Ways to celebrate the graduate in your life at home.

​The spread of the Corona virus has been a trying time for everyone, and the need for social distancing has left people feeling like their lives are falling apart. From planned vacations to  social events, everything is being pushed aside in order to keep the virus under control. For students set to graduate, this especially, well, stinks!                                            

You and your student have worked so hard for years in preparation of this moment! If your graduate can't walk across the stage in cap and gown to receive their diploma — if you can't throw the unforgettable bash they've been dreaming of, with family and friends gathering from near and far — what can you do to make the day feel special?

Video Chat Parties

Though it might feel bittersweet to celebrate over a computer camera, you're still letting your student know you’re proud of their accomplishments. Regardless of the medium, it’s always nice to see your loved ones' faces and this is an easy way to include everyone as well as a fun excuse to get a little dressed up during quarantine. Your student is sure to be excited for the chance to wear their cap and gown for you even if they never leave the house. Take the opportunity to mix it up a little. Set a theme and decorate your video chat background! Everyone can wear costumes, pajamas, formal attire or whatever your student might want. Or set up a surprise theme for your grad — maybe something that commemorates a special childhood memory. Keep the surprises coming by inviting guests they don't expect to see.
Your graduate will appreciate being the center of everyone's love and attention, and sharing tears, smiles and laughter.

Create an Online Wish List

Let’s be honest, receiving gifts at graduation is the cherry on top of all your hard work. Your friends and family want to reward your achievement, but that can be hard to do when you can’t exchange gifts in person. Luckily, you can create an online wish list so that your loved ones can browse for presents virtually and have them shipped to your house. Don’t forget the thank-you letters!

Deck the Halls

You can still have a graduation party, but this year it will just be more intimate. Decorate your front door or yard with your school colors – add some streamers and giant letters and you’ve got a great start! On the inside of the house hang balloons, more streamers and some of your favorite photos to add to the festive décor.

Themed Graduation Photo shoot

Use this extra time to get creative with the grad photos you’ll keep forever! You and your student can decide what theme you like best and even build a custom backdrop for the shoot. Can’t agree on just one theme? Why not do them all? It’ll be a fun way to spend time together, alleviate quarantine boredom and create treasured memories.You can ask friends and family for photo requests. Maybe the grandparents would like something more traditional and serious, but aunts and uncles want something silly. You and your grad can use these photos to send out custom graduation announcements when the time comes, and reuse photo shoot backdrops and props for parties (whether in person or over video).Looking on the bright side, only a select few will be able to say they graduated during a major historical event.

 Record a Video Tribute
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Have friends and family members record messages to your student and compile a celebratory video. Encourage people to include words of advice and inspiration, share a story from the past, or whatever else they want! This personal, affectionate celebration will be a time capsule of wisdom, humor and memories — something to cherish forever.


However you decide to celebrate with your graduate, remember to support each other during this time. Everyone's feeling incredibly frustrated and disappointed by the recent turn of events, but there is a bright side. Your student is graduating! They've earned their moment in the sun, and even if their commencement will be unconventional, you can find ways to help them sparkle and shine.