The holiday season is traditionally a time for families to come together. Being a long-distance grandparent during this time of year can bring a mix of feelings, combining happiness and excitement while wishing for togetherness. Though there may be distance, there are plenty of meaningful ways to stay connected to your grandchildren through the holidays.

Bonding with your grandchildren, even when separated by miles, are cherished moments that will last a lifetime. Here are some tips on how to be a long-distance grandparent and still enjoy this time of year with your loved ones:

Send love from miles away.
The holidays are notorious for being a time of gift-giving. Sending thoughtful presents or writing a handwritten card can be a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation. While you may not physically be there to celebrate, with the right words or a unique gift, you can make them feel special.

Anything personalized holds meaning, so considering the unique aspects of your grandchildren can make for something special. Remember that there is no need to overexert your budget. Handmade gifts are often the sincerest. Put your crafting skills to use to add a personal touch that will always be valuable. Knitting a cozy scarf or hat, writing and decorating a personalized card, or making a scrapbook are festive mementos. Handmade gifts show love and compassion with the time and effort you’ve put into creating something just for them.

Virtual togetherness
With the help of technology, cell phones, and video chats pave the way for connecting with your grandchildren near and far. They make it easy to bridge the gap and bring you closer to your loved ones during this time of year.

Video calls are a fantastic way to have face-to-face interactions with your grandchildren. Schedule regular video calls on Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom to enjoy the season together. Try different virtual activities, such as a game, or go around and share some of your favorite memories from holidays past. Be creative! You never know when you’ll come across the start of a new tradition.

The great thing about video chats and phone calls is that multiple people can join simultaneously, allowing you to spend time with everyone, no matter the distance. When it comes time for a gathering or sharing a holiday meal, virtually invite your grandchildren to join. Hearing each other’s voices and sharing a smile can make the distance feel smaller.

Share moments of lasting memories
Reminiscing is one of the best ways to spread holiday cheer. Create a digital photo album of some of your favorite snippets. Along with the photos, include captions or short descriptions to make the photos more meaningful. Not only will this give your grandchildren a glimpse into the past, but it also helps them understand your family history and the stories behind each photo.

You can make digital photo sharing a collaborative activity too. Rather than doing individual projects, why not work on one together? You and your family can go in individually and add whatever content you wish. Going about digital photo sharing this way can be fun to be surprised when something new is added to your shared album.

Swap recipes
Food has a way of bringing people closer, and by exchanging tasty holiday recipes, you can pass on family traditions and feel connected even from afar. Just as you would a gift or a card, holiday treats can be shipped too! Whether it’s your secret cookie recipe or a cherished family dish, sharing a culinary treasure allows your grandchildren to experience a taste of your love and the joy of cooking.

Sharing recipes with your grandchildren is also an opportunity to start a new tradition or reignite an existing one. You can schedule a virtual cooking session to guide them through the steps like you are with them. From measuring ingredients to stirring the batter, cooking is a great way to have fun and feel festive.

Reunite beyond the holidays.
Traveling can be challenging during the holiday season, especially if your loved ones are far away. The combination of high prices and heavy traffic can make for a stressful trip during what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Instead, it’s always exciting when you have something to look forward to! Make up for the missed time by planning a trip to see your grandchildren and loved ones after the holiday rush subsides.

In the meantime, Gloria Dei’s 55+ Active Living Communities are full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re a party of one or accompanied by local friends and family, come enjoy the holiday festivities.