Holidays are usually a time full of joy, because many people are reunited with family or friends that they rarely meet. Holiday parties are a good time to share special traditions, such as favorite recipes, playing games, watching movies, or just "catch up."

This year may be particularly special, because last year due to COVID-19, families may not be able to gather. Holiday gatherings help children, youth and adults establish social connections, whether face-to-face or virtual gatherings. Intentionally establishing connections can make gatherings with family or friends more influential.

According to an article published on the Nebraska Extension’s countrywellness.unl.edu website, “Research always tells us that taking care of others and maintaining meaningful relationships across generations are important for resilience and well-being.” (Brin et al. People, 2020)

Meaningful relationships help generate a sense of belonging and help us feel connected. These connections can be strengthened by sharing family stories and participating in traditions among multiple generations.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday, be sure to set aside time to establish meaningful connections with friends and family. Dr. Emma Seppala, scientific director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, pointed out that people who have more connections with others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Research also shows that connected people have higher self-esteem, are more compassionate, trust and cooperate with others.

Here are some interesting and creative ways to connect with your loved ones this holiday season.

Playing games together provides an opportunity to make connections. Board games and playing cards can be played face to face or virtual. If you cannot be physically together, please search for online games to play with your family. Google, "Free Online Games" and many options will appear. Please note that if you download an app, there may be some additional components that need to be paid, and it may take some time to explore which ones are useful for you and your family. You can even play card games online at https://playingcards.io/.

Do an arts and crafts project. Spending time with people you care about is a fun way, especially for children. Art and craft projects can foster creativity, create memories, and can be gifts for others.

During the festive meal, have your child preside over the "opening ceremony" and "closing ceremony" ceremonies. These "opening" and "closing" ceremonies may include sharing a poem, pausing for a moment to reflect, singing, dancing, or telling jokes.

Baking and cooking together is a fun activity. Not only can you make delicious dishes, but you can also share festive dishes with your family, friends and neighbors. Sharing food with someone can make their day better.  

Send care packages for family or friends to enjoy. For example, send hot cocoa buns and marshmallows, and then enjoy hot chocolate while watching a movie virtually.

Practice gratitude by writing down the things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family. Make a gratitude jar and have everyone write down the things they are grateful for on a piece of paper, and then ask everyone to take out a piece of paper and read the gratitude message aloud.

Create well-intentioned information. Use kind messages to make yard signs or paint stones, and place them in special places to brighten someone's day.

These are just some suggestions to help you create a holiday experience and help your loved ones connect with each other. Building these connections for young people can promote their positive well-being and build resilience.

For more information and resources on youth social and emotional development, please visit www. 4h.unl.edu/supporting-young-people-through-change or call the Otto County Extension Office at 402-269-2301.

Brandy VanDeWalle is an extension educator in Fillmore County.