Whether you’re spending the Christmas period with your family and friends, celebrating from further afield or working away, it’s important to stay connected. Varying interests and busy schedules can make keeping in touch with your nearest and dearest a challenge. From getting creative to using one of today’s tech-savvy communication methods, there are many ways to connect with loved ones this holiday season and to bring everyone together. If you’re keen to make sure nobody feels left out this Christmas, here are a few ideas for you…
Video chat with friends and family that live overseas
Video chat is an easy and effective way to keep in touch with loved ones, regardless of where they are in the world, be it a few towns away or thousands of miles away. There are many free video chat apps and services to choose from, including the likes of FaceTime, Skype, and WhatsApp. These apps even allow you to talk to more than one person at one time, allowing you to have a mini family reunion from the comfort of your own home.
Send a gift
If you can’t be with someone this festive period, you can still let them know that you’re thinking of them. Sending them a gift is a great way to do this. There are a number of impressive gift ideas out there, especially if you’re looking online, and provided that you don’t leave ordering until right at the last minute, you should be able to get your gifts delivered directly to the recipient’s door. From decadent hampers and bouquets of flowers to pot plants, there is something to suit all tastes.
Get creative with video games
If catching up via video chat alone isn’t enough, why not get creative and play an online video game? This interactive experience will allow you to connect to those you’re unable to be with this Christmas, yet it will feel like you’re in the same room!
Send a letter
A handwritten letter is something that everyone loves to receive. It’s more personal than an email and can be as short or as long as you desire. It’s a great way to let loved ones know you’re thinking of them, and also what you’ve been up to! For many of us, it’s also a chance to practice our handwriting!
Teach parents and grandparents how to video call
If your parents and grandparents aren’t quite as tech-savvy as you, gift them an iPad or smartphone this Christmas and teach them how to video call! They’ll love being able to see your face and their grandchildren’s faces on a regular basis, and will feel less like they’re missing out on the little one’s growing up!
Plan a family trip
Even if you’re unable to get together for Christmas, this doesn’t mean you can’t plan a future trip! This will give everyone something to look forward to and make Christmas without one and other that little more bearable. Planning a holiday after Christmas and New Year is also likely to be a lot more budget-friendly – you may even be able to grab some last-minute deals!
Cook together over video call
If you’re unable to share Christmas lunch together, why not organize a family cook-off over video call? Send a list of ingredients to everyone taking part pre-call and cook-up a storm whilst catching up with your nearest and dearest. This is also a great way to see who the star chef in the family is!
Challenge friends and family to online games
It’s traditional for families to partake in a number of board games over the festive period. Just because you’re not in the same city or country doesn’t mean you can’t continue this tradition. Nowadays, there is an assortment of brand new board games for spelling-lovers, strategists, card sharks and trivia buffs out there – all of which can be played online.
Share photos
Using an online photo-sharing app is a great way to communicate with loved ones this holiday season. You can add a variety of photos throughout the day, which will have the effect of making those unable to be with you feel part of the celebrations. From putting up the tree and opening Christmas presents to pulling crackers, enjoying the Christmas feast and dad falling asleep in front of the fire, capture every moment on camera and get sharing!
Get creative with Christmas cards
Let your imagination go wild and create an assortment of Christmas cards, complete with family photos of Christmas days you have spent together in the past. This will remind your nearest and dearest of the good times and of festive periods over the years. You can either make your own at home or use an app to fashion personal Christmas cards.
Sources: mentalfloss.com
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