2020 Holiday Ideas - gift exchange alternative?

ots · 10-09-20, 04:00 PM

Hi Everyone,

We've done an annual gift exchange for over fifteen years, and it is that time again. However, given that this is an "unprecedented year," I thought maybe we should consider other options.

First, a lot of people have moved towards streaming for all the content, so fewer people have participated in the gift exchange the last few years and this seems like a trend that will only continue.

Second, a lot of people are experiencing challenges this year. And, even though a gift exchange is fun, I don't want anyone to feel left out because it is beyond their means.

So having given it a noodle, I think maybe a group zoom call might be in order. Maybe we could reach out to some vidiot celebs (assuming that some of you have inside access) to see if they might join us for a Q&A and quick workout (say 20 minutes?). To entice vidiot celebs, perhaps we could have them promote their favorite charity and those that have the means could make donations?

If that doesn't fly, if any vidiot is a fitness instructor, maybe they could offer a quick workout? We could share favorite VF memories? We could have a "workout room porn" portion where some of you can show us your great workout space so that we can drool, I mean get ideas...

I have a professional zoom account that allows me to have longer calls with large groups.

So what do you think?

If this doesn't appeal, we could go back to the gift exchange idea. Or do it in addition to...

Anne.

sherry7899 · 10-09-20, 04:11 PM

I love doing the exchange and would really miss it if we did not do it. I totally understand if people are unable to participate, though. I would hate for anyone to feel left out.

For me, it is a really fun thing to look forward to that would help the holiday season seem a little normal.

I am really shy and would not be into anything on Zoom, but if others would enjoy it, please go for it

ots · 10-09-20, 04:48 PM

Gotcha! I'll set up the exchange....let's see if the other idea pans out --- maybe we will do both?

Sherry - I assume you'll be elf?

sherry7899 · 10-09-20, 04:49 PM

Hi, Anne!
Hopefully we will get input over the weekend from others.

Yes, I will gladly play elf.

hdw · 10-09-20, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherry7899

I am really shy and would not be into anything on Zoom, but if others would enjoy it, please go for it

Would it be better if you turn off your video? Use your audio; you could still see others.

fanofladyvols · 10-09-20, 07:51 PM

I'm another who really looks forward to participating in the gift exchange.

yogapam · 10-09-20, 08:29 PM

Zoom is great, but it is tricky with a large group TBH. I’ve hosted a few larger gatherings and unless you’re on a computer vs a tablet, you can’t see everyone. You also need Zoom Pro to go longer than 40 min.

ChelePA · 10-09-20, 08:35 PM

I have never participated but think it sounds fun!

JackieB · 10-10-20, 08:24 AM

I would be willing to host a VF Essentrics class for a holiday event on Zoom.

DD546 · 10-10-20, 10:10 AM

I'm in for an Essentrics class led by Jackie. That would be so great!

Support VF
VF Membership Subscription
Shop These Vendors
Activa	Collage Video
Amazon.com	eBay.com
Amazon.ca (Canada)	Half.com
Amazon.co.uk (UK)	Junonia
Amazon.fr (France)	Onehanesplace.com
BN.com	Overstock.com
Buy.com	Road Runner Sports
CenturyFitness.com	Sierra Trading Post

10-09-20, 04:00 PM
ots Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: maryland	2020 Holiday Ideas - gift exchange alternative? Hi Everyone, We've done an annual gift exchange for over fifteen years, and it is that time again. However, given that this is an "unprecedented year," I thought maybe we should consider other options. First, a lot of people have moved towards streaming for all the content, so fewer people have participated in the gift exchange the last few years and this seems like a trend that will only continue. Second, a lot of people are experiencing challenges this year. And, even though a gift exchange is fun, I don't want anyone to feel left out because it is beyond their means. So having given it a noodle, I think maybe a group zoom call might be in order. Maybe we could reach out to some vidiot celebs (assuming that some of you have inside access) to see if they might join us for a Q&A and quick workout (say 20 minutes?). To entice vidiot celebs, perhaps we could have them promote their favorite charity and those that have the means could make donations? If that doesn't fly, if any vidiot is a fitness instructor, maybe they could offer a quick workout? We could share favorite VF memories? We could have a "workout room porn" portion where some of you can show us your great workout space so that we can drool, I mean get ideas... I have a professional zoom account that allows me to have longer calls with large groups. So what do you think? If this doesn't appeal, we could go back to the gift exchange idea. Or do it in addition to... Anne.

10-09-20, 04:11 PM
sherry7899 Join Date: Jun 2003	I love doing the exchange and would really miss it if we did not do it. I totally understand if people are unable to participate, though. I would hate for anyone to feel left out. For me, it is a really fun thing to look forward to that would help the holiday season seem a little normal. I am really shy and would not be into anything on Zoom, but if others would enjoy it, please go for it __________________ "Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley) The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers

10-09-20, 04:48 PM
ots Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: maryland	Gotcha! I'll set up the exchange....let's see if the other idea pans out --- maybe we will do both? Sherry - I assume you'll be elf?

10-09-20, 04:49 PM
sherry7899 Join Date: Jun 2003	Hi, Anne! Hopefully we will get input over the weekend from others. Yes, I will gladly play elf. __________________ "Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley) The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers

10-09-20, 07:51 PM
fanofladyvols Join Date: May 2004 Location: Modify City, State of Fierce	I'm another who really looks forward to participating in the gift exchange. __________________ Don't just work hard, work smart....Pat Head Summitt Never give up on your body!-- Miranda Esmonde-White Word/Guiding Principle for 2024: Embrace: embrace my faith, my family, my friends, myself, the process, the progress, the hard work, the strength program I choose, the recovery methods and rest I need, my life, the good times, and the memories of good people.

10-09-20, 08:29 PM
yogapam VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West coast of Canada, eh. ;)	Zoom is great, but it is tricky with a large group TBH. I’ve hosted a few larger gatherings and unless you’re on a computer vs a tablet, you can’t see everyone. You also need Zoom Pro to go longer than 40 min. __________________ **~Pam~** Certified Level 4 Essentrics Instructor - March 2021 Hatha YTT - 2011 Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down..... "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn "It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” - Tony Robbins Check out my Instagram account, @fitness.ficti0n.inspirati0n

10-09-20, 08:35 PM
ChelePA Join Date: Jan 2017	I have never participated but think it sounds fun!

10-10-20, 08:24 AM
JackieB VF Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Minnesota	I would be willing to host a VF Essentrics class for a holiday event on Zoom. __________________ Jackie Certified Essentrics Instructor, Level 4---February 2017 Yoga Tune Up Roll Model Method Practitioner---December 2021 "Movement is a privilege. You don't have to exercise. You get to exercise. Visit a person whose mobility is severely limited, and you'll appreciate the distinction. Do what you can, count yourself lucky, heal yourself in the process." Essentrics Colorado

10-10-20, 10:10 AM
DD546 Join Date: May 2011	I'm in for an Essentrics class led by Jackie. That would be so great!