Celebrating the festive season remotely with family

As the year ends, people of all faiths are preparing for a variety of festivals and customs. Regardless of religious beliefs, however, December is widely acknowledged as a time for celebration and getting together with others. 

But for many families gathering in one place may not be possible this year, perhaps due to distance, work commitments, or other circumstances. While spending the holidays apart can feel disappointing for you and your child, it’s important to remember that there are still many ways in which the family can reunite. 

With some creativity and modern technology, families can stay connected, celebrate traditions, and create new memories, even from afar. 

Why is it important to celebrate the festive season as a family?

Celebrating the festive season with family is important for children for several reasons. It strengthens family bonds, allows for traditions to be passed down, and creates lasting memories. It helps them develop social skills, learn values like gratitude, and foster cultural awareness, providing a sense of identity and stability through familiar routines.

How to celebrate traditions virtually

Here’s how to enjoy the festive season and create new traditions, no matter where your loved ones are!

1. Video calls

Create a group call on Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp to catch up on life updates and celebrate together. You can centre the call around religious traditions like lighting a menorah or sharing prayers. Young children can participate by showing their holiday crafts or decorations.

2. Film nights

Watching films together through film sharing apps allows you to watch films together, no matter the distance! You can even send messages discussing the film as it happens. Make sure to select child friendly films that will be easy for your child to follow so they feel included. 

3. Storytimes

To allow your child to feel a closer connection to family members who might be physically absent on these holidays, why not set up a virtual storytime, where relatives can read holiday-themed stories to children via video call.

4. Sing-along

Organise a virtual sing-along where everyone sings festive songs together. Young children will enjoy the interactive aspect, and familiar tunes will make them feel part of the celebration. There are many educational songs about different holidays and faiths online that the whole family can learn to encourage your child’s learning. 

5. Interactive games

Simple games like “I Spy” with holiday-themed items (decorations, colours, etc.) or scavenger hunts can keep your child engaged during virtual gatherings. For example, ask them to find an item in their house that relates to the holiday.

6. Cooking or baking sessions

You can get cooking altogether, sharing recipes so that your family can bake traditional holiday treats together virtually and share the results. To take this one step further you can help set up a special spot for your child and their meal in front of the camera so they feel included in the family gathering. 

Other ways to celebrate holidays apart

• Handwritten letters or cards

Encourage your children to send personalised holiday cards or letters to their relatives, maybe sharing what they’ve recently learnt at nursery to encourage their communication skills. If your child is not confident in their writing skills, assist them in communicating their feelings by encouraging mark-making for toddlers or letter formation for preschoolers. This practises their fine motor skills, which is key in helping your child learn to write and develop other motor actions. 

• DIY projects

Surprise your loved ones with handmade decorations or ornaments that you and your child have made together. Perhaps they coincide with a religious holiday such as Hanukkah, or represent each family member. You might ask your family members to open the packages on a video call so you and your child can share in the excitement. 

While this season may feel different when families can’t physically be together, it’s still important for our wellbeing to create meaningful connections with others. By embracing technology or getting creative, families can stay close despite the distance. 

This December, let’s focus on the joy of togetherness, no matter how it’s achieved, and create a festive season full of special moments for children and their families.