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Here's how you can use tools like Telegram, Facebook, and others to make your Christmas extra special.
Years ago my father wanted to enable a family chat between my mother's sister in the States and our family as a Christmas treat for my mother.
The call had to be booked hours in advance and then connection was made by the operator and the quality of the line left a lot to be desired as we all huddled round the hall by our phone. And the cost? It was a small fortune!
But now staying connected with family member, no matter where they live in the world is as easy as following these ideas:-
1. Organise a Family Group Chat
Creating a family group chat on apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger is one of the simplest ways to keep everyone connected. You can share updates, Christmas plans, and festive photos in real-time.
Why Telegram? It supports large groups and offers fun features like stickers, GIFs, and voice messages. Bonus: It’s secure and has great cross-device syncing.
Why WhatsApp? It’s easy to use and widely popular, making it accessible for less tech-savvy relatives.
Top Tip: Set group ground rules to prevent message overload. For example, designate specific times for chats or festive updates.
2. Schedule a Virtual Celebration
If you can't be together in person, host a virtual Christmas party! Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or even Facebook Rooms are perfect for this. Plan a time for everyone to gather, and include fun activities such as:
A virtual gift exchange.
Sharing holiday stories.
Singing carols together.
Top Tip: Send out invitations in advance and test the tech with less tech-savvy family members beforehand to avoid day-of mishaps.
3. Share Moments with Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer creative ways to celebrate and share the Christmas spirit.
On Facebook, create a private group to share photos, videos, and updates exclusively with your family.
Use Instagram Stories or Reels to post snippets of your Christmas preparations or special moments.
Record a fun family video on TikTok and tag relatives for some holiday cheer.
Top Tip: Encourage everyone to post something festive, like their Christmas tree, favourite holiday recipes, or the opening of presents.
4. Create a Collaborative Holiday Album
Google Photos and similar apps allow you to create a shared album where everyone can upload and view Christmas pictures and videos. It's a wonderful way to document the holiday season collectively, especially if family members are spread across different locations.
5. Send Personalised Messages
While group chats are great, a one-on-one message can make someone feel truly special. Use platforms like Telegram or Messenger to send personal notes, voice messages, or even a video greeting. A heartfelt "Merry Christmas" can brighten anyone's day.
Top Tip: Add festive stickers or effects to your messages for a creative touch.
6. Play Virtual Games Together
Several apps and platforms allow you to play games together online. For instance:
Use Houseparty for fun, interactive games like trivia.
Organise a virtual Christmas quiz on Kahoot! or Quizizz.
Play board games digitally via Tabletopia or similar platforms.
7. Host a Countdown to Christmas
For an extra festive touch, organise an online countdown to Christmas Day. Each day, post something fun in your family group chat: a riddle, a memory, or a challenge. This builds anticipation and keeps everyone engaged throughout December.
8. Respect Time Zones and Schedules
If your family is scattered across different countries, be mindful of time zones. Use scheduling tools like Doodle or Time Zone Converter to find the best times for virtual gatherings or group chats.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is all about celebrating love, joy, and togetherness, and technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected. By using social media and messaging apps creatively, you can ensure that distance doesn’t dampen your holiday cheer. Whether it’s a simple video call or a full-blown virtual Christmas bash, these digital tools can make your celebrations merry and bright.
Merry Christmas and happy connecting!