Happy Canada Day!
Canada Day is usually filled with friends, festivities, and fireworks. During COVID-19, restrictions on gatherings are going to change the way we celebrate this year. It’s been very hard for people to be so isolated from one another, and that feeling may be even more salient on a day that’s supposed to bring everyone together. But there is plenty you can do at home to make the most of your Canada Day and bring some normalcy into your life. Here are some suggestions:
Cook your favorite Canadian food. Maybe start the day with pancakes and maple syrup, and finish off with poutine!
Elk Island National Park will be open on Canada Day. Spending some time in nature and seeing our native bison can be very recharging, and make you feel connected to our land. This is a great solo activity, or for a small group.
If you’d prefer to stay indoors, plan a Canada themed movie or game night. Choose movies with your favorite Canadian actors (Ryan Reynolds!) or set up a game of Canada-themed charades.
Spend some time learning more about Canada’s history, culture, and flora/fauna. It’s amazing how much we might not know about our own country! Use your new info to win at Canadian Trivial Pursuit!
Have a small barbeque with friends and family in your backyard. Current gathering restrictions in Alberta allow for small groups, and if your friends and family have also been isolating, a small gathering will be relatively low risk. Have lots of hand sanitizer on hand, especially in shared areas such as bathrooms. Put one person in charge of doling out hamburgers instead of going buffet-style, and use disposable paper plates to further limit contact. With a few precautions, you can have an awesome Canada Day barbeque with no worries.
Make fun Canada Day outfits and decorations with construction paper for your pets or with your kids. It’s okay to get a little goofy! Dressing up and decorating can make the day feel more festive.
There may be some safety restrictions to consider, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make Canada Day fun and memorable. It’s a great excuse to do something out of the ordinary to help break up the monotony of quarantine. Don’t be afraid to be creative; do something to make yourself smile!
Jessica Dubauskas