December is a time for hanging decorations, attending parties, cooking festive meals and celebrating in many other ways that bring joy and cheer to the holiday season. You may also be sending and receiving holiday cards – some ornately decorated, some hand crafted and some full of family photos taken throughout the year. Each card includes holiday greetings, and some may even give a recap of the year that has just passed.
Looking at the photo cards is always fun but can be a different experience for friends and family who are on social media and those who are not. For those who are on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, they have been sharing their family photos all year long. We have been staying up to date on their news and achievements, their wins and losses, their new babies and their retirement parties. Even if we have not been seeing them in person, we feel connected to them.
For the friends who are not on social media, seeing their annual holiday photo card is a once-a-year chance to catch up on their news, their kids and their pets. While receiving such a wonderful holiday card can help us feel connected, the connection seems deeper with those we have been able to keep in touch with all year long.
Social media is such a great way to stay connected all year long. It allows us to quickly and easily send a message saying “Congratulations,” “Happy birthday,” “Way to go,” or just “Nice to hear from you!” Personally, seeing friends and family on social media helps us stay connected even if we are not seeing them in person as often. Professionally, being connected on social media helps serve as a reminder of who is out and about doing interesting work, who has recently retired, gotten a new job, been promoted or who might be a great partner on an upcoming project.
There are so many advantages to staying connected with personal and professional friends on social media. Of course, connecting digitally is no replacement for face-to-face networking and get-togethers. The ultimate goal of your social networking should be to get together with people, because that’s where the real magic happens in any relationship, but also connect online to keep the relationship strong.
Not only is the holiday season a time for celebration, but it also reminds us of the importance of connection. Receiving holiday cards is a cherished holiday tradition, but social media can strengthen our bonds throughout the year. Both forms of connection have their unique charm and purpose, complementing each other to maintain and deepen relationships. Ultimately, the most meaningful moments happen when we translate these digital and written interactions into real-life connections, where the true magic of relationships comes alive.