7 Ways to Stay Connected on Assignment During the Holidays

The hustle and bustle of a new assignment can make time away from family and friends during the holiday season hard to handle. But while not being at home during the holidays can be tough, you can stay connected with family and friends by following these seven tips.

Fill your calendar before you leave. Do reconnaissance about the area you’ll be in on assignment and add local holiday events to your calendar. Pencil in your activities, both in person and with your family virtually, so you don’t miss out on the celebrations.

Prepare ahead of time. If you anticipate feeling a little blue being away from home this time of year, ask your family and friends to give you notes or small packages to open while you’re on assignment. These little reminders from home can help ease any feelings of homesickness and keep you connected to your loved ones.

Holiday greetings. While you’re away is the perfect time to write your holiday cards with a personal note. Commit to tackling three or four each day, and you’ll be through your list before you know it. Tell the recipients what they mean to you by remembering a shared experience or sweet memory.

Share your perspective. If you’re in a different part of the country, check out how the locals celebrate the holidays and share that with your family through videos and photos. Bring your family along with a video call if there’s a live event, like caroling, a Christmas market, or lighting the Christmas tree. Be sure to grab some local holiday goodies to ship home or bring back with you. On the flip side, ask your family to include you the same way in your favorite holiday traditions at home.

Create a holiday book club. To stay connected with your children, consider having a holiday book club where you each have the same book and either read it together at designated times for younger kids or read and discuss it with older ones. Book suggestions include The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Very Merry Murder Club, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, and A Christmas Carol.

Plan some virtual holiday events. Holiday crafts, game nights, and carol sings can all be done in a virtual world. Be sure to gather any supplies you might need; get it on the calendar and enjoy virtual time with your family and friends.

Schedule a holiday watch party. Pick your favorite holiday film and watch it at the same time with your family. Make hot chocolate or other favorite snacks to enjoy while viewing the film. Consider enhancing the experience through technology like the free Teleparty that allows you to watch together while apart.

Being away from home during the holidays doesn’t have to mean you miss out on your favorite traditions. With planning, you can still enjoy everything that makes the holidays special to you and your loved ones.