GUIDE
Capturing holidays and milestones as a family
Birthdays, Thanksgiving, the first day of school and other big days, and how to keep them with the family members who could not be there.
- It's our baby's first Thanksgiving and the grandparents can't fly in. How do we make them part of the day?Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Mail a small keepsake by November 20 so it lands before the holiday, since there is no regular mail delivery on Thanksgiving Day. On the day itself, give the grandparents one planned job, such as a toast or a family recipe, instead of a call that runs through the whole meal.
- We can't fly out for every one of the grandkids' birthdays, and I hate missing the party. How can we still be part of the day?Claim one moment of the birthday that is yours: a song waiting for them at breakfast, your card opened at the table, or a short call after the party. USPS Ground Advantage delivers in 2-5 days with tracking included, so mail the gift a week ahead and it can be waiting before the day.
- Our granddaughter's school winter concert is in December, and we live too far away to be in the audience. How can we still be part of it?Build the evening around her, not the whole program. Ask the parents to check what the school allows for recording, then plan three small things: a private preview of her song before the night, a short video of her part if filming is allowed, and a call the next day where she tells you about it.