How to Use Technology to Connect with Loved Ones This Holiday Season
The holiday season is all about spending time with family and friends. Yet, with busy schedules and the reality that loved ones may live far away, it can be a challenge to feel close and connected. Fortunately, technology offers so many ways to bring everyone together—no matter where they are. Here are some creative, tech-savvy ways to stay connected with the people who mean the most to you this holiday season.
1. Organize Virtual Holiday Gatherings
Not everyone can gather around the same table, but video platforms make it easier to recreate that sense of togetherness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a cozy virtual movie night, planning a video call with family can make the miles between you feel a bit shorter. Set a time that works for everyone, send a digital invite, and let the holiday cheer begin! Zoom, Google Meet, or even FaceTime can help make this tradition accessible to everyone.
Use your Golden Coil to track time zones and different schedules so that everyone can join in on the fun!
2. Create a Shared Holiday Calendar
When you’re coordinating between multiple families and friends, a shared holiday calendar is a great way to keep track of everyone’s plans. Platforms like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar allow you to create events and share them with multiple people, helping everyone stay on the same page. You can even set up reminders for virtual activities, gift exchanges, or special holiday celebrations. Jot down special events and activities in your Golden Coil as you add them to the digital calendar. This gives you a quick glance at everything coming up and can help reduce holiday stress.
3. Organize a Virtual Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Nothing says holiday spirit quite like a Secret Santa gift exchange! Websites and apps like Elfster and DrawNames make it easy to organize a virtual Secret Santa, randomize names, and even create wish lists. Participants can then buy gifts online and have them shipped directly to each other. Set up a Zoom call to open the gifts together—it’s a wonderful way to share in the joy and excitement of gift-giving from afar.
Make a checklist in your planner to track gift ideas, shipping dates, and your budget, so you can stay organized and keep the holiday spirit alive. Utilize our Holiday Gifting layout or Online Orders layout to help keep things on track!
4. Plan a Virtual Holiday Cooking or Baking Session
One of the best parts of the holidays is gathering in the kitchen. This year, why not invite your loved ones to join in a virtual cooking or baking session? Pick a favorite family recipe, and everyone can cook or bake together over video call. It’s a fun way to share traditions and make new memories, even if you’re miles apart. Use your Golden Coil to create a list of ingredients, steps, and a timeline for cooking so that everyone stays in sync during the session. Our recipe layouts are a great choice for this activity so you can have all the recipes written down in one place!
5. Set Up a Shared Family Photo Album
Capture all those holiday moments in one shared album using Google Photos, Apple Photos, or Dropbox. This way, everyone can upload photos from their own holiday celebrations, creating a collective memory bank for all to enjoy. It’s an easy and heartfelt way to share in each other’s holiday joy and traditions.
6. Play Online Games Together
For a fun, relaxed activity, try playing online games as a group. Whether it’s a family-friendly round of Pictionary on Skribbl.io or a competitive game of trivia on Houseparty, online games offer a great way to bond and have a few laughs. You could even plan a virtual game night with multiple rounds and a leaderboard.
7. Host a Virtual “Holiday Lights Tour”
If holiday lights are a family favorite, set up a virtual holiday lights tour! Family members in different places can take video calls on the road or record short videos of light displays around their neighborhood. Later, everyone can share and enjoy the sights from afar, making it feel like you’re all enjoying the festivities together.
8. Create a Digital Holiday Playlist Together
Music is a big part of the holiday season, and creating a shared holiday playlist can be a fun way to feel connected. Apps like Spotify allow you to create collaborative playlists, so each family member can add their favorite songs. Whether you’re listening while baking cookies or wrapping presents, you’ll have a soundtrack that reminds you of each other.
9. Use Group Messaging Apps for a Holiday Countdown
Apps like WhatsApp, GroupMe, or even Instagram create a private group where family members can share daily holiday updates, photos, or countdowns to special events. You could do a “12 Days of Christmas” countdown with a daily challenge or holiday cheer message to keep everyone engaged. Keep track of fun countdown ideas in your planner—like daily challenges or prompts to share special memories.
10. Send Personalized Digital Holiday Cards
For a heartfelt way to connect, use apps like Canva or Paperless Post to create personalized holiday cards. These can be emailed or shared digitally with family and friends, making it easy to include everyone, even last minute. Personalize each card with a favorite holiday memory, a meaningful message, or even a recent photo. Utilize your Golden Coil for mapping out your card list, design ideas, and send dates so you can spread cheer to everyone on your list.
By planning ahead and using these tech-friendly strategies, you’ll be able to include everyone you care about this holiday season, no matter how far away they may be. Embrace the holiday spirit with a little extra planning—and a touch of tech!