By: Alvina Brown

The holidays are a time when every things gets a little hectic –holiday parties, dinner hosting, cooking and baking, buying and sending gifts to family – the list goes on and on. But if you live far away, or are spending the holidays with other friends or family, it doesn’t mean you can’t share holiday cheer with nieces and nephews. You may have to miss your sister’s famous sweet potato pie, but you don’t have to miss your niece’s latest announcement about her loose tooth or your nephew’s updates on his latest LEGO® creations. Check out these savvy tips on how to stay in touch with your nieces and nephews during the busy holiday season.

1.  Set Aside Time

You make time for meetings, the gym and hair appointments, so how about scheduling a time to talk to your nieces and nephews? Set aside a time and find out what they are thankful for, or even get a head start on their Christmas list.

2. Fix a Holiday Treat

The good thing about desserts is that they travel well. Nothing screams “the holidays” like sending a family favorite to loved ones or making your Great-Aunt Sarah’s famous chocolate chip cookies. Pick a dessert you think your nieces and nephews like, or ask for a request, bake (or buy) and send it to them with a cute note. Want it to be a secret? If they are older and have a Pinterest, check out their latest sweet treat pins and surprise them by making some of all of it!

3. Holiday Cards

Kids love getting stuff in the mail. Send a personal note in each card for all of your nieces and nephews to let them know how much you miss them. Throw in a little cash or a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant for the perfect touch.

4. Make a Tradition

Traditions are a great way to stay in touch and connect with family. Contact your little ones and agree on a tradition you can do together, from a distance. Whether it be ice skating, or volunteering at shelter, call your nieces and nephews and talk about your experience afterward. It’ll almost be like you did it together.

5. Plan a Trip

It’s already heartbreaking enough that you can’t spend the holidays with your nieces or nephews but letting them help you plan your next visit can keep the sadness at bay. Work out dates as to when you can see them, whether you’re their Valentine or plan a weekend when you’re free. Planning ahead and keeping them in a loop shows them you’re looking forward to seeing them and gives them something to be excited about. Of course, younger children don’t understand time and how February 14 is not tomorrow.  You won’t want to disappoint them, so keep this tip for school-age kids.

6. Video Chat

Nothing can replace physically being with your family but Facetime and Skype are a great substitute. Video call them and include them in what you’re doing. Why not share how you’re decorating your Thanksgiving dinner table? And they will share their Thanksgiving decorations with you! And for the December holiday season, you can light your Hanukkah Menorah candles together, or decorate your Christmas trees at the same time! Why not sing carols together? And Christmas morning, it will be fun to open your holiday gifts together you can see each other’s reactions!

Photo: Mr. Alliance
Published: Novermber 17, 2015