Technology Brings People “Home” for the Holidays

Weather woes, travel difficulties, drained savings, it’s not always possible to make it home for the holidays. In the not-so-distant past, not being able to make it over the river nor through the woods would mean Christmas spent without Grandma. But nowadays, thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to feel connected to family and friends, even when you can’t be together during the holidays.

Here are some ways to stay in touch with the people you care about, even when you can’t be physically together.

Group Chat

International messaging applications, like WhatsApp, mean that family members are always just a click away, and conversations can transcend international lines. With a messaging app, the communication can continue throughout the day, no matter where the holidays may take (or keep) you.

Video Conference

Video-conferencing tools like Skype and Apple’s FaceTime help family and friends see each other in real-time, so that they can join those they love while they open their gifts, swap stories around the dinner table, or sing carols by the fire. It’s almost as good as truly being in the room together.

Photo Sharing

Just as wedding hashtags have become popular, it’s not uncommon to see holiday-themed hashtags for other family events. A holiday hashtag, like #JohnsohnFamilyXmas2017, is a great way to share and swap pictures when the memories can’t be experienced in real life together. The feed of holiday photos tells the stories of the holiday, from all of the places it was celebrated.

How Do You?

How do you stay connected during the holiday season? Have you used a group messaging app, or created a holiday hashtag? Share your experiences in the comments below!