How to Spread Holiday Cheer in These Unprecedented Times

As with many things in 2020, it seems that the holidays are going to take on a different shape than in previous years. Families all over are wondering what things are going to look like this holiday season. For example, traveling, holiday shopping, and close family gatherings may need to be curtailed thanks to the curve of new Covid-19 cases worldwide. 

Luckily, MyHeritage has a few tips for how you can spread holiday cheer in this unprecedented time. The current pandemic may be keeping you and your family apart, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected during this special time! Take solace in that fact that you can still have beautiful and memorable holidays, even if your plans have been altered.

Let’s talk about a few creative ways to keep the holiday spirit alive this year.

Host Virtual Get-Togethers

Although 2020 has been a year that none of us expected, there is something good to be said about the age we find ourselves living in: technology can bring us closer than ever before. While you may not be able to see your family in person, hugging them close and sharing a holiday feast, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. This holiday season, plan a virtual get-together for you and each member of the family!

As you organize this event, be sure that everyone is comfortable using the technology required to participate. While the tech-savvy younger generation may not need any pointers when it comes to a Zoom call, the grandparents in your family will likely appreciate the lesson. You can use these virtual gatherings to play board games or host trivia nights, and even share your meals together and open presents together virtually. It won’t be quite the same as gathering around the dinner table with all of your family members, but it’s certainly better than going without!

Virtual family gatherings may not be perfect, but they provide a way to be together, and share memories, love and laughter, even from afar. 

Pass the Recipes

There is something about a home cooked meal and that annual first taste of an old family favorite recipe that can transport you to another time or another place. This year, email or text your family and exchange all your tried and true holiday recipes to bring some familiarity to your seasonal spread. You can feel like you are with loved ones far and near with each bite, and this will make those holidays merry and bright. You can even plan or cook the recipes together virtually! 

Mail Out Handwritten Holiday Cards

Another creative way to stay connected with family members this holiday season is by putting some time into mailing handwritten holiday cards to each member of your family. While technology is great and has made many things in our day to day lives more convenient, there’s something truly special about receiving a handwritten card in the mail.

While it may take longer to arrive in the mailbox of your loved ones than it would if you were simply sending an email, they’re sure to appreciate the ability to hold heartfelt sentiments in the palm of their hand. Take some time to decorate your holiday cards individually based on each member of the family. Include a warm greeting and heartfelt message about how, even though you’re far away from each other, you’re still holding them in your hearts this holiday season. Your family members will feel closer to you than ever!

Explore Your Family History Together

One of the best things about the holiday season are the times where you can gather with your family and swap stories, reflecting on good family memories. This year, why not explore your family history together? There are few ways that you can feel closer to members of your family than by asking them about their lives and even uncovering information that you may not have known about previously!

Interview your family members about your family history over the phone or computer, asking them about life when they were young as well as their favorite holiday memories. Your family members may even have found old family photos that you can colorize or enhance on MyHeritage. Perhaps you’ll uncover historical records, detailing the lives of your ancestors. By exploring your family history together this holiday season, not only will you feel closer to one another but you’ll likely learn more about where you came from!

If these conversations pique your interest, you may feel compelled to investigate your family history even further. As a MyHeritage user, you have all of the tools you need to do some digging. Together, you and your family can collaborate on building your family tree and bringing it to life with new facts and details. This may even inspire your loved ones to dig out those old family heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation to share with you. Using MyHeritage to explore your family history alongside your loved ones is a fun way to safely spend time together this holiday season!

Remembering What Matters This Holiday Season

2020 has been a year unlike any other. Our day to day lives have changed drastically and, for the first time, we find ourselves without the ability to celebrate the holidays as usual. At MyHeritage, we believe that when you go the extra mile to keep your family connected, you can make this holiday season the best yet! Use these tips to celebrate the holiday season with your family and be sure to remember what matters most: family. Family is the inspiration behind everything we do here at MyHeritage and we wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season to remember!