There’s no question that for most of us, this holiday season will look different than it has in past years. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many things, and with some parts of the world seeing new spikes and more cases than ever, many people have opted to stay home for the holidays this year.
Unfortunately, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “home for the holidays,” because it literally means staying put, wherever you live, with your immediately family. You might not be seeing parents, uncles, aunts, or even friends you consider to be family this season.
As a result, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, sad, and even frustrated. No matter how much you love your family home, there is nothing like spending time with the people you love around the holidays.
So, what can you do to feel connected with your loved ones, even if you’re miles apart? How can you still make this holiday season special when you can’t get together in-person?
1. Make Your Video Calls More Personal
By now, many of us are over Zoom meetings and calls. But, it really is a great way to feel more connected to your family because you can actually see their faces.
If you want to make these calls feel more personal over the holidays, don’t just “check in”. Instead, schedule them for a time that allows everyone to be involved, and do something together. That could mean having everyone eat dinner at that time, or gathering virtually to sing Christmas carols.
While you might be sick of video chatting, this is an opportunity to get creative and make it more special for the holidays.
This also gives you a chance to check in on loved ones that you may be worried about, like parents or grandparents who are in assisted living facilities. Nursing homes have been a hotbed for the COVID-19 virus, so many facilities haven’t allowed loved ones to visit. That can elicit fears of neglect, loneliness, or even abuse of your loved ones. If you’re worried about any of those things, talk to a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer. But, if you can, make sure to include your elderly family members in your video chat to check in on their mental and physical wellbeing.
2. Send Physical Holiday Cards
Over 2 billion Christmas cards are sent throughout the United States each year. But, about 500 million of those are e-cards. This year, instead of taking an “easier” route, try to send actual, physical Christmas cards. The people in your family will love getting something that was personally mailed by you, with your handwriting. It’s a small gesture that doesn’t take much time or effort, but it can make a big difference to family members who are feeling lonely this holiday season.
3. Make a Family Portrait
If you’re stumped over what gifts to give your family this year, why not work with one of your favorite artists, or look online and get a custom drawing/painting done of your whole family? It’s less expensive than you might think, and when you all can’t be together for the holidays, it will mean a lot to everyone.
Hiring an artist to draw a portrait of your entire family can make everyone feel that sense of closeness, even if you’re miles apart. Plus, it’s a gift that is easy to send, and everyone can hang it in their own homes to enjoy for years to come.
4. Watch a Movie Together
Is one of your usual traditions sitting down to watch a classic holiday movie together? You can still do that this year! Netflix recently launched its “Party” feature, which allows you to watch a movie or television show with a group of people at the same time. The content you choose will play the same for everyone, and there is a chat room included on the screen, so you can converse with your family while the show or movie is playing. It may not be the exact same as curling up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, but it’s the next best thing.
While the holidays will be different this year, staying positive and getting creative will help you to get through them. These are just a few ideas to get you started when it comes to staying connected. Remember, by keeping yourself and your family members safe this year, you can enjoy the season together next year and be even more appreciative for the people you love.