Christmas is upon us, and whether you or your family celebrates it or not, it’s a fantastic time to reconnect with family, friends and loved ones. For some, December might be packed with catching up with friends, having Christmas lunch with our family or heading out for social events in our local community. But that’s not always possible if we’re separated by distance, commitments or illness. Luckily, technology can bridge those divides and bring us together no matter the barriers. Let’s take a look at some ways we can use technology to stay connected this Christmas.
What Connection Really Means
The traditional way we think of staying connected with people is through sharing a physical space, and before fast internet, that was the primary way to stay in touch. But now, we have the digital space to share the festive joy.
In today’s technology-driven era, there are many ways to connect that doesn’t mean you have to be in the same place as somebody else. This has unlocked many different avenues we can take if trying to organise in-person doesn’t work out.
At the end of the day, connection is a feeling not an act. We are squishy and imperfect, but feeling like a part of something else can help boost our moods as we close out the year. Especially at Christmas, staying in touch can mean that little extra more, so if you need, use technology to connect with those that matter to you.
How you can Use Technology to Connect this Christmas
1. Old Fashioned Video Call
Okay, calling video calls ‘old fashioned’ might be a bit of a stretch. But it is the simplest way — and often most effective — to use technology to connect at Christmas. Whether you spend a few hours talking with friends, family or parents on the lead-up to Christmas, opening each other’s presents on Christmas Morning or sharing any other Christmas traditions, there’s no reason these can’t still be done over a video call.
To get the best out of this experience, spend some time to set things up properly. Put the call on a big screen that’s close-by so you can easily see them (and vice-versa!). If you can, plug into an ethernet cable to avoid Wi-Fi dropouts or poor connections.
2. Shared Digital Experiences
If talking isn’t really your thing, there are many different ways to spend time with somebody — or bodies — online. A big one today is online gaming where no matter your skill or experience, there’s something out there for you or your group. Whether you have gaming consoles, virtual reality, a family computer or just relying on your phone, there’s no reason this cannot work for you.
If that’s not your thing, there are other experiences you can share together. You might want to watch a Christmas movie together or, if you have the skills, create your own custom experience for you and your group to share. If you want to go the extra mile, you could plan an entire digital day with various activities for everyones, with technology being a great facilitator of this. There really is a lot out there to discover and make with technology at our fingertips.
3. Use Social Media for Good
The current social media landscape gets a lot criticism in today’s world — often for good reason — but that doesn’t mean there are ways we can use it for good. Instead of doom-scrolling TikToks, instead use social media as a way to share your holiday experiences.
You might band together a small group to get everybody to share what their Christmas looks like, or challenge the larger sphere to experience everything the holidays have to offer. If used well, there’s a lot of ways social media can be used for good; to include rather than outcast. Unfortunately, due to the Australian social media ban for under 16s, this may not prove to be as inclusive of an option as it once was.
4. Find Offline or Online Communities
If you’re family is away or you don’t have anybody to spend Christmas with, it’s a good opportunity to find communities to be a part of this holiday season. Whether you want to join an in-person or online community, technology is a great way to seek communities out. Have a roam around Facebook groups, local community websites or online noticeboards to see what’s offered around your community.
If you’re more of a digital person, there are plenty of online communities to find this Christmas. From Christmas livestreams on YouTube or Twitch to more text or conversational communities on Reddit or other forums. There are plenty of online events too! Have a look around and find something that sounds fun. Or, if you’re the type or organise events, technology can help you make one yourself — there are many out there who will enjoy different Christmas events.
5. If all else fails; send a simple “I’m Thinking of You”
I can be tough when you can’t connect with loved ones at Christmas time, but that doesn’t mean you have to be completed disconnected. Instead, let them know you’re thinking of them by sending a digital card on Christmas day so they know you’re thinking of them.
Better yet; send them a digital experience! There are so many out there, either to send on Christmas Day or as a build up to the 25th. For example, Jacquie Lawson Cards sell digital Christmas Cards which you can customise and send to those you care about. They also sell a digital Advent Calendar you can gift, which gives 25 days of cheerful surprises on the lead-up to Christmas.
Whichever it is, connect this Christmas
Christmas is a time to come together and re-discover the joy of communities and connection. It should never be a time to feel like you have no choice but to be alone. So, get into the holiday spirit, and don’t let circumstance stop you from reaching out and enjoying the end of the year. So this Christmas, use technology to connect with those you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
At FONSEKA, we’re experts in software development. If you’ve got an idea for a holiday-themed online experience, let’s chat and see how we can build it! Let’s make an amazing experience together https://fonseka.com.au/contact.