Bellingham Athletic Club

Will Everyone Be Home This Year?

Staying in touch with family and friends that live far away can be tough. It’s more noticeable during the holidays. Here are some ideas for you and your family to stay connected even when miles separate you.

Video Schedule video calls using Facetime and Skype. While you’re “together” online, share a family tradition like stringing popcorn or hanging lights. This can be a good time to start a long distance tradition.
Phone Make time for a phone call. Put the call on speaker so everyone can talk together.
Pictures

Sharing pictures is a great way to keep up to date. Here are a few ways to do this;

  • Make a private Facebook group where members can upload their photos and messages for sharing to the group.
  • Use Google photos to create shared albums for friends can upload their favorite pictures into one album.
  • Pastbook and Mixbook are online photo album sites that have the option of making photo books collaboratively.
Books

Hallmark makes recordable storybooks with voice capture technology. The book records the voice of the person who is reading the story. It’s an ideal way for Grandparents to “read” stories to their grandchildren when they can’t be together.

Did you just read a great book? Send it to a friend, or share an e-book online. Then you can discuss it over Skype.

Snail Mail

Everyone loves getting letters in the mail; make them even more special with real handwriting.

Send care packages with pictures, notes, and a few treats. It will make anyone who is separated from their family feel loved.

Our armed forces who spend holidays away from their families deserve connection, too. Think about sending books, treats, and letters to those who are protecting our freedom. There are several organizations who help. The USO is a good place to start.

Do you have more time and energy to share? Food banks can always use an extra pair of hands. The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County has many opportunities for helpers.

I hope you can stay in touch with the ones you love, and have a wonderful holiday season.

Susie Landsem
contact@aginginplacebydesign.com
Susie provides design and building solutions for people who want stay in their homes safe and independent.