How to celebrate a holiday when separated from family members

Some times you can't always be surrounded by the ones you love when the holidays come around. Some times it's geographical separation because of work or military deployment, other times it's when you can't afford to travel to where your family is. Either way, it's possible to celebrate with the ones you love from a distance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Creativity
• Telephone, Internet, computer
• Love
• Holiday spirit

1. If you have access to a video camera and have some time before the holiday, make a short video for the ones you wish you were with.
   
   Record yourself surrounded by holiday decorations or what ever else you think will make your loved ones smile. Tell them how to feel about them and that you miss them. If need be, explain to them why you can't be with them on this holiday.
   
   You can either mail them the video (in which case, wrap it up like a present) or email it to them.
2. If you have a Web camera, set up a time on the holiday so your loved ones can see you on the holiday. That way they can see you wishing them love and happiness.
3. If you don't have other technology to send your holiday greetings with, a telephone call can do wonders. If you know when you family will all be gathered together, then call then. That way you can talk to everyone if you are going to be limited on time.
   
   And, it will probably boost your spirits to hear your loved ones voices.
4. If a telephone calls isn't an option (possibly because of military deployment), write a letter. Put all your loved and holiday cheer down on paper. It's a way to connect you to your loved ones that you are separated from. They will hold the piece of paper in their hands and know you held it too. It will bring you closer together, no matter how far apart you are.