Holidays can feel bittersweet when loved ones are stationed far from home. While we can’t always control where they are, we can create special ways to connect and keep the holiday spirit alive. Here are some thoughtful ideas for staying close, whether it’s through meaningful care packages, virtual celebrations, or creating new traditions that make the miles feel shorter.

1. Thoughtful Care Packages

Care packages are more than just boxes—they’re love, comfort, and a piece of home. Here are a few ways to make your holiday care package extra special:

• Personalized Holiday Boxes
  • Use holiday-themed wrapping paper to line the inside of the box, and top it off with a small artificial tree or battery-operated string lights for a touch of seasonal spirit. You could even add handwritten holiday messages to each item for a more personal touch.
• Include Taste of Home Treats
  • Pack in a mix of their favorite holiday snacks and treats—maybe cookies from their favorite bakery or a special family recipe. Just be sure to choose items that will travel well! Adding packets of hot cocoa mix or tea bags can also bring a bit of comfort to chilly evenings.
• Letters and Photos from Family and Friends
  • Ask family members and close friends to write a letter, make a card, or print a favorite memory. You could even include photos of holiday moments or kids’ holiday artwork to bring warmth and familiarity.
• Holiday Smells in a Box
  • Scents can instantly transport us back home, so include a small bottle of essential oil or sachet with holiday scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. This can make their space feel more festive.

2. Virtual Celebrations

Connecting through a screen might not feel quite the same, but with a little creativity, you can make virtual celebrations truly special:

• Virtual Game Night or Movie Marathon
  • Many streaming services offer “watch party” options where you can watch the same movie together from different locations. For game lovers, pick a simple holiday game that works well over video, like charades or holiday-themed trivia. It brings everyone into the moment, sharing laughs and keeping the holiday mood lively.
• Cooking or Baking “Together”
  • Choose a holiday recipe that everyone can make, then set a time to cook or bake together over video. From decorating cookies to roasting marshmallows for s’mores, doing a shared activity can help bridge the gap. If you’re really ambitious, try preparing the same meal so everyone can share the same tastes and smells at the table!
• Create a Digital Memory Book
  • Put together a slideshow of holiday photos, past and present. During a video call, play it for everyone to enjoy and reminisce. It’s a meaningful way to bring up cherished memories, and you can even add fun holiday music in the background for that extra festive feel.

3. Family Traditions That Travel

Even if family members can’t be home, traditions can help everyone feel a part of the celebration. Here are some ways to keep family traditions alive across the miles:

• “Open Together” Tradition
  • If you have a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve, send a small, special gift for your loved one to open during a video call with everyone else. That way, they can participate in the same tradition, even from afar.
• Holiday Countdown with “Letters from Home”
  • Consider sending a set of daily notes or small items as a holiday countdown. They could open a letter each day or week leading up to the holiday. It’s like an advent calendar from home, with each note containing a funny memory, heartfelt message, or holiday quote.
• Simultaneous Tree Lighting or Candle Lighting
  • If your family gathers to light a tree or candles, coordinate to do it together on a video call. You can each share a few words, make a holiday wish, or say a prayer together. It’s a beautiful way to feel connected and welcome the holiday season.

4. New Holiday Traditions to Create Together

Distance can be a chance to create new holiday rituals that bring joy and make new memories, even from afar:

• Storytelling and Memory Sharing
  • Take turns sharing stories, either about past holidays or favorite memories with your loved one. It’s a simple way to make them feel connected, loved, and celebrated, and it can also become a heartwarming new family tradition.
• Joint Holiday Project
  • Work on a project together that brings a sense of shared purpose. For example, each family member could add their favorite holiday recipe to a shared family recipe book, or contribute a small DIY ornament to create a collection. These projects can become lasting reminders of the times you spent together.
• Holiday Video Messages for Kids
  • If there are young children at home, have your deployed family member record a holiday message, story, or bedtime routine that they can watch throughout the season. It helps kids feel connected, and gives them a sense of their loved one’s presence at home.

Wrapping Up

When family members are far away during the holidays, it can be hard to find ways to bridge the gap. But with a little creativity, you can create thoughtful traditions, meaningful celebrations, and warm memories that bring everyone closer—even across the miles. The love and effort you put into staying connected will make these moments special and remind your loved one just how important they are, no matter where they are.

Happy Holidays, and may your season be filled with love, connection, and a little bit of home!