family fun
Using Technology to Connect Your Family During the Holidays
family fun • family fun-traditions
Holidays are a time where we try to gather our family together to see how big the kids have grown, pass down holiday traditions and share stories of years gone by. For many families who live far apart, it isn't always possible to gather in person, but that doesn't mean you will miss out on seeing the kids' growth or sharing stories.
Families can connect using the same technology we use every day. Here are a few examples my family has used in the past to stay connected.
Using Technology to Connect with Family
Video Chatting
Video chatting is the most ideal because you can see and hear your family. Imagine your holiday dinner with your immediate family gathered around your dinner table eating Grandma's traditional green bean casserole. At one end of the table, Dad is sharing stories about eating the casserole when he was a little boy. At the other end of the table is a monitor with Grandma on video chat. Grandma is also eating the same green bean casserole and sharing how Dad didn't like green beans as a kid and would feed it to the dog under the table. Everyone laughs and is feeling very connected even though you are thousands of miles apart.
Examples of video chatting software are Skype, ooVoo and Google Hangouts.
Sharing Recorded Video
Due to schedules and time differences, it may not always be possible to have a video chat, instead, have each family record a video with messages to other family members and sharing stories of the past. Make several copies of the video and send it before the holidays. Each family can view the videos during the holidays and feel a little closer.
Videos can easily be created on most smart phones and tablets.
Conference Call
And if the video is out of the question, then there is always the telephone. Set up a call and gather the family around and catch up. Give everyone a moment to share how they are doing and tell stories about the past.
The holidays can be a time of hustle and bustle, but making the connection with your family is what is really important. Find a way to do it either in person or using the technology that we so often blame for pulling us apart. Remember to use the technology to enhance your life. Use technology to be more accessible and create a smart home that can be safe for your family.
Michele McGraw (ScrappinMichele) is a Lifestyle Technology Blogger and mom of four teens and tweens who blogs at Scraps of My Geek Life, a blog offering daily commentary, advice, reviews and shared experiences of how her real life and the tech life connect. Michele shows families how to use technology to enhance their lives. Her motto is digital over diamonds, gadgets before gold. She can be found socializing online at Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest Google+ and Instagram.
Latest posts by Michele McGraw (see all)
- Using Technology to Connect Your Family During the Holidays - October 26, 2013
