Celebrations; be it birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, the birth of a new family member or a religious event, whatever the occasion they are better spent together with the ones you love. However, modern-day living has seen families living cities, countries and even entire continents away from each other which can make it difficult to keep in regular touch when taking into consideration different time zones and access to communication technology.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways we can keep our loved ones in our hearts when it’s time for celebrating! Take some inspiration from the methods below the next time you can’t be nearby a loved one when it’s time to enjoy a special occasion;
Using Online Communications
Sometimes it’s not as easy as ‘picking up the phone’ and you might keep missing each other when you do try to get in touch through traditional means. However, the internet is an incredible tool and is gradually becoming more widespread with even some of the poorest and most rural areas receiving access to internet connectivity. While you might struggle to find a traditional telephone, making use of a computer to update social media with good wishes or arranging a time to a video call via popular platforms including Discord, Facebook and Skype are easier than ever before.
Video calls aren’t just for chatting either if the time is available you can spend time together doing the things you normally enjoy including watching a movie together and having a meal together. If the time zones make it too difficult to enjoy time together without thoroughly interrupting someone’s schedule, consider sending email communications back and forth – you can always add an extra special touch by handwriting a letter, taking a photo and sending it via email.
Synchronised Activities
It may not always be possible to communicate directly with loved ones all the time, even when an internet connection is available however that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy activities together. Arrange an activity that you can carry out in your respective homes at the same time or at the same time relevant to your current location and then take a photo or video of your activity that you can later share with those important to you. This can be as simple as listening to a share favourite song and jotting down what you can see while you listen or even doing some good together such as volunteering your time or donating to charity.
Partaking in good together as a family is something more commonly found in cultures outside the West but should be encouraged across the world. Take for example Qurbani, celebrated by those of Muslim faith. Qurbani is an obligation for families to give meat to those who are less fortunate and has helped millions of families enjoy a wholesome meal together. Find out more about Qurbani, it’s rules, intentions and how much Qurbani is expected per family.
Make Every Minute Count
Whether you are communicating online or carrying out shared activities, when the time you get to appreciate your loved ones is short, it’s important to make every second count. Life is busy, between work, building relationships and trying to enjoy some downtime, it can be difficult to carve out time and before you know it, another month has passed.
When you get the opportunity to share time with the people that matter most, make sure to make every second count and even if you’ve got a good memory, make a record of the time spent – how you are feeling, the environment you are in and what makes you happy about that moment. You’ll appreciate having even just a few notes to look back on in the future.
