How to Celebrate The Holidays With Loved Ones Long Distance
December 6, 2021
The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with loved ones and eat good food. But many of us are farther away from family and friends making it challenging to see over the holiday season. Feelings of sadness, stress, and frustration can be normal if we are not with loved one’s face-to-face or our plans change last minute. Luckily there are other ways to celebrate with those long-distance friends and family.
Keep Your Holiday Traditions Alive
One way to celebrate the holidays is getting gifts ready for the post office. If you often exchange gifts for Hannukah or Christmas with loved ones, shipping your gift ahead of time can ensure it arrives in time for the holiday you are celebrating. This is a great way to stay connected with friends and family and keep one another in mind while you are away from home.
Another way to stay connected is continuing any family traditions you used to do with loved ones. Whether it is putting a tree up and decorating it for Christmas or making mom’s famous sugar cookie recipe. Upholding traditions allows us to feel together, and it is even better when you include someone else in the activity, such as a friend or neighbor.
Create a New Holiday Tradition
Sadly, you may have to ditch some old holiday traditions this year if celebrating long distances. But on a more positive note, this provides an opportunity for new ones! Maybe try out different decorations around the house or pick out something fun like playing games together virtually and see what sticks best for your long-distance holiday celebration.
Celebrate the Holidays Virtually
Technology allows us to connect with family around the world without having to travel. Video chatting with a loved one can be done with a strong Wi-Fi connection and the press of a button. Some fun ideas include pre-planning a holiday dinner for those on either end of the video call. Or using Facetime to open presents on the day of Christmas together. It is an easy way to be ‘there’ for the holidays.
The holidays are a time to enjoy traditions, like new year resolutions and be thankful and surround ourselves with loved ones and great spirit. While many of us cannot be with family and friends in person, there are still many ways to keep them in our hearts and stay connected during the season. From everyone here at The Hickman Senior Living Community, Happy Holidays!