Are you spending Christmas away from family, relatives and friends this year? Maybe being apart at that time of the year makes you sad. I understand. The year my son was born, we decided not to put our 3-month-old baby (read ourselves!) through a 20-hour journey, a 7-hour time difference and a 30-degree Celsius temperature difference. Despite the joy of the new addition to our family, Christmas didn’t feel quite right that year.
But maybe, on the contrary, you’re happy about not going back because you find successive family reunions over the holiday season to be a bit overwhelming (hum I can relate to that too!). Yet you can’t help feeling guilty for being away.
Here are 3 things you should consider when planning Christmas away from your loved ones.
#1 Planning Christmas presents
A thoughtful present is a good way to show your loved ones you haven’t forgotten about them. Make sure they receive your present by Christmas day though, otherwise, you’re in for some stress and they for some disappointment, especially if the gift is destined for a child.
Start by making a list and setting a budget for each person you’re planning to give a present to. If you struggle with ideas, ask for wish lists. I personally keep a list of gift ideas in Evernote for the people I usually give presents to – and also for myself in case I’m asked (hint, hint, Honey!). I add ideas to that list all throughout the year whenever someone expresses an interest in something. As Christmas (or a birthday or an anniversary) approaches, I’ll subtly (hopefully!) try to figure out which one they’d be more excited about.
Opt for lighter presents such as clothes, accessories or, even better, vouchers to lower the international postage cost. Alternatively, buy online and get the present delivered directly to the recipient’s address. Inform them they should expect a package and ask them to unpack it only on Christmas day.
#2 Planning Christmas cards
A small attention like a Christmas card can go a long way.
Go through your contact list and make a list of the people you want to send your wishes to. Again Evernote (did I tell you I’m a big Evernote fan?!) is a good tool to create that list as there’s a ticking option for once you’ve completed a task i.e. in that particular case, ticking the name of the person off when you’re done writing or posting the card to.
If you’re planning to send the cards by post, count the number you need, and add a few extras, before buying them. Buy the stamps at the same time.
Alternatively, if you’re the creative type and can afford the time, design personalised cards using online tools like Canva and send them by email. You can add a family picture, a scanned kid’s drawing or a personalised message that will make the recipient of the card feel special.
When you start receiving cards, check your card list to make sure that you’ve sent one to that person. Otherwise, add their name to your list and send them one. Keep the card list so that you don’t have to start from scratch again the following year.
#3 Planning Online Christmas Reunions
Technology can also help cope with the distance. Schedule Skype or WhatsApp video calls on Christmas Eve or day, or in the days leading to it, or after, depending on time zones and the closeness of your relationships. If you can’t find a common agreeable day and time, take a video of key Christmas moments such as the day you put the Christmas decorations up, when the kids open their presents, or when you toast the New Year. Share them with your loved ones. It’ll make a lot of grandparents happy for sure!
Of course, none of the above will replace your physical presence but at least it should offer your loved ones some comfort. As for yourself, planning this long-distance Christmas event should bring you some enjoyment. But don’t neglect your home and make it as cosy as possible. And if you’re hosting a party at home, check my tips on how to get your home ready for a stress-free Christmas.
Do you need help planning a project – whether a move, a home reorganisation, a photobook creation, or a digital purge? My consultations are perfect for those who want to execute things on their own but need some expert advice to get started. Reach out, I’d love to help you!
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