Tried and true: Ideas for connecting with family after the holidays

Many people have a desire to make changes in their lives at the dawn of a new year. For some, a resolution is staying connected with family they see only at the holidays. Families who have managed to keep the connection alive have many tactics.

According to a survey conducted by Modern Woodmen of America, over 90 percent of us still rely on the traditional methods of letters or phone calls to promote contact.  Internet for exchanging photos or email got the nod from a little over half of Americans (61 percent). Other popular methods include using scrapbooks or photo albums, home videos or videos  of special events, the sharing of heirlooms or memorabilia, and researching family history.

Care packages, photographs and more

Exchanging items such as photographs, postcards, videos and care packages are an important way of keeping contact when you can’t be face to face.

Many families write the "family" letter. The letter requires each recipient to add a new section before sending it on to another family member. Obviously timeliness is not important here.

While many people send pictures of the kids to adult relations, the concept can work the other direction. Take many photos when your family is together and place them throughout your home. Not only will this help your kids recognize these people when you actually are together, but the photos could inspire some great storytelling sessions.

Take a vacation together

There is no substitute for actually spending time together, and the extended family vacation is becoming more commonplace. Whether it’s a vacation beach house at the New Jersey shore, a cabin in the Rockies or a RV park in the next state, be sure to choose a location that can cater to all age groups in your family party. Also, keep the agenda simple. After all, you want to spend time together, not just rush around from one tourist site to another. If you’re not interested in group travel, just use some vacation time traveling to your family.

Keep your faith

Families that actively practice a faith tend to remain closer to extended family. One of the most obvious reasons is because religious events such as baptisms, first communions and bar mitzvahs create more opportunities for gathering.

Plan a family reunion

Experts suggest that, amid such busy lifestyles, predictable rituals can help family reconnect. Set traditional dates for family gatherings so people know year after year that the ‘Smith Family Reunion’ is always the third weekend in July. They will be more likely to put it on their calendars. There are a variety of Web sites and books available to help, whether you’re planning a first or the 65th annual reunion. At www.gatherings.info, for example, users can navigate through tips, lists, checklists and ideas on how to organize a gathering, whether small or large.

Use technology

The computer can be a great resource in not only sending email, but also chatting and sharing photos or videos. Even cell phones have been beneficial with their money-saving calling plans. Today, you can send text messages and even pictures with your cell phone or PDA.

Sometimes older technology can do the trick. In