Commencement is a milestone event that many look forward to their whole life. It is the sign of a new chapter and the culmination of years of classes, tests, projects, sporting events and being with friends. It’s an emotional time for anyone going through this rite of passage, but for the grads of 2020, it comes with a heightened sense of emotion and feelings of disappointment. Graduation during the COVID-19 crisis will look different than normal, but here are some ways to ensure your grad feels celebrated during this time.

DIY Graduation Pictures

One tradition of graduation is donning your cap and gown and posing for graduation pictures. While typical pictures include scenic locations around campus or sentimental shots of you with your family, this year’s grads will have a harder time securing those moments on film. Don’t let the quarantine stop you from getting a little creative with your pictures. Wear your graduation garb with pride and strike a pose in front of some pretty flowers in your backyard or a pond in your neighborhood. Sure, you might have to get a little crafty with the ideas but in the end you’ll be happy that you have something to remember this time in your life.

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!

Virtual Celebration

It wouldn’t be a quarantine “how-to” list if we didn’t include a virtual hangout via Zoom, Skype or FaceTime! Invite your friends and family to join in and enjoy exchanging stories and memories of everyone’s school days. Bonus points to whoever has the most embarrassing photo background of the grad when they were younger.

Get Creative

While in quarantine, you have more time on your hands to start a new hobby and preserving your school memories with crafts is just the thing to pass the time! Make a memory book with old photos, keepsakes, school play programs, football game tickets or other items that you’ve collected along the way to commemorate the years. Another option is to turn all your old school T-shirts into a blanket quilt. All of those shirts you’ve saved from clubs, dances, events, sororities and fraternities or part-time jobs can serve an added function by keeping you cozy for years to come!

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. On the night of your “graduation” enjoy cake and ice cream with everyone in your home.

The information in this blog post is accurate at the time of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to change, it's possible that information has changed since being published. While Ochsner Health is trying to keep our blog posts as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations by using the CDC website.