Distance sucks. We all know how disappointing it can be to be away from our loved ones, even more so during the holiday season. With strict COVID-19 restrictions or simply being unable to leave home due to personal reasons, spending the holidays together with physically distant friends, family members, or partners could seem exceedingly challenging.
Doesn't it feel different when their presence isn't with us in person? While that may be true, there are many creative ways to welcome back the warmth of spending the holidays with your loved ones, even from a distance. Here are several innovative ways to combat those holiday blues and feel closer to your distant companions!
1. Make holiday-themed playlists for each other, or make one together!
This is a simple yet thoughtful way to show how much you love and care for someone. You can add all the songs that remind you of the person you're making the playlist for and convey how you feel through the lyrics. You can either trade playlists or create a collaborative one, wherein the other person can add their choice of songs to the same collection.
This holiday season, make the playlist holiday-themed! It's a fun and enjoyable activity, perfect for anyone to try.
2. Play online multiplayer games
If you and your loved ones are interested in gaming, whether PC, console, or mobile, try playing multiplayer games together. There are many games to choose from, from simple puzzles to intricate strategy games to first-person shooter ones.
If you're the zealous type, try competing in matches with or against the other person. But if you prioritize slow-paced stories and deep lore, try cooperative story-heavy games. This is a great way to simulate togetherness and imaginatively eliminate the distance between you and your loved ones.
3. Cook or bake together via video call
Are you and your loved ones immaculate home cooks? Or do you simply miss being able to work in the kitchen together? Cooking or baking together over a video call can be worth considering.
Pick a recipe, follow it simultaneously, and compare the results. Snap a pic after and share it on your social media; don't forget to tag the other person!
4. Order each other gifts
Bless online stores. Thanks to them, we can enjoy the convenience of shopping from home, not only for ourselves but for other people, too. Send your loved one a thoughtful gift from afar!
Figure out what they like and choose something accordingly, or send them something unique, like a DIY craft kit, subscription boxes, or anything custom-made or personalized! Have them send you something as well and unbox the gifts together over a video call.
5. ...Or, make a digital gift for them.
Gifts don't always have to be physical. If you're the creative type, design something for your loved one, like a digital greeting card! If you're a digital artist, making art for your loved ones is a sweet way to show how much you care for them this holiday season. If you can't do either of these, you can commission an artist to make art for them (an excellent way to support small creators!), subscribe them to a digital service, or send them your favorite book in digital form.
Which one of these ideas would you like to try this holiday season? Enjoy spending quality time with your loved ones and remember to cherish them always!
