How to spread Christmas cheer when they’re not here

With the pandemic interfering with daily life, we begin to worry if we will be able to spend Christmas with our loved ones this year. Therefore, we have gathered together some ideas on how to feel connected during the Christmas period.

As we wait to hear the government guidelines for Christmas Day regarding coronavirus, it is natural to become anxious about whether we can spend Christmas with our loved ones or not. Whether they are on the other side of the world or sheltering from the virus, we are all wondering how this Christmas will turn out.

We should all be experts by now at video call quizzes and virtual games following the previous two lockdowns but I think we are now wanting something a bit different. I have gathered together some fun and meaningful ways to stay connected and spread the same amount of Christmas cheer without spreading the virus.

Firstly, let’s go old fashioned for a moment. Taking the time to write a letter and putting all of your thoughts and feelings on paper can be a sentimental way of spreading the love this Christmas. With a Christmas stamp and a bit of thought, this can really show the recipient that you are thinking of them at this distant time.

Get everybody online! The more vulnerable, elderly relatives will appreciate you going that extra mile to teach them how to use a social media platform or a video calling software. Social media can be a negative platform sometimes, however, if you like to share things occasionally on Instagram or Facebook, your relatives will feel more involved in what you are up to.

Alternatively, it is always important to put time aside and pay attention to other people’s lives, so pick up the phone or laptop and have a video call. Making the extra effort to reach out to loved ones over the phone can help you both to feel connected.

A photograph is sometimes all you need to remind yourself of a happy time with a loved one.

Plympton Photoshop has a great selection of personalised photo gifts from mugs to canvas prints and everything in between. What better way to show your loved ones that you are thinking about them than a personalised photograph of a great memory. You can even get that special memory printed on a t-shirt which can make them feel even closer to you.

Many people will have relatives all across the world on Christmas Day which might be difficult and costly to send them large presents.

SnapFish have a sharing platform where you can all contribute to the same photo album. Buy two and you’ve got some great memories you can both share even on the other side of the world!

Christmas Day is full of classic Christmas movies and specials both on streaming platforms and TV. I always find that a great way to feel connected is to watch a film/tv series at the same time, this way you can speak about it after and have lots to discuss or laugh about. Amazon Video has released a ‘Watch Party’ where two or more households can watch the same film at the same time. If they do not own an Amazon Prime membership, now is the perfect time to gift them with a subscription.

Our editors guide on what to watch has a selection of our top picks that are set to be released this December!

Starting up your own book club is also a great way to bring people together. Being entirely engrossed in the same stories and characters at the same time is really special and it also keeps yourself busy and engaged in something healthy whilst the world is uneasy.

If creating your own mixtape is a little too dated, you could gather together some songs that remind you of them and make a playlist on Spotify. You and your loved one can both listen to the playlist which can bring back fond memories.

Showing that you are thinking of someone can make someone’s day. As an early Christmas present, purchase a ‘Light up the Room’ for yourself and your other half or child who you are unable to see during the Christmas period. These unique lamps are more than just a practical night light. When you are both in the room with the lights, you can send a light of their favourite colour to the receiver’s light to let them know you are thinking of them. For children who have struggled to sleep with the distance of their loved ones, this can be a lovely silent reminder of your love for them to send them off to sleep.

Baubles are traditionally family heirlooms and have individual value. Sending somebody a bauble that will remain on their Christmas tree throughout the Christmas period is a great little reminder that can come out again each year. You can get personalised baubles from www.notonthehighstreet.com or perhaps you could make your own!

We all need a little something to look forward to at the moment which means organising a fun plan with your loved ones will help to take your mind off the pandemic! It doesn’t have to cost the earth either, a winter stroll with a hot drink can be all that is needed for a lovely catch up!

Thoughtful jewellery that they can wear every day, for example; a bracelet, necklace, watch or earrings will make them feel like the certain someone they are missing on Christmas Day is closer than they think by having that constant reminder.

The Christmas dinner is the pinpoint of the big day which might feel lonely if you are missing people this year. This idea might be challenging but you could have a video call at the table whilst you all tuck into your Christmas dinner? Give it a go, it might be a laugh!

Christmas time can be a difficult time for many for a lot of different reasons. Divorced parents, passed loved ones, financial worries and family conflict can all paint a negative and challenging picture of Christmas. With the pandemic on their shoulders as well, this year more than ever, we need to reach out to friends and relatives who may be struggling and to take time out of our fast-paced lives to make sure they are okay.

If your Christmas plans have already been disrupted and you find yourself in the possible circumstance that you may be alone during Christmas – Don’t forget that if you are living alone, you can form a support bubble with one other household to spend Christmas Day with. The same applies to you if you are in an abusive relationship because nobody deserves to feel trapped and unsafe, especially during a pandemic.

With the uncertainties of the pandemic, there is one thing certain – Christmas will still go ahead! It might just look a little different this year but this does not mean we can’t do all that we can to make it an enjoyable time for everyone! No matter where they are in the world!