Let's face it, online Christmas parties can often fall short of expectations with the joy and atmosphere of being around your team or loved ones after a turbulent year lacking.
Be it with family or through work, a virtual party just isn't the same as giving gifts in person or enjoying the festive spirit together.
Thankfully, David Brent won't be there to ruin yours, but you might still be worried that poor Wi-Fi and conversations with delay may not create the ideal circumstances for a fun time.
That said, virtual parties might be the way to go for a lot of people once again this year, in order to make sure we keep coronavirus transmissions to a minimum ahead of spending Christmas Day with the family.
Fear not, though, as there are loads of ideas to keep you and your colleagues entertained online this Christmas.
Here are some of the best.
11 virtual Christmas party ideas
Hoppier.com has a useful rundown of some of the best ideas for a Christmas party, from Secret Santa to scavenger hunts.
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a fairly common idea used among families and in the workplace every year. It means you don't have to spend so much on gifts.
Sites like Elfster helps you do this virtually and a collective opening on the day of the party is a good way of spreading the Christmas cheer.
Christmas quiz
Who doesn't love a good quiz? Specialised rounds are great ways of letting people know about the subjects you are passionate in.
A round on ancient Egypt might be followed by a few more questions on the best moments from Coronation Street.
There are virtual quiz sites like Kahoot! that can be good for keeping score, but maybe it is best for team morale if anyone embarrassed by their numbers can fudge them slightly. Nobody likes a quiz with an egghead.
Hire a mixologist
There are few things more festive than a Christmas cocktail, so why not enjoy them together - from afar.
If you can arrange to send your family members or team all the ingredients they need, then they can spend the virtual Christmas party with a professional mixologist.
They'll get to enjoy a pro teaching them all the best tips and tricks for a sumptuous and refreshing drink.
Online carolers
Christmas carols are one of the strange yet comforting yearly traditions we have around the festive season, and they can be great for getting people into the spirit of things.
It might be a bit awkward, though. Might this be an activity aided by some complimentary alcohol?
Either way, get ready to showcase your singing talents and you're likely to be feeling far more festive by the end of your video call.
Watch a film
There are loads of classic Christmas films for people to enjoy. Movies like Elf, Die Hard and Love Actually are all firm favourites you can watch together through apps like Teleparty and Kast.
Love Actually may be one to avoid if there are any awkward office romances, though.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other Christmas movies to choose from to suit all tastes and age ranges.
Scavenger hunts
A wild goose chase may not be such a bad idea.
Limit the idea to each person doing the hunt in their home town or local area.
Then, give each person a series of tasks to complete like finding some good mulled wine or nearby decorations. It is a good way to bond as people can share their experiences through a group chat or in the virtual party itself.
Online charity event
It is important to remember those that are a little less fortunate this time of year.
A virtual casino night with the proceeds going to a charity of your group or family's choice could be fun. Or even a fun festive fundraiser with a Christmas jumper running or cycling challenge.
Desert Island Xmas
Another great idea, from tagvenue.com, is likely to get the adrenaline flowing and will help to create a bond between you and your team.
The premise? "You and your teammates are stuck on an island as the prisoners of an all-powerful artificial intelligence. You will all need to work together to solve a series of challenging puzzles to outsmart the AI."
This can be done in groups of two to 200 people and it lasts between 20 minutes to a full hour. Prices start from £16.
Costume competition
A Christmas party without a paper hat or even a Christmas jumper just doesn't feel quite right and you can go further than this.
Prizes could be on offer for the best costume voted for by the group, or for adhering to a particular theme.
While you won't be rocking up to a Christmas party venue, it's bound to get you feeling cheery ahead of the big day.
Never have I ever
A classic party game and one that can lead to some interesting stories is Never Have I Ever.
It is up to you how clean you want the game to be and if alcohol is involved, but it is useful for getting to know your colleagues a bit better.
As for your family, there may be some stories you just don't want to come out.
Pictionary
Another classic game and really easy to play online is Pictionary.
While you don't need to have artistic talents, it'll certainly put your creativity to the test - as well as your bonds with your team.
Sites like Drawize allow for group sessions for people to play easily while a video call continues in the background.
