By Katelyn Fry

The holiday season generally means a number of things: love; family; friends; shopping; eating; traveling… the list goes on and on. While much of the world - business, schools, etc. - pauses for the holidays, not everyone is always fortunate.

Maybe you’re a business owner, and since all of your employees will be out of the office, you need to stay and make sure everything is in order. Or, maybe you are someone’s assistant and if they’re working, you’re working. Or, perhaps you just started a new job and it’s too early to get time off. Maybe you’re in a profession that never closes, like the medical field, customer-service, bartending or serving, etc.

There are a variety of jobs out there that can deter us Savvy Aunties from being where we truly want to be during the holidays – with our family. While the concept of Friendsgiving is growing more and more popular and is a great alternative, it depends on what your friends are up to, as well. And, at the end of the day, no one can replace your relatives when you really want to be with them.

My siblings and I have been in this situation several times and have found the following ideas really helpful. I hope you do, too!

1. Holiday Do-Over!

Pull out your calendar and find the most quiet time of the year – a month with no major holidays, or a when business (whatever kind) may be slow. Tell your employer far in advance that you would like a time off during this period and plan a “Holiday Do-Over.” Choose a time that works for everyone you want to see, and get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in March, or Hanukkah in June!

This alternative actually comes with a couple of benefits. For starters, you no longer have the anxiety of missing work during an inconvenient time, you get even more quality time with your nieces and nephews because the rest of the family isn’t there, and to celebrate a holiday long after it’s over makes for a pretty silly and fun time - and one that is sure to be a memory you and your little loves will never forget.

2. Bring the Occasion to You!

It isn’t often that I praise technology, but thank God for FaceTime and Skype. Apps/programs like these are extremely helpful during times like this because they allow you to be as present as you can possibly be while still being apart. If you are a long-distance Auntie, you are probably already familiar with the two above. When it comes to holidays, however, sometimes you need more than just a quick “hello” to everyone.

Here's how to make it special. If you can’t make it to the occasion, bring the occasion to you. Make sure everyone is connected and settle in for a nice, long virtual visit. Join them at the Thanksgiving dinner table, by the tree on Christmas morning, or for lighting the Menorah candles during Hanukkah. Being able to see and not just hear each other makes a world of difference, especially when it comes to having a laugh with your niece or nephew over what they really thought of Grandma’s casserole, or watching them open the presents you mailed them.

3. Make it Like Home!

Video chatting can also come into play with this next suggestion – don’t let your absence stop you from celebrating. Decorate your home exactly how your family would have it. Indulge in all the traditions you grew up with, whether it be hanging up lights and stockings, making an old family recipe, watching a certain holiday movie, you name it. To be surrounded by familiar holiday décor is guaranteed to give you that “at home” feeling and make the situation just a little more bearable.

For example, my sister, Bonnie, has lived in South Africa for the last 12 years. Needless to say, Thanksgiving isn’t recognized there, but that hasn’t stopped her from celebrating every year, as well as making sure my two-year-old niece, Ava, does too. Ava will be making her third construction paper cut-out turkey this year by tracing her hand, a Thanksgiving tradition my mom has instilled in my siblings and I since we were born. Being able to enjoy this activity with Ava over video chat is the next best thing to being together, and certainly allows us all to temporarily forget about the distance between us.

Happy Holidays! From near or far!

Photo: kegfire
Published: November 9, 2016