Discover 25 creative and heartfelt ways to nurture your relationships and foster joyful connections with family and loved ones throughout the winter months.
Cold and inclement weather can make us feel isolated indoors, making it all the more important to find ways to stay connected with family, friends, and loved ones. At The Bristal, we understand the importance of community and connection in every season. Nurturing these bonds warms our days and reminds us of what matters most.
Here are 25 creative ways to stay close and make memories with those you care about all season long:
Virtual and Online Ways to Stay Connected
1. Schedule a Virtual Book Club.
Choose a book to read together and set up weekly or bi-weekly video calls to discuss the chapters. It's a wonderful way to share a common interest and spark engaging conversations, no matter the distance. No time to read in between meetings? Choose a short story anthology and turn your book club into a reading club.
2. Host a Digital Game Night.
Many classic board games and card games are now available online. Gather your family or friends for a virtual evening of friendly competition with games like Scrabble, Monopoly, chess, or bridge.
3. Take an Online Class Together.
Explore a new skill or hobby. Sign up for an online course in painting, cooking, or even a new language. Learning together creates a shared experience and gives you new topics to discuss.
4. Plan a Virtual Movie Night.
Pick a movie, press play at the same time, and connect on a video call or text chain to share your reactions. It recreates the feeling of watching a film together from the comfort of your own homes. Alternatively, take turns sharing memorable episodes from classic TV shows. Rewatching something you've seen before encourages conversation.
5. Take a Virtual Museum Tour.
Explore world-class art and history together from the comfort of home by taking a virtual tour of a renown museum, sharing your thoughts and discoveries over a video call. We recommend starting with this list of 16 virtual tours of international acclaim.
Creative and Personalized Ways to Stay Connected
6. Start a Letter-Writing Chain
Rediscover the joy and sentimentality of handwritten correspondence. Send a letter to a friend or family member, and encourage them to write back or pass it on to another person in your circle. There's a unique warmth in receiving a personal letter, and a deep consideration in crafting the communication as well.
7. Curate a Care Package
Fill a box with items that remind you of your family member or friend: their favorite tea, a cozy pair of socks, a good book, and a heartfelt note. It's a tangible way to show you're thinking of them.
8. Share a Favorite Recipe.
Call a loved one and ask for their signature recipe, or share one of your own. You can even cook the dish "together" over the phone or video chat, sharing tips and tasting the results at the same time.
9. Create a Collaborative Music Playlist.
Build a music playlist together using a streaming service. Each person can add songs that are meaningful to them, creating a shared soundtrack for you both to enjoy throughout the season.
10. Send an Unexpected "Thinking of You" Card.
Don't wait for a special occasion to send a card. A simple, unexpected note arriving in the mail can brighten someone's day and reinforce your connection. Clip an article from a magazine or newspaper for an extra show that you were thinking of them.
In-Person and Community-Focused Activities
11. Plan a Cozy, Indoor Picnic.
Plan an indoor picnic. Spread a blanket on the living room floor, pack a basket with simple foods, and enjoy a meal together away from the winter chill.
12. Visit a Local Art Gallery
Winter is a great time to explore indoor cultural attractions. Many museums have senior-friendly hours or special programming, offering a quiet and inspiring way to spend an afternoon together.
13. Enjoy a Scenic Winter Drive
On a day when the weather is clear, take a drive to admire the winter landscape and the festive decorations in your town. Prepare a thermos of hot cocoa and a lively playlist for a simple and enjoyable outing.
14. Attend a Community Concert or Theater Performance
Local theaters, schools, and community centers often host seasonal performances. Supporting local arts is a wonderful way to get out of the house and share a cultural experience.
15. Volunteer Together
Giving back to the community is a powerful way to connect. Find a local charity or organization that needs help and spend a few hours volunteering alongside your friend or family member.
Family-Friendly Projects for Winter Collaboration
16. Work on a Jigsaw Puzzle.
Set up a space where you can work on a large jigsaw together during shared visits. This is a relaxed, collaborative activity that allows for easy conversation, and a shared sense of purpose.
17. Start a Family History Project
Winter is the perfect season for reminiscing. Work with family members to document stories, label old photos, and build out the family tree. It's a meaningful project that connects generations.
18. Knit, Crochet, or Craft for a Cause
Knit scarves, hats, or blankets together to gift to a local charity. Partner with a local craft vendor to sell crafted items and donate the profits. This heartwarming, productive activity combines creativity with purpose.
19. Plant an Indoor Herb Garden
Bring lively greenery indoors by planting an indoor herb garden together. You will both enjoy fresh flavors in your winter cooking while sharing the simple, rewarding joy of nurturing new life.
20. Create a Scrapbook or Memory Jar
Gather photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos to create a scrapbook. You can also write down favorite memories on slips of paper to scrapbook with or fill a 'memory jar' to read aloud later.
Easy, Everyday Ways to Stay Connected
21. Schedule Regular Phone Calls
It may seem simple, but a scheduled weekly or daily phone call can be a comforting routine. This dedicated time ensures you stay in touch and provides a consistent point of connection.
22. Send a 'Good Morning' Text
A quick message in the morning is a simple yet powerful way to let someone know they are the first person you thought of that day.
23. Share an Interesting Article or Video
See something you know that your friend or family member would love? Something that made you smile? Something that made you think of them? Send it to them. It shows you're thinking of them.
24. Plan Future Adventures
Spend time on a call or in-person brainstorming ideas for a trip or outing that you want to take when the weather warms up. Create a friendship bucket list of goals and dreams. The act of planning provides a shared sense of hope and excitement for the future.
25. Express Gratitude
Make a point to tell people what you appreciate about them. A sincere compliment or expression of gratitude strengthens bonds and brings warm to any conversation.
Recognizing Significance in Every Interaction
To help you realize the significance of your time together, keep a record of the moments you share. Take photos -- even of everyday activities, even if you're not 'camera ready' -- and make notes in a shared calendar or agenda book about the time spent together. This simple habit not only helps you cherish and remember meaningful days, but also encourages you to prioritize and make the most of your time with your friends, family, and loved ones in the future.
Nurturing Connections All Year Round
Staying connected during the winter doesn't have to be complicated. It's about being intentional, creative, and compassionate. By incorporating some of these ideas into your routine, you can foster strong, joyful relationships that brighten the season.
At The Bristal, we're dedicated to creating customized social programming to help our residents maintain these vital connections. Our communities foster comfortable, trusting, and caring spaces, where independence is supported and every individual is celebrated.
