There are many ways to stay upbeat when spending the holidays away from home

The holiday season is as an opportunity for families to come together, celebrate and catch up. But thanks to work, military service, school, or other commitments, plenty of individuals won’t be home to celebrate the holidays with their families. It’s natural for people in such situations to feel homesick, but there are many ways to stay upbeat when spending the holidays away from home.

• Make plenty of contact with loved ones.

Use devices to your advantage to stay in touch this holiday season. Schedule frequent video chats and share photos so you feel like you are right in the holiday mix. When possible, people spending the holidays away from home should schedule calls or video conferences when family has gathered so they can chat with as many loved ones as possible.

• Connect with people in similar situations.

Connect with others who also cannot be with their loved ones for the holidays. Plan your own celebrations and commit to new traditions this year.

• Adapt family traditions.

It may be challenging to find an evergreen tree to decorate while stationed in a tropical climate or a fireplace by which to hang stockings, but you can adapt traditions to your current situation. Better yet, see what the locals do and experience a few new holiday treats that you may want to revisit in the future.

• Volunteer.

Volunteering is a great way to reduce depression, help others and see some smiling faces. Focus on helping others if you are feeling blue about not being at home.

• Find out if family can visit.

Just because you can’t make it home for the holidays doesn’t mean the festivities can’t come to you. Play host or hostess this year to family and friends who want to visit. Celebrating the holidays away from home presents opportunities to embrace new traditions, make new friends and help others.