It can be challenging for families to gather in person during the holidays – whether due to age, distance, illness, or cost of travel. This time of year can also be hard for elders who are alone.

The following five ideas can keep your kids connected with their older loved ones during the holiday season and help them spread joy in creative ways!

1. Send a handwritten letter

In our fast-paced digital world, we often only communicate with loved ones through email or text. But nothing beats receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. Sitting down with your child to help them pen a personal message to their grandparents for the holidays is a great way to bond, improve handwriting and boost communication skills. Your child can also decorate the letter with stickers or glitter to make it more festive!

2. Create a fun, custom package

Sending a “box of love” to grandparents for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s the thought that counts! Let your children choose several gifts for your relative to place inside the package. Some gift ideas are colorful socks, gloves or homemade craft items such as ornaments, body butters or pottery. Your kids can also include their own artwork, family photos or copies of any certificates of achievement they’ve earned.

3. Make a video!

If you have a smartphone or other smart device, creating homemade videos can be fast, creative and fun! You and your children can recite a simple poem together or sing a holiday song to get your loved one in the spirit of the season. You can also dress your kids up in vibrant costumes to make the video more festive. Many apps include special visual and sound effects to make the video more dynamic and memorable.

4. Embrace holiday traditions

Nothing makes a grandparent prouder than seeing their special traditions passed down to the younger generations. Perhaps your mother or father had a beloved dessert they always prepared during the holidays – such as banana pudding or gingerbread cookies. Film you and your child making this special treat and share it with the grandparents. You could even have your loved one watch the dessert-making festivities live through video calls.

5. Create a personalized story

Ask your children to name one thing they love most about their grandparents. It could be their grandfather’s smile or their grandmother’s hugs. Using construction paper and crayons, create a story booklet based on these beloved traits. For example, “My Grandfather’s Smile” could be the story of how an elder brought his entire family together during the holidays by being kind and loving. Grandparents will cherish receiving such a personalized story reminding them of the positive impact they have on their grandchildren.