Family ties: Stay connected with loved ones around the world
Use technology to keep in touch — and up close over the holidays
By Mara Gulens
Sometimes I wish my family were part of Santa's entourage. Then we could just jump into his sleigh and travel around the world, stopping off to visit friends and family along the way.
Fortunately, distance is no obstacle when it comes to sharing files, music and photos. And, these days, we can talk to and even see one another on our computers. Oceans and kilometers may divide us, but that doesn't mean we can't stay connected with the use of technology — especially during the holidays.
Pick the communication method that suits you best and connect your family with loved ones around the globe. It's the next best thing to being there. In fact, it can bridge the gap in ways that make you feel you really are there.
These are some of the people in my life whom I connect with on a regular basis. It makes the world seem a little smaller — and warmer.
Webcam
WHO: Ed
WHERE: Los Angeles
Three hours behind me
My kids squeal with delight every time Uncle Ed comes to visit. But they also do so when he shows up on the webcam, makes a funny face and pretends he's in the next room.
To find out more about setting up and using a webcam, read: Webcam basics — how does one work?
To find out more about how a webcam can help keep family and friends close, read: Bridge long distances — with a webcam
Online photo album
WHO: Ann
WHERE: Paris
Six hours ahead of me
Ann and I were inseparable during the few years we lived in Cairo, but since then, we don't see much of each other. We do stay in touch virtually though, mostly through pictures. We both post photos online to "show" each other what we're up to.
To find out more about online albums and how to use them, read Picture this! Flip through online albums
Instant messaging
WHO: Melinda
WHERE: Sydney
14 hours ahead of me
Melinda is the kind of friend who never stays grounded in one place for more than a few years. While she's Down Under, we communicate with Windows Live Messenger — yakking so much you'd think we were back in high school.
To find out how to set up and use instant messenger, read Keep in touch with instant messenger
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
WHO: Raitis
Where: Stockholm
Six hours ahead of me
Friends since we were knee-high, Raitis and I talk for free over the Internet to stay current on what's up with our kids — or on music. Sometimes he'll just call to check on hometown weather.
To find out how to get set up with your own VoIP account, read: Hold the phone line: Talk via the Internet with VoIP
Blog
WHO: Aija
WHERE: Cairo
Seven hours ahead of me
My friend Aija started her travel blog in Toronto and has stopped off in places like Cairo to post messages about her journey. Her blog lets me share in her adventure — and view her photos just as quickly as she can post them. Start your own blog using Windows Live Spaces. Post up to 500 photos a month, add music lists, upload videos and keep friends informed about what you’re up to — and where you are.
To find out more about blogging, read: Blog basics: Learn how to keep an online journal
Cellphone
WHO: Art
WHERE: Tokyo
13 hours ahead of me
My friend Art e-mails me cellphone snapshots from crazy locations, like a downtown Tokyo mountain. His short messages, often written on the subway, land on my computer in seconds. With immediate communication like that, distance is almost irrelevant.
WHO: Dad
WHERE: Riga, Latvia
Seven hours ahead of me
When my dad takes trips across the Great Pond, he likes to stay in touch with his 11 grandchildren. What could be easier than e-mail? If there's no computer, Dad's sure to find an Internet café.
