• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Tricia Goyer HomepageTricia Goyer

Living God’s Word One Step at a Time

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
    • My Testimony
    • Online Archives
    • My Family
    • Professional Bio
    • Adoption
    • Homeschooling
    • Mentoring
    • Speaking
    • Close
  • Blog
  • Courses
  • Books
  • Media
  • Podcast
  • Write that Book
  • Shop
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Christmas / Connection with Far-Off Family Members This Christmas | 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 7

December 19, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 72 Comments

Connection with Far-Off Family Members This Christmas | 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 7

Festively decorated living room

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It can also be a difficult time when we are far from family. Even as I’m excited about seeing my son, daughter-in-law and grandson in Montana, I’m also sad that I can’t see my dad, four sisters and their families . . . for the second year in a row.
If you’re away from loved ones this year, here are eight ideas to help you connect across the miles and celebrate your family!

Connect across the miles and celebrate your #family this #Christmas with tips from @TriciaGoyer!

Click To Tweet

1. Send emails to long distance family members and collect their prayer needs. Spend a few minutes after dinner praying for those you love.
2. Skype with family members who live far away…or a missionary family you know. This can be an especially lonely time for missionaries who are not only away from family, but live in places that don’t celebrate Christmas the “American” way—if at all.
3. Create your own holiday journal. Allow kids to write messages in it (or help them write their messages) and save for years to come. Include things you did, gifts received, and even the words to your favorite Christmas songs…and then type them up or photocopy your messages and mail it to loved ones.
4. Ask family members from different generations to share family memories through letters.
5. If you have an old Bible from an elderly family member who is now gone, copy the notes in the margins or the verses he or she underlined and share them with family. My grandfather was a pastor. I have some of his old sermons, and I’m going to share some of them with my sisters.
6. Make photocopies of old, family letters—like from Grandpa’s letters home from WWII—and make copies for your family. Talk about the letters during a Skype call.

How do you plan on connecting with far-off #family this #Christmas? Share with @TriciaGoyer:

Click To Tweet

7. Watch the same Christmas movie or decorate cookies on the same night and then share photos on Facebook.
8. Speaking of sharing photos, don’t forget to snap photos above and beyond opening gifts. Take photos of the kids’ table, the Nativity set, your favorite ornaments, and the dinner table BEFORE you dig in.
I hope this list gives you ideas to connect across the miles. What are some of your ideas?? I’d love to hear!
 


goyer-christmas-giveaway

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 7

I’m celebrating Christmas with my favorite blog readers by giving away a different book pack each day! Today’s book pack is the Home to Heather Creek Pack, which includes Every Sunrise and Sweet September. Winners will be announced on my blog on Christmas day!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Christmas, Community, connect, family, giveaway Tagged With: christmas, connect, Family, giveaway, holiday, how to, tips


Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my newsletter, check out my podcast, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, or Instagram.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandy Harrox says

    December 19, 2013 at 6:07 am

    I would love to win , it would make my Christmas so special!!!

    Reply
  2. Sandy Harrox says

    December 19, 2013 at 6:10 am

    I will be sending emails and pictures! Talking on the phone to them.

    Reply
  3. Summer Rankin says

    December 19, 2013 at 6:33 am

    We use Skype. I have a son in Brazil and.a sister. in. Israel.

    Reply
  4. Donna Moore Forker says

    December 19, 2013 at 9:44 am

    Good-Morning,
    I hope the next year brings you many more books, because your fans really enjoy reading them!
    Blessings,
    Donna

    Reply
  5. Kerry says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I’m not super close to my extended far-away family, but I do call my grandmother and aunt on Christmas.

    Reply
  6. Cindy Springsteen says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:46 am

    We will speak on the phone or face chat.

    Reply
  7. Amy Bateman says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:04 am

    We love video chats with distant grandparents and other family members. Phone calls are nice, but it’s fun for the kids to be able to see and talk to relatives and not just Mom!

    Reply
  8. Jeanie Dannheim says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:18 am

    We use phone calls, Christmas annual letter, cards – email where possible. Sadly my elderly relatives do not use a computer so we rely on the old-fashioned phone call and cards. Blessed Christmas to you and your family!!

    Reply
  9. Leanna Morris says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:31 am

    Via email, snail mail, cards, letters..and an occasional phone call!

    Reply
  10. Sarah Stewart says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:35 am

    We talk via Skype. 🙂 then if course pics are sent. Would love to win.

    Reply
  11. Chris says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:38 am

    I will talk on the phone, and send cards.

    Reply
  12. Diana Montgomery says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:41 am

    I am staying connected by cards and emails. Maybe a couple calls. We sent new pics also.

    Reply
  13. Wanda Barefoot says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:44 am

    Thankfully all of my family is live close but I have a few great friends that are further away and aside from sending gifts I will be chatting on the phone.
    Thank you, Miss Tricia, for all of these wonderful and generous giveaways. 🙂
    Merry Christmas!
    Wanda

    Reply
  14. Paula says

    December 19, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    By Facebook.

    Reply
  15. Sue Brandes says

    December 19, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    I use Facebook,emails,and letters or cards.

    Reply
  16. Christy Maurer says

    December 19, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    Facebook keeps me connected to far off family members.

    Reply
  17. Beth Milinski says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    We stay connected with far off family with email, facebook, and phone calls depending on how busy everyone is. We have family in GA that we don’t get to see so its nice to have facebook and email to keep up! I would love to win any one of your books!!

    Reply
  18. Gayle Pace says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    We usually connect on Christmas on the phone. Miss everybody. My two girls are up KC way. HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone.

    Reply
  19. Merry says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    We send cards, pictures and a Christmas letter. Also e mails for some relatives.

    Reply
  20. Amyc says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    The only family I have that are far away are in heaven. And I have many Christmas memories with them and some kind of Christmas memento to remember them by

    Reply
  21. Susan Heim says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    We stay connected by sending Christmas cards with photos and a listing of the year’s highlights!

    Reply
  22. Debbie Rhoades says

    December 19, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    I will call them on the phone! Thanks for the chance, Tricia!

    Reply
  23. Heather says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    I send cards with a small message. I will also call them to wish them a Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  24. Kimberly Mayberry says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    We call them on the phone, text some, and talk with other family and friends though Facebook or Email. Merry Christmas! Thank you for all the wonderful and thoughtful giveaways and tips!

    Reply
  25. Deanna S says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Email, & facebook messaging. Will call my children! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  26. Linda Marie Finn says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    FB, Letters, Phone
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

    Reply
  27. Susan Johnson says

    December 19, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    Most of my family lives fairly close. We are planning on our family getting together in January.

    Reply
  28. Ruth Hill says

    December 19, 2013 at 5:47 pm

    Social media and online shopping do the trick!

    Reply
  29. Carrie says

    December 19, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    We are traveling to be with our family.

    Reply
  30. Barbara Thompson says

    December 19, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    We are traveling to spend Christmas with some of the family. The others in the family we will call, except on our way home we will be driving close enough to stop and visit another family member.

    Reply
  31. Mippy/Sabrina says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    I send cards and/or emails 🙂

    Reply
  32. Alyssa Faith says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    I’ll be using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

    Reply
  33. Lisa Watson says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    Another way to connect with family who may be far away…send your specialty baked goods. If you are known for your sugar cookies, your trail mix, whatever, send some with a heartfelt letter.

    Reply
  34. Candy says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Sending a card to everyone!

    Reply
  35. Hannah Kooiman says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Phone calls.

    Reply
  36. Jinny Bishop says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:03 pm

    We will skype with those unable to be with us. We will even skype with relatives in Germany! Already shipped off some gifts for the little ones………..and we will go to church on Christmas Eve with the family here…..
    Merry CHRISTmas to you…….

    Reply
  37. Frank says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:03 pm

    Skype is the way to go.

    Reply
  38. Marlyce Hammen-Suter says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    I will connect with my family by using Skype and through Facebook. Then, when January comes, we will all make a trek to my uncle’s cabin for an after holidays get together.!

    Reply
  39. Judy D. Kramer says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    We have family get together’s ( for the ones that can make it ) I have two this year and I also go to each of my children’s homes for Christmas ,which has to be spread out over two day’s(I have four children,31 Grandchildren & 9 Great Grandchildren !!! ) Merry Christmas everyone !!!!! I am Blessed !!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3

    Reply
  40. Tracy Melhinch says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    I have sent off cards and packages. My boyfriends Mom lives in Oregon, so we always call her Christmas day

    Reply
  41. Wen Mikulcik says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    I call and text friends and family that are far away, send Christmas cards.

    Reply
  42. chris granville says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    I will connect on facebook.
    Please have a blessed God-filled Christmas

    Reply
  43. Nikki says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    I keep in contact with my husband everyday by phone or skype. He lives in another state for work. I love hearing his voice!

    Reply
  44. Wendy says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    I stay in touch through facebook, emails and phone calls. I also pray a lot and read the Lord’s word.

    Reply
  45. Greg Netter says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:11 pm

    We text pics of us opening presents.

    Reply
  46. Robin V. says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    This may be silly, but I have cousins back on the east coast and we either Facebook or text each other. It works for us with our schedules and keeps us up to date on the latest goings on with our families. I do wish they would just move out here to sunny California, but for now, this works.

    Reply
  47. Lisa Cowell says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    I will be on my own again this year, so I will probably post a short status on facebook, text my daughter in the morning, and probably talk to her on the phone in the evening.

    Reply
  48. ANN*H says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    By calling them and emailing them pictures of everyone and our snow. Worthy news and pictures from Christmas gathering

    Reply
  49. Lyn Parker says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    I have enjoyed my first steps into the realm of Amish fiction through your books. Thank you!

    Reply
  50. Holly Struve says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    I love your blog ideas for long distance Christmas. My hubby and I Skype when he goes on trips for work and I chat a lot with my son and his wife who live in Illinois. I do have a bible from my grandma and one from an old friend. I am definitely going to check them out again. This year my grandkids are going to read from the bible on Christmas day. Thank you again Tricia for another great blog. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

    Reply
  51. Amy F says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    Plan on video conferencing with either Skype or Facetime.

    Reply
  52. Beverly says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:17 pm

    Tired of these giveaways…..never gonna win nothing.

    Reply
  53. Kelly Blackwell says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    My husband and I live in Arizona and our family is scattered from California to Pennsylvania. The best way we keep in touch is through lots of emails and letters before Christmas and many phone calls on Christmas day. We will visit the family that we do have that is farther away but still reachable via car drive before Christmas for our big family get together, but the ones that aren’t near will not be forgotten.

    Reply
  54. Christine says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    We’ll me talking on the phone!

    Reply
  55. Gidget says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    We’ll call and/or video chat with my parents and my sister.

    Reply
  56. Nancy M says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    We live away from all our family. Facebook has been a great way to connect and stay in touch with them.

    Reply
  57. Gay Idle says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:23 pm

    I just visited family in Georgia I haven’t seen in 7 years! Went ‘home’ just in time for the family Christmas Party. My sister and I had fun reminiscing over old photos of family members…some as far back as the 1800’s! One very special photo was of my dad celebrating his birthday with other servicemen celebrating birthdays in the month of January…in 1945…WWII!
    I took photos of all of my sister’s Christmas decorations and photos at the family Christmas party and have shared them in an album to all of our family, near and far!!

    Reply
  58. Katrina says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:28 pm

    None of my family live close so Christmas is always a long distance affair. I call my dad on his birthday which is the 22.
    My brother tries to come here for a few hours in between then and Christmas. Christmas eve I usually spend cooking and then Christmas morning with my children. Around lunch time I call my dad again, then my sister and brother. Last is my mother-in-law. We eat and then the children call dad again to tell him about everything going on from Christmas to school, grades, boyfriend, etc.

    Reply
  59. DeeDee says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:30 pm

    Facetime

    Reply
  60. Doreen Lamb says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:32 pm

    We will skype and talk as I watch my 3 1/2 year old and 7 month old grand daughters open their presents from me.

    Reply
  61. Lane Hill House says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:35 pm

    visiting one, sent mailed packages to the others ~ Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

    Reply
  62. Sherrie C. says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    By phone, Facebook, and skype since my hubby and son live out of state.
    callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  63. Tonia says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:40 pm

    I have a lot of family all over the country but mostly in the south and Facebook is a great way to stay in touch

    Reply
  64. Jeni Clark says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    I stay conndected through facebook, email, cards and phone calls!!!

    Reply
  65. Cheryl H says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    Calling them – and then visiting after Christmas. 🙂

    Reply
  66. Ann M says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    I keep in touch with some thru Facebook, email and texting. My little 3 year old grandson is 2000 miles away so all year this year I’ve been sending him a goofy or smiley snail mail card. He loves them. And of course talking on the phone. My computer is OLD do I can’t SKYPE with them. 😉

    Reply
  67. Nicole Konotopka says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    We Skype, one of us has the conference calling feature which is so NICE as there can be several of us all visiting. The kids will take a turn to with the kids, sharing their favorite stuff. I am sure the what does the fox say will play enough times my brain will hurt:) We used to all be together as kids when we were growing up, Skype has allowed us to be together even though we aren’t in the same room, its not the same but it feels so good to see them and wish them well for the new year! And plan the next holiday when we will all be there in person.

    Reply
  68. Sherrey Meyer says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    Definitely reaching out to family via phone — it’s the easiest way to catch them between nearby relatives’ homes. Otherwise, Christmas cards and notes and maybe an email or two.

    Reply
  69. Joni Owada says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    Facebook and Skype are the ones I use the most

    Reply
  70. Jackie Tessnair says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    Facebook..

    Reply
  71. Monique Wood says

    December 20, 2013 at 7:57 am

    I would love to win. I truly enjoy reading your books.

    Reply
  72. Shirley Blanchard says

    December 20, 2013 at 8:08 am

    I will send cards to family and friends and call them, and some i will contac on facebook, i dont think i have read any of your books , so im sure hoping to win, thanks God bless and Merry Christmas
    Shirley B, jcisforme@aol.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

© Tricia Goyer | Privacy Policy

Made with by SA Designs