Staying Connected: Using Technology to Keep in Touch with Family During the Holidays

November 20, 2024

The holiday season is a time for family, warmth, and connection, yet distance can make it challenging to spend quality time with loved ones. Whether separated by miles or circumstances, technology provides many ways to stay connected and share special moments. Here’s a guide to using technology to keep in touch with family during the holidays, so you can make the season meaningful, no matter where you are.

Why Staying Connected Matters

Connecting with family and friends boosts emotional well-being, reduces stress, and makes the holiday season more joyful. For seniors, maintaining these relationships can combat feelings of loneliness, making it vital to leverage available technology to feel closer to loved ones.

Top Tech Tools for Staying in Touch

Video Chat Platforms
Video chat tools like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet allow for face-to-face interaction, letting family members share smiles, laughs, and meaningful conversations. Here are some quick tips for making the most of video calls:
- Plan Virtual Gatherings: Schedule a set time for family members to join, whether for a holiday dinner, a gift exchange, or simply catching up.
- Virtual Activities: Enjoy activities together, like cooking, decorating, or watching a holiday movie.
Social Media
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram make it easy to stay updated on each other’s lives. Sharing photos, stories, and holiday greetings keeps everyone in the loop. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a Private Group: Set up a family group where everyone can share holiday updates, photos, and memories in one place.
- Engage Through Stories and Posts: Use stories to show real-time updates, from decorating your tree to baking holiday cookies.
Messaging Apps
For quick and casual interactions, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and even traditional text messaging are great for staying in touch throughout the season. Some ways to make messaging meaningful include:
- Share Daily Check-Ins: Send a daily “Good morning!” or “Happy Holidays!” text to start the day.
- Use Voice Notes: Voice messages feel more personal and are a great option for family members who may not be comfortable typing.
Photo Sharing Apps
Photo-sharing platforms such as Google Photos and Shutterfly let you create shared albums, making it easy to enjoy and save holiday memories together.
- Create a Holiday Album: Start a new album for each holiday season where everyone can add photos, videos, and captions.
- Photo Books: Compile these photos into printed photo books after the holidays as a keepsake everyone can enjoy.
Virtual Cards and E-Greetings
Sending virtual cards through platforms like Blue Mountain, Paperless Post, or Hallmark eCards offers a fun, easy way to brighten a loved one’s day.
- Customize Your Cards: Add personal messages, photos, or even videos to make the card feel special.
- Send Group Cards: Some platforms allow multiple family members to sign a single card, creating a group greeting.
Online Games and Activities
Online games, quizzes, and virtual activities can bring family members together for some light-hearted fun. Whether it’s playing an online trivia game or participating in a virtual holiday scavenger hunt, there are plenty of options to keep the holiday spirit alive.
- Family Trivia Nights: Test each other’s knowledge with holiday-themed trivia.
Virtual Holiday Games: Platforms like Houseparty and Jackbox Games offer interactive games everyone can enjoy together.

Tips for Making Virtual Connections Meaningful

While technology helps bridge the distance, it’s the small efforts that make virtual connections truly meaningful. Here are some ideas to make your online interactions feel special this holiday season:

Set Up a Festive Space: For video calls, decorate your background to bring holiday cheer. This small effort can make a big difference in creating a festive atmosphere.
Include Remote Family in Traditions: If your family has special holiday traditions like lighting candles, baking, or singing songs, invite remote family members to join via video call.
Celebrate Milestones and Toasts Together: Whether it’s ringing in the New Year or toasting to family health, small celebrations over a video call make the season feel more unified.

Staying Safe and Secure Online

While connecting online, keep safety in mind, especially for seniors who may be less familiar with technology. Here are some tips for staying safe:

Set Privacy Settings: Check privacy settings on social media and photo-sharing platforms to ensure that only trusted family members can view and share content.
Avoid Scams: Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources, even if they appear holiday-related.
Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to well-known video conferencing and messaging apps to avoid issues with security and privacy.

Embracing the Season with Technology

This holiday season, technology can help you stay connected and share special moments with family and friends, no matter where they are. By using the tools available—video calls, social media, photo-sharing apps, and even online games—you can make the season feel warm, joyful, and filled with togetherness.

Metro Geriatrics understands the importance of connection for emotional health, and we’re here to support seniors and families in making the most of technology to stay close, even from afar. If you need assistance setting up virtual meetings or using tech tools to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out. The holidays are a time for loved ones, and we’re here to help you make every connection count.