The holiday season is about family traditions and togetherness. However, for some seniors this can make the season feel bittersweet. Fortunately, with the help of the internet and technology, many of us can still find the connection that the holidays are all about.
Try these simple and creative ways to have fun and feel close to family and friends, no matter where you are.
Imagine a lively virtual room where smiles and laughter connect everyone, bridging the miles between loved ones. Virtual holiday gatherings, powered by Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, or Skype, can help to recreate the warmth of family celebrations digitally.
Pick a platform that balances ease of use and advanced features. Encourage holiday attire and festive backgrounds for added fun. Finally, send digital invites with instructions, considering everyone’s time zones.
Plan activities like holiday trivia or gift exchanges, and continue cherished traditions to keep the festive spirit alive. Remember to capture these moments with group recordings or screenshots, creating digital keepsakes that can be viewed for years to come.
Even if you can’t be near your family this holiday season, you can still enjoy your annual tradition of watching Christmas movies together.
Most major streaming platforms offer features that allow different households to sync up and stream movies concurrently. They also have a chat feature so that you can comment and share reactions in real-time.
Choose a movie that resonates with everybody. If you are not sure which one to pick, create a poll, so everyone can vote on the selection. If there are many children in the family, consider organizing a separate watch party for them.
Encourage everyone to make their favorite movie munchies and share photos of their set-up. You could also kick off the evening with a virtual catch-up or wrap it up with a discussion about the movie.
In an era where text messaging is usually the go-to for quick communication, customized video messages and e-greetings are a thoughtful way to send holiday wishes.
Several online apps and tools allow you to create personalized e-greetings. You can select from a variety of templates or design yours from scratch. Add family photos, festive graphics, and personal messages to make each greeting unique.
Video messages are another great way to convey holiday cheer. Whether it is a simple song, greeting, or a montage of family members sharing their wishes, these videos can be an alternative to a written message.
Once your video messages or e-greetings are ready, you can share them via social media or messaging apps.
There are numerous apps to help you stay connected to friends and family. Aside from popular platforms like Instagram and Facebook, apps like WhatsApp make it easy to communicate with loved ones across the globe. Send pictures, voice notes, and texts, or bring the whole family together with a group chat.
The holidays are a great time for reflection, togetherness, and sharing joy. When being physically together isn’t possible, these digital tools offer meaningful ways to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Happy holidays, regardless of where you are in the world!