How to host an epic festive gathering with Messenger Rooms

This year many of us will be spending the holidays apart. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be together, and share the same special moments, traditions, reunions and celebrations that make this time of year so magical. 

From watching films to cooking feasts, and caroling, Messenger has your virtual holiday covered with video calling for the whole family. We also partnered with internationally recognized etiquette expert, Myka Meier, to bring you all the ‘must-know’ do’s and don’ts for online gatherings. No more awkward on-camera moments or mute-button blunders for you. Rest assured – ‘yule’ be a virtual celebrations pro in no time!

“Celebrating the holidays online does come with its own set of challenges. Just as with in-person get-togethers, video calls have their own unspoken etiquette that we are still wrapping our head around,” says Myka Meier, Founder and Director of Beaumont Etiquette. “With these simple tips, you’ll avoid any awkward virtual moments and be able to focus on what’s really important: connecting with loved ones and celebrating together.”

With Messenger Rooms, you can hang out with all of your loved ones, so it’s perfect for those gift-giving occasions where your entire family can gather together. Opt for gallery view, which lets you see the whole group at once, so you don’t miss any of those reactions to the perfect gift – or even spoof presents – if you want to have a little festive fun. There’s also no time limit for using Rooms so you don’t need to worry about sessions suddenly ending or being cut off. Anyone can join, even if they don’t have a Facebook account, and Rooms are easy to set up on either Messenger or Facebook. 

Discover tricks for virtual gift-opening, movie nights, interactive games, and even a family awards ceremony (make sure to crown yourself Best Virtual Party Host 2020). You can also inject even more festive fun into your video calls with holiday-themed 360 immersive backgrounds and AR filters. All these tips and tricks will be sure to bring a smile to even the biggest Scrooge. 

Read the full guide online here and enjoy an awesome, virtual, holiday season.

Here’s to keeping the festive spirit alive, no matter where you and your loved ones are!