A few weeks ago during our Zoom Bible study, we were asked what hospitality looks like in the midst of being at home. What can it look like when we can’t sit down at the table for dinner with friends? What does it look like when we can’t meet up for coffee or a park playdate? What does hospitality look like when we literally aren’t able to be in the close physical presence of other human beings?
This question had me thinking. Part of my brain went rogue and tried to talk the other part of my brain into believing hospitality isn’t even a thing during quarantine. No sprinkler playdates, no bonfires together, no Mother’s Day brunches. The other part of my brain resisted and said, well of course hospitality is possible, it’s even more essential when we can’t physically meet in each other’s homes.
So of course I went to Merriam Webster.
hospitality: hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition
Similar: friendliness, welcome, helpfulness, warmth, kindness, geniality, sociability, conviviality, generosity, liberality
Merriam Webster
Hospitality is a reception as well as treatment and a disposition. We don’t have to be gathering at a dinner party to offer hospitality, it can be shown in the ways we love and care for others whether in their physical presence or not. We can be friendly, kind, helpful, and generous. We can be welcoming and social without breaking the six foot imaginary line. After reading this definition, I think it’s pretty clear hospitality is possible during quarantine.
I thought through some ways our family can show hospitality to others around us: show them we love them and care for them by being kind, helpful, generous, and friendly. And here they are…
Hospitality During Quarantine
Care Packages
Packages are like a surprise trip to Disney World these days. If a friend drops off a package or I get a gift in the mail, it literally makes me all kinds of happy.
Start small and think through someone you would like to bless with a care package. Compile a list of some of their favorite things or some things you think would be helpful during quarantine and put together a gift bag or box with those items. These berry baskets are super cute to house the goodies. Maybe even incorporate some Books and Baking.
While we are putting together these care packages, let’s think about local places we want to support. Make an ice cream sundae care package with pints from your local ice cream shop (We love Zaltes). Gather some self-care essentials from your favorite salon (Dark Horse all the way). Get some coffee beans or a drink and snack to drop off (Rally Coffee is a great Omaha spot). Obtain a box of delicious treats from a curbside pick up bakery and make someone’s Friday morning (Sweet Magnolia’s is IT). Pick up some baby plants for a green thumb friend (Old Tree Farm and Mulhall’s are our go-to’s). Think about the places you want to stick around and support them when at all possible!
Maybe you aren’t able to physically get to the person you want to give a care package to; get online and find a small shop or Amazon gift you can get in the mail to them. Some great small shop options: Wax Buffalo candles, Sela Designs jewelry, Natural Joy Boutique stationary and gifts.
Snail Mail
My kids live for snail mail. They are living their best life when something comes in the mail with their name on it. Letter writing is a great skill to practice with kids and one more thing to keep them occupied. I tell my kids: If you want to get a letter, you need to send a letter. I also remind them they might not get a letter in return, but more than likely they won’t get one if they don’t send one.
Sending cards and letters to friends, co-workers, family members, even nurses or doctors you know and nursing home residents can bring a lot of joy to someone in a simple way.
Side note: Did you know you can order stamps online?! A friend told me this recently, so I put in an order of super cool T-Rex stamps and they will be delivered right to my door. Yes, please.
Checking In
Checking in with friends and relatives is something we do, but maybe need to do even more now. A simple text or email with ‘I’m thinking of you!’ or a DM with a prayer.
It’s a great time to finally meet the neighbors and check in on them during this time. Set a reminder on your phone or write it in your planner to check on your neighbors once every week or two. If we don’t know our neighbors, now is the time!
Virtual Meet Ups
Zoom, Houseparty, Facetime. Virtual meet ups are the new coffee dates and dinner parties. I know it’s not the same thing, but it’s as close as we can get.
During this quarantine, I have gotten the chance to chat with friends I don’t normally see or talk to on a regular basis and it has been a gift. Text your high school or college girlfriends. Reach out to an old roommate or the co-workers from your last job. Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and reconnect with some friends.
Social Distance Walk
‘They’ are saying the sun helps with this virus. Meet up with a friend and do a social distance walk together. I did this recently and while it wasn’t completely normal, it’s as normal as it gets. Natural endorphins from the sun, the exercise, and talking with a friend. Walking hospitality. Yes, yes, yes.
Meeting Needs
The effects of covid-19 have different ramifications for every family and every person. It could be financial hardship, trouble getting groceries, struggling with mental health, debating whether to go to work or not, or the actual health risks of the virus. Seek out how you can help the people in your influence. Neighbors, friends, family members, families who go to your kids’ school. If you see a need and you’re able to meet it, step out and do it. The very seed of kindness you plant could multiply in ways you can’t imagine.
Drop off Flowers
Did you know you can order flowers from Wal-Mart pick up? You can! Order flowers for someone, drop at their door step and text them a note. Flowers are life and life is a gift. This is a simple, yet exciting way to make someone’s day!
Hospitality is possible during quarantine. I would argue it’s not only possible, but so incredibly needed. Start small and choose one way you can show hospitality to someone you care about or maybe even someone you don’t know. It matters. How will you show hospitality during quarantine?