Remote Work & the Holiday Season: Strategies for Family Closeness
The holiday season is a time for warmth, togetherness, and creating cherished memories with family. However, for families with a spouse working in a remote camp job, maintaining that closeness can pose unique challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore strategies to foster family cohesion and strengthen bonds during the holiday season, even when a loved one is working away from home.
1. Prioritize Open Communication:
Maintaining open and honest communication is foundational. Discuss holiday plans, expectations, and feelings openly with your spouse and children. Encourage everyone to express their emotions and desires for the holiday season.
2. Plan Virtual Celebrations:
Leverage technology to bridge the physical gap. Plan virtual celebrations with your remote spouse. Set up video calls during key moments like opening presents, sharing meals, or participating in holiday traditions. This way, they can be part of the festivities, even from a distance.
3. Create New Traditions:
Establish new holiday traditions that can include your remote spouse. Whether it’s sending surprise care packages, creating a shared holiday playlist, or documenting the season through photos and videos, these activities can become meaningful traditions for your family.
4. Coordinate Time Off:
If possible, coordinate your spouse’s time off with the holiday season. This might require planning well in advance, but it ensures that they can be home during the most significant moments.
5. Plan Early and Be Flexible:
Plan your holiday activities well in advance, considering the work schedule of the remote spouse. However, be flexible and open to adjusting plans if work commitments change. Flexibility is key in maintaining a sense of harmony during the holiday season.
6. Embrace the Festive Spirit:
Decorate your home and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Even if your spouse is away, creating a warm and festive environment can lift everyone’s spirits and make the holidays special.
7. Involve Your Remote Spouse in Planning:
Include your remote spouse in the planning process. Discuss menus, decorations, and gift ideas together. This involvement creates a sense of collaboration and shared decision-making.
8. Record Special Messages:
Ask your remote spouse to record special messages or holiday greetings for the family. These messages can be played during key moments, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.
9. Build a Support Network:
Connect with other families experiencing similar situations. Share ideas, experiences, and coping strategies. Building a support network can provide understanding and encouragement during the holiday season.
10. Practice Gratitude:
Encourage your family to focus on the positive aspects of the holiday season. Practice gratitude by expressing appreciation for the time you do have together and the unique experiences your family gains from this situation.
While having a spouse work in a remote camp job can present challenges during the holiday season, it’s essential to remember that with thoughtful planning and a focus on connection, families can still experience joy and togetherness. By embracing new traditions, leveraging technology, and maintaining open communication, you can create meaningful holiday memories that strengthen your family’s cohesion, even when miles apart.
