In the busy whirlwind of our daily lives, it's easy to lose track of faraway friends and family members on Mother’s Day and every day. But distance doesn't have to keep you from staying close to the people you care about. Discover some savvy solutions to help you wish your long-distance friends and family a happy Mother’s Day this year.
The Old-Fashioned Way
Remember the good old days, when people wrote each other letters? E-mail is nice, but your loved one might appreciate the extra time it takes you to compose a thoughtful message, seal it up and pop it in the mailbox. Imagine your mother’s delight in seeing your handwriting on an envelope and discovering a few recent snapshots of the kids tucked inside with a note expressing your love and appreciation for her this Mother’s Day. Stock up on blank cards, fun stationery, stamps and pens — and let the creativity flow.
Interact Online
Take full advantage of technology to connect with your family and friends across the miles. If you have a digital camera (or have your photos put on CD when they're developed), you can share your favorite moments with family and friends using online photo albums. Many Web sites offer free photo-sharing tools.
You also can get your family or friends together via a group Web site. This can provide the perfect virtual meeting spot this Mother’s Day. Some Web sites make it quick, easy and free to set up an online "community," where invited members can post messages, display photos and announce events. There are an unlimited number of “mom blogs,” in which you can share your parenting advice or receive some new tips. Also, consider using CafeMom — an online community where millions of moms meet each day to talk, share advice, make new friends and play games. It's fun, it's free, and it's for moms only.
Facebook®* is another way you can keep in touch with other moms all over the world — and conveniently drop a “Happy Mother’s Day” message to any moms you know.
Pick Up the Phone
Calling your long-distance friends and family seems like an obvious way to say “Happy Mother’s Day,” but how many times have you called someone — only to get the answering machine? Make a phone "date" with your friend in advance, so you know she'll be there when you call and that it's a good time to talk.
Are you worried about the cost of those long (and long-overdue) catch-up calls? Many wireless plans offer free evening and weekend minutes, free calls to subscribers within the network and unlimited long-distance calls. Also, your current long-distance plan at home might offer a flat rate for unlimited long-distance calls.
Face to Face
Planning a special trip to get together in person this Mother’s Day might not fit into your budget or schedule, so try working in a visit during business trips, family vacations or airport layovers. Also, keep an eye out for last-minute travel deals, which can be a very inexpensive way to take a jaunt to see your friends or family members just for Mother’s Day weekend. Some travel Web sites feature these types of deals.
* Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
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