How to Create Meaningful Connection this Holiday Season

The true magic of the holiday season is often the result of experiences we share with people we love. Connecting with others seems easy enough— unless you’re in a pandemic. How does one connect meaningfully and maintain social distancing at the same time? How do you connect with loved ones during the holiday season when you are supposed to stay home instead of fly home?

Certainly, the importance of connection isn’t to be underestimated. Creating meaningful connection with loved ones fortifies a person’s overall well-being. People who are connected to others in deep and authentic ways reap the benefits of improved self-esteem, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and many other positive attributes.

A lack of meaningful connection has the opposite effect — a study from the University of Michigan found that loneliness is worse for your health than smoking or high blood pressure. No wonder people act concerned if you’re alone for the holidays!

To Create Meaningful Connection Focus on Quality

At Samuel Hubbard, we are very familiar with placing value on quality. To make a good shoe, focus on quality. The same goes for creating meaningful connection — quality is key. Whether you are traveling over the holidays or sheltering in place, it is the richness of your shared experience that will be the best gift of all. Try the ideas below to create memories that will last year after year. A few may even become holiday traditions!

Send A Handwritten Letter

Take the tradition of sending holiday cards up a notch. A handwritten letter evokes an old-fashioned pastime that is deeply personal and meaningful. From choosing the stationery to deciding which color of ink to use, you can create something uniquely expressive each step of the way. Knowing that you took the quality time to write a letter will make the recipient feel valued. Tuck letters inside a nice card or envelope and re-read them together each year.

Cook And Bake Together

A holiday recipe exchange is a great way to connect and gain new culinary skills. If you’re far apart, you can each try the recipe and take photos to show each other your creations. If you live nearby, you can arrange a delivery or curbside pickup. Members of the same household can join in on the fun, too. There are even online cooking classes that everyone can do together. The way we see it, you can never have too many cooks in the kitchen — not when everyone is taking turns and having quality fun.

Go For A Stroll

Walking remains one of the outdoor activities people can do safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The best way to have a good walk is to be in good company and, of course, wear a good pair of shoes. Take a holiday stroll to see the lights and festive decorations or go for a walk in nature. To create meaningful connection, share stories or moments of gratitude. If you and your loved ones are apart, you can each go for walks in your respective communities and swap stories or videos of your experiences.

These are just a few ideas to create meaningful connection over the holidays even when you and your loved ones can’t be together in person. If you have ideas of your own, please let us know! Connect with us on social media or drop us an email anytime.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season from all of us at Samuel Hubbard.