How to Connect with Family Long Distance Over the Holidays

Nothing screams "vacation" quite like going home for the holidays, but that's a luxury that not everyone can indulge in each year. If you're finding yourself separated from your family this season, don't fret though. It does happen, and there is a way to power through while still getting some face time with your loved ones.

Scroll through our six tips for how to stay connected to the people you care about when you are decidedly not home for the holidays.

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Write Letters

There's a reason Santa takes letters and not emails. Writing a letter to a loved one by hand is a great way of interjecting yourself into the process of what you write. It feels personal, it connects you, and it'll be sure to put a smile on your family's face when they open it.

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Skype

Skype and FaceTime may have their limits, but they sure are a great way to get some face-to-face conversation with those you love.

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Open Gifts Together at the Same Time

Just because you aren't physically in the same place as someone else doesn't mean that you can't share an experience with them. Try coordinating present time with your long distance loved one and share the magic of gifting together.

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Think ahead when you're together

Take advantage of any time you do have together before you have to part, and if you're leaving a little one for awhile, a pre-recorded storybook is a great gift idea.

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Share your experiences through photos

It's no secret why Instagram is so popular—people love sharing their lives through photographs. If you're doing something for the holidays and you think, 'I wish this person were here with me,' don't just text them to let them know, but send a smiling photo too.

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Pick up the phone

It may be easier to email or text, but let's be honest here, sometimes a good ol' fashioned phone call really is the best way to get things done. Pick up the phone and make it happen.