The Season of Connection: Staying Close Even from Afar

As we approach Thanksgiving and the opportunity for us to connect in person with friends and loved ones, we know we won’t get to be with everyone during the holidays.

Thanks to technology, there are plenty of ways to keep those bonds tight when we’re apart.

Everyday Tech, Everyday Connections

The car is one of my favorite places to make phone calls, thanks to hands-free technology. I love to call my cousin Glenda while driving. We have a mutual love for gardening and being outdoors, and she is full of family history.  I love to chat with her about those things.

My oldest stepson and daughter-in-law have two small children. Because they live in Oregon, my husband Michael frequently chats with them via FaceTime. I bet grandparents all over the country rejoice over the ability to see their grandbabies virtually when they live far away.

When FaceTime isn’t possible, a quick text message can go a long way in reminding someone that they’re on your mind.

The Enduring Joy of Handwritten Notes

There’s nothing “high-tech” about the very analog practice of handwritten notes and homemade cards, but these are my favorite ways to stay connected with friends and family. A well-written letter can take the reader on a journey. It is the highest compliment when my friend Kristi tells me she feels like she is right there with me on my property when I write to her about our latest projects or observations there.

As much as I love marathon phone calls with friends, I can’t hit “replay” once they’re over. But I can go back to a letter and reread it time after time.

I sit on my back porch some weekends with a stack of notecards and think about those I haven’t connected with in a while. Who can I surprise with a letter? I love to consider that the recipient’s day is brightened by seeing my missive amongst the junk mail and bills.

A Personal Touch in a Digital World

People send less snail mail these days and it shows in the reactions I get from those I send a card or letter. On my end, I just want to update them on exciting things going on in my life, remind them of a funny story involving the two of us, or send well wishes for a birthday, anniversary or other celebratory event. On their end, they seem to see someone who took time to put pen to paper and purchase an actual stamp to mail a message in a world of texts and Facebook posts.

I love everything about writing, and my love for it goes way back, as you can see from the childhood photo of me writing a letter home while I was visiting my grandparents one summer. I especially love handwriting and calligraphy. The requirement to slow down and make thoughtful, practiced movements with calligraphy soothes my mind. Sometimes I’m more enthusiastic about addressing the envelope with calligraphy than writing the letter that goes inside. That it adds a bright spot to someone else’s day is but an added bonus.

Slowing Down to Stay Close

Speaking of slowing down and making thoughtful, practiced movements, I think that can be taken as basic advice for communication during this season of connection. Make time to call a family member. Sit for a spell and jot out a little note to a friend. Send individual messages to friends on social media or via text.

Over the years I have marveled over how simple acts can make others so happy. What a gift.

November 2025