8 Ways to Intentionally Connect with Others Over the Holidays

1. Small Get Togethers

Large holiday parties are typically the norm during the season, but there is something to be said of a cozy night in with a small number of people. Smaller groups encourage room for deeper conversation, which cultivates connection. Instead of setting an expectation with the need for elaborate apparel, consider a comfy clothes party with a movie and hot cocoa or just an evening around the bonfire. Whether it is a girls-only evening or a co-ed couples shindig, opening an option for a heartfelt night of just enjoying one another’s company will prove an unexpected delight in a season where that is incredibly rare.

2. Coffee Dates or Dinners Out

Christmas time is a great time to reach out to old friends, your closest friends, or a family member you want to have a deeper relationship with for a coffee date or a night out. These can often be scheduled for weeknights and lead to an open door of intentional one-on-one conversation. A great option for lower cost with a still lovely experience is opting for coffee and desserts at a nice restaurant or local destination hotel. More than the surrounding area, seek out someone you want to give focused effort to, even for an hour. God may just want to use you to encourage someone, offer an ear to listen, or extend a heart of compassion for someone in need. Never underestimate how refreshing a friend date can be!

3. Call or Text Someone

Have you ever had someone come to mind or heart that you have not thought of in a long while? Or perhaps someone you care about, work with, or know is brought forward into passing thoughts more than once over the span of a few days? The Holy Spirit often places someone on your heart or in your thoughts because they need a friend, and God wants to use you as His vessel to assist them. Ask God why the person came to mind, and if you feel peace to proceed, send them a text or give them a ring on the phone to intentionally connect. Do this when you have ample space to really invest and send a heartfelt message, but do so with a giving heart and attitude that God may use you as His messenger that day. We serve a very intentional Lord, and part of living a life where we seek to look more like Jesus requires us to live with the objective of serving others and loving them as He has loved us. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in how to purposefully honor His children and be His vessel this day.

4. Long Distance Connections

With the goal of fostering authentic and genuine connection this season, it can prove hard when those you love or care for live far away, but it is not impossible. See if they would be willing to have coffee over Facetime or Video Chat; within minutes, you will forget that you are miles away because you will feel the depths of joy of seeing someone you have missed and hearing them speak. If such options are not available, see if they would be available for a call on the phone or get creative with watching a favorite holiday movie on a platform that allows for shared movie experiences. Many took advantage of this during the Pandemic, but we can still utilize it today to make new memories with those who may be far away this holiday season. Making a connection does not require being in real life.

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5. Sending Care Packages

Another option for intentionality for those far away is a care package. Everyone loves to receive an unexpected treat in the mail, so consider collecting some specially curated sweets, some cozy socks, or perhaps a beloved movie on DVD to send to someone who needs to know you have been thinking of them and you truly care. This is not limited to just the holiday season, but especially at Christmas, it can be a gentle reminder that they are loved, seen, and known by you.

6. Christmas Cards

Handwritten letters and cards hold a sort of nostalgia within them, and Christmastime is an excellent time to send a thoughtfully written message to those you care about. Instead of just sending a card with a signature, take the time to write a few sentences sharing updates, fond memories, or something you really love about the person. Those words can be so lasting that they may just be written upon the tablet of the receiver’s heart, and they can be beautiful reminders to the other person that you truly care. Going the extra mile, especially when it comes to handwritten notes, is a rare and cherished lost art in this day and age, so make a new tradition of intentionally written cards and letters to someone you know needs some sunshine.

7. Gifts

Gift-giving is not everyone’s love language, and for some, it can be harder than for others, but remember that at the end of the day, it is not about the dollar amount, the quantity, or even the quality, but it is in being intentionally thoughtful that a gift is truly a gift worth giving. Partner with the Holy Spirit and invite Him to lead you or offer an idea of what to get someone. This becomes a double gift as the item then is not solely from you, but it is something from God as well. Really consider what the other person needs in this season as well. They may need practical items like a coat or mittens, something rare and unique, or something to make them laugh. If you ask God to assist you in the gift-giving process, you are asking the One who knows that person best in this season of life, and you have the joy of getting to intentionally bless them in an unexpected, thoughtful, meaningful way.

8. Holiday Meal Invitation

Being intentional also holds the opportunity to notice things many often overlook. This holiday can be a difficult time for singles, for those who have strained family relations, or for those who are new to a place. Consider inviting those who have nowhere else to go to your holiday meal or for a function this season. Ask the Lord to make your heart sensitive and keenly aware of those who have a need and see how He may use you to meet that need through invitation or giving. You never know what might be birthed through your “yes” to His invitation.

This holiday season, you can choose to hurry through or take a breath and seek where to be intentional. Choose to partner with God in how He would like you to be intentional; see how others will be blessed through such a question.