14 Festive Tips to Stay Connected This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here. It’s a time for family, friends and celebrating togetherness! But we know that staying close to loved ones can feel hard, especially with busy schedules and tight budgets. Assurance Wireless is here to help you stay connected to those who matter most, so you can make this a season full of joy and connection.
Use Your Phone to Stay Close
Even if you can’t be there in person, your Assurance Wireless phone service makes it easy to keep in touch. With free texts, calls and high-speed data from the the Lifeline Assistance program, you can easily stay connected with family and friends. Take advantage of your Assurance Wireless phone to:
1. Share favorite memories:
Set up a group text where everyone takes turns sharing their favorite holiday memories. Search your photo app to find photos from years past!
2. Cook a meal together on video:
Plan a virtual cooking session where you and loved ones prepare a holiday recipe together on video chat. Try Facebook Messenger for video chatting if you do not have FaceTime.
3. Play a festive virtual game:
Bring some holiday cheer to a video call by playing games like virtual bingo, holiday trivia or charades. Free apps like Kahoot! make remote trivia games easy and fun.
4. Send e-cards:
Skip a trip to the post office and send digital holiday cards instead. Many websites offer free or low-cost options for creating personalized e-cards with photos, music or holiday messages. ElfYourself® also has a free version for fun, personalized holiday videos.
5. Make and share a holiday playlist:
Platforms like Spotify or Apple Music make it easy to share playlists, so you and your loved ones can all listen to the same seasonal tunes.
Bonus Tip:
Need a little extra data for holiday video chats? Look for free Wi-Fi at places like libraries or coffee shops. And remember, just a quick call to say “Happy Holidays” can make a big difference! No FaceTime? No problem. Use Facebook Messenger’s video call feature with holiday filters and connect with friends and family without using data!
Holiday Fun on a Budget
The best holiday moments don’t have to be expensive! Try these simple ideas to celebrate and save:
6. Holiday potluck:
Invite friends or family to each bring a dish, so everyone can enjoy a festive meal without one person handling all the costs.
7. DIY gifts:
Try making a photo album or writing a special letter. A handmade gift shows you care, and it won’t break the bank.
8. Thrift store treasures:
Check out thrift stores for unique holiday gifts or decorations. You can find something meaningful for just a few dollars!
9. Movie marathon night:
Set up a holiday movie night at home with classics or new favorites. Pop some popcorn, make hot cocoa and enjoy cozying up for a night in!
10. Craft your own decorations:
Use items like pine cones, paper or old holiday cards to make decorations. This can be a fun activity for kids, too!
Connect with Your Community
The holidays can be a challenging time for those without close family and friends. You are not alone! If you’re feeling a bit of the holiday blues, remember that reaching out and connecting with others can bring warmth and joy. There are so many wonderful ways to create a sense of community and belonging this season:
11. Explore local support resources:
If making ends meet is a concern, there are wonderful resources you can tap into during the holidays. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides gifts to children in need, and Toys for Tots is another great option. You might also want to check out the USPS’s Operation Santa!
12. Join a local club or group:
Whether it's a book club, sports league or hobby group like bird-watching, joining a club is a great way to meet people with shared interests. Community centers and libraries are a good place to look for free clubs and classes.
13. Volunteer for a cause you care about:
Volunteering is a meaningful way to meet like-minded people. And the holiday season is a great time to give back! Look for opportunities with local charities, soup kitchens or animal shelters near you.
14. Attend local events or meetups:
Explore community calendars or apps like Meetup to find events tailored to your interests, from casual social gatherings to themed activities and events. Libraries, churches and community centers often have bulletin boards with event flyers, especially around the holiday season.
We’re Here to Make Your Holiday Brighter
Assurance Wireless is proud to help loved ones stay close during the holidays—or even foster new connections! We believe everyone deserves to feel connected, especially during this special time of year.
Let’s make this holiday season full of laughter, community and joy!