Make The Holiday Season A No Phone Zone

By Kate Mueller on December 17, 2014

Our younger family members know more about how to use an iPad than we do. Our parents are starting to figure out how to work Instagram. Our grandparents have taken a selfie or two for Facebook.

We live in a world run by technology. Our phones dictate almost every move we make–whether it’s waiting for them to charge or relying on them for directions.

via Eating 4 Balance

With the holidays coming up, it’s easy to get caught up in our phones, as we do every day. Searching through recipes, taking cute holiday photos and looking up gift ideas, we can hardly keep our eyes off our phones.

I propose that we all have a phone-free holiday.

No Pictures, Please

Now, I understand those that use their phone as a camera and want to capture all the holiday food and gatherings of family and friends, but put down the phone.

So many times we’re so focused on capturing a moment that we forget to actually live in it. Put the phone down–you’d be surprised at how much you are really missing.

But no one will see how much fun I’m having!’ Well, maybe you should actually have fun and enjoy your company.

It’s one thing to take your pictures and move on, rather than take a million pictures and edit them then and there to post on Instagram. Save that for later. Pay attention to your company or just enjoy the fireplace or the wonderful meal.

Presents Through FaceTime

via  deborahfillmer.com

I’m especially sympathetic to those that have long distance family members or relationships, so yes, FaceTime your girlfriend or Skype your big brother that couldn’t make it for the holidays.

But even then, try to keep it as minimal and as least invasive as possible. Set it up as if they are in the room with everyone, rather than just taking your attention away. Let them watch you open your presents and vice versa.

Social Media = No No

While I’m sure your holiday celebration is very fun and exciting … to you …I’m not sure that everyone needs to hear about it.

We live in a world of over-sharing, so take a step back and just let it happen. We don’t need CNN updates every time something happens. Laugh, smile and enjoy the holidays.

Stay off Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. Truth be told, the ones that are posting pictures every two seconds probably are having the worst time. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy time off from school and work with family and friends.

GET OFF YOUR EMAIL

While it’s not THAT popular for people our age to check email constantly, somehow I always do. Whether it’s those stupid coupons or advertisements, I hate having notifications on my phone.

If you have a job that requires you to check emails regularly, shut it off on your family’s holiday, unless they’re paying you. No email is that important that you need to be on standby instead of enjoying the holiday celebration.

Shut It Down

Don’t even think about restarting that Candy Crush level that you gave up on months ago. Your animal farm and army will be just fine for a day or two without attention.

There are no excuses for being stuck in your phone playing games, so we don’t even want to hear it. Let it go!

Collection Time

via gijobs.com

At the beginning of your holiday celebration, collect everyone’s phones. Some may be granted special privilege (like maybe your parents), but try to get everyone’s. If they don’t have phones to be on, they won’t be distracted.

Get some good quality time in. Play a board game or a card game to get everyone involved. Put on Christmas music or put your musically inclined cousin on the piano and sing Christmas carols and other holiday music.

Go around the room and tell funny holiday stories about the terrible presents you’ve gotten in the past or ask your grandparents what holidays were like in the past. Truth be told, you might learn a thing or two and these stories could be passed on to your children.

Go on a tour of lights in your neighborhood. Load the car up with as many people that fit and go around giving scores to the best and worst Christmas lights in the neighborhood. Don’t forget to put on the Christmas music!

However you decide to spend your holiday, be sure to actually be there and be present. Don’t be too wrapped up in your phone and social media.

The holidays, whether you’re religious or not, are about spending time with the people you love and appreciating all that you have, so actually do that this year. Even if you didn’t buy everyone presents, give others your attention and love and everyone will be happy.

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