities feeling isolated and lonely. Letting someone know they matter through the mail is a wonderful way to honor the holidays and the human spirit.

Employees could gather—at a safe distance, of course—to create cheerful holiday cards for retirement, special needs and hospital communities, all while sipping hot chocolate and listening to nostalgic seasonal music. It’s a great way to tap into creativity and a shared sense of goodwill.

And why not get into the competitive spirit with Zoom games? Holiday-themed Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy! can go a long way in getting those friendly competitive juices flowing and restore some much-needed levity to social distancing. Swapping favorite seasonal recipe cards, “ugly sweater” days or engaging in cubicle decorating contests are also fun ways to stay jolly and restore a sense of community.

“There’s no question that it’s different this year and sometimes different can feel difficult,” Petersen said. “But if you infuse a bit of creativity and heart into everything you do, whether it’s a holiday or just an average Wednesday, you’ll be amazed by the difference it makes.”

For more ideas and inspiration on celebrating the holidays safely, please visit hon.com.