This year has been challenging for plenty of reasons. For those of us who live states away from our relatives, it's been tough not being able to see them in person. That can make the holidays themselves feel pretty lonely. While hope is on the horizon, it won't come fast enough for many of us.
But that doesn't mean that all is lost. There are still plenty of great, safe ways to connect with your family this winter and celebrate together. By staying in and staying away from crowds or airports, you're doing your part to make sure that next year is as joyous as possible for families all around the world.
The holidays are all about being together — and that doesn't necessarily mean physically. Even from different time zones there are still ways to make this year memorable. Here are a few ways to connect.
1. Have a Family Zoom Session
I know, I know. By now, you're tired of digital chats and digital appointments. If you work from home, you might be dreading Zoom altogether. But Zoom meetings are a great way to connect with loved ones.
You can make things fun by asking family members to dress up in costume. Or maybe have everyone try to coordinate for a 2020 "Family Photo" screenshot.
You can also try timing your Zoom so that you can all eat dinner together, or open special presents together during the holidays. Make it fun, and make it unique.
2. Write Each Other Long Holiday Cards
I admit, I love making holiday cards online. Usually, my daughter is featured on them, since our loved ones aren't quite as invested in how my husband and I have grown throughout the year. But perhaps consider personalizing them for the special few in your life.
Handwritten cards require time and love. While any relative will love what gets sent, they'll really appreciate an old-fashioned handwritten letter to talk about the year. That letter will also be pretty historical for any relative who chooses to save it. It's been a crazy year. Write about it, and use it as a way to connect with someone you miss.
3. Send Small Gifts Throughout the Winter
It doesn't have to be anything big, nor should it necessarily be part of the holidays. But writing a set of small notes to an elderly relative, or perhaps sending spontaneous treats to a niece or nephew who's feeling a little lonely, will go a long way.
People are looking for things to look forward to right now. It's hard to plan out our next vacations when the future is somewhat vague. It's hard to know what July 2021 will officially look like. But January 2021 can be filled with small weekly surprises for grandma and grandpa, and that's a lot of fun.
4. Start Up a Weekly Family (or Friend-Based) E-Newsletter
Putting together weekly updates for a small group is great to help everyone feel in the loop. Ask family members if they have any updates to add, or what they did that week. Create photo challenges and contests if you feel inspired. Share plenty of pet photos, as they're always a hit. The more people contribute, the more creative it can be. And assembling it will be a really fun project that might make you temporarily forget how things have changed this year.
5. Make a Video Together
Think something like Gal Gadot's attempt at "Imagine" but way less awkward. If you have a big family and someone with excellent editing skills, you can create a big group project of everyone singing a holiday song together. It'll be fun to see how different households get innovative with their different parts. You can even schedule a time to stream the full video together when you're done. Then, you're left with a wonderful keepsake that includes everyone.
6. Mail Someone a Book and Start a Book Club
When you can't physically leave the house, books helps you mentally transport to someplace new. Sharing books is a great way to stay connected with friends and family members. Start your own book club with like-minded readers. That way, you'll always have something positive to talk about. If you have the money, buying other people a book is similar to buying someone a plane ticket right now, and they'll be very thankful.
7. Play Games With Friends and Family Members Online
If you grew up with board games, you might love to invite long-distance family to play a game of Scrabble online. Just look at the app store on your phone, or try to find a good multiplayer game on PC that multiple people would enjoy. Gaming can be a nice distraction, and gaming together can be a social activity.
8. Start a Holiday Ornament 'Secret Santa'
Aside from any other gifts, an ornament exchange with close family or loved ones may add a bit of fun to your holiday this year. Ornaments can even be handmade. If your particular group has a lot of children, the exchange can be a perfect way for them to bond with long-distance cousins.
Ornaments in general can be very sentimental, and getting involved in an exchange this year is a great way to brighten the mood while focusing on the true spirit of the holiday season.
