Looking on the Bright Side: Perks of a Digital New Year’s

If you’re relieved that this year is almost over, you’re not alone. They say every cloud has a silver lining, but I’m sure that even a straight-up optimist might feel the real struggle this year.

2020 has definitely taught us a whole lot of valuable lessons, and one of them is that we’re part of something bigger – we’re a united team facing one global issue. Whether you’re in Russia or Belgium, we share similar challenges.

So instead of dreading the thought of settling in for a night on the couch, let’s ring in 2021 the right way by focusing on the bright side. 

Celebrate with the world

Have you ever dreamed about celebrating New Year’s in NYC by dancing in Times Square and watching the ball drop? Or maybe you’d love to enjoy strolling along a beach in sunny Australia? As they say, the sky's the limit – this is more true than ever today.  A digital New Year's does have some pros, too – you're just a few clicks away from joining any celebration around the globe.

St. Petersburg has already geared up for the festivities: lights and decorations hang in the street and squares, holiday fairs and markets welcome all and any, and St. Petersburg’s biggest fir tree looks even more wondrous than usual – and this year it’s a real tree.

Sadly, public celebrations are out of the question, but no need to worry: parties are going crazy online this year. From your favorite bands going live to fireworks exploding in real time – there is something here to suit every taste and wallet.

And we don’t have to stop here: the world is closer than we think, right? So, why not use this time to immerse yourself in different cultures and maybe try some other festive holidays for learning and fun?

Getting creative

Think of limitations as starting points for creativity and possibility, and you can actually use them to your advantage. Go big with your new activities at home, the city will wait for you.

Just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you have to wear your PJs (although if you want to, you should). It’s a great chance to swap your comfy clothes for something fancy (it’s been a while), decorate your house like never before, get crazy with your big ol' dance playlist, fun activities, and holiday meals that will be enough for a full week of a Netflix marathon – even if your only partner-in-crime is your cat. 

Do something you never did before – make some cocktails, throw a disco-themed party on Zoom, or break out the good old board games. If you're calling into a party on video chat, there are also plenty of games to play remotely. 

You can also make your friends and family happy (if they are not around) by ordering them gifts online (gift certificates from their favorite store, subscriptions, or something else they’d enjoy) or sending postcards with heart-warming words. Plus, it will help you avoid extra heated debates on politics and conspiracy theories during a holiday feast – or save some good arguments for the next year.

But as soon as the clock strikes 12, don’t forget to bring some luck for 2021. It’s time to wonder what would happen if everyone on Earth wished the pandemic to go away at once. Our chances? Who knows… but no harm will be done by trying.

Doing the right thing

We ain’t no superheroes but this year we had the chance to feel like Bruce Willis saving the planet. It doesn’t matter that you’re not running barefoot throughout the whole movie, you’re doing maybe an even greater thing by just staying at home.

Just think about it and you’d be surprised how much a tiny step like this can mean – and if only everyone around the globe could try to stick to it (except some of our best superheroes aka medical specialists, police, firefighters, grocery store staff, etc). The change is real: it’s so simple yet challenging (we feel ya).

Don’t forget to check out our other recent holiday stories, you’re bound to find new celebratory ideas you love – and many more yet to come.