People talk about going home for the holidays, but it’s often the traditions of the holidays that create a home wherever you are. In this eight-part series, RE/MAX is taking a look at things that make a house a home and how each one can add to your seasonal celebration.

It’s often tough to be away from loved ones during the holidays. Fortunately, there are several ways everyone in your family, wherever they may be, can be included in celebrating the season. Here are a few.

1. Make a date to video chat

Plan ahead (maybe even send out an Evite) and schedule a virtual family reunion. Video chatting is easy – and free. Services like Skype, FaceTime and Google Hangouts allow you to talk to more than one person at the same time. Bonus: you can finally turn down the volume on the uncle who shouts during every conversation.

2. Share an activity

While everyone may not be able to do the same thing in the same place, you and your family members around the world can still share a holiday experience. For example, everyone could make the same treasured family recipe or create some DIY holiday decorations. Then, share the experience via phone or video chat.

3. Family Facebook

Set up a Facebook page for your extended family for the holidays – and beyond. Posts can include messages or videos from each member of the family (don’t forget the dog!) or snapshots from holiday activities.

4. Record a message – or a conversation.

SpareMin is an app that makes it easy to create and share audio recordings. Grab a family member and host your own podcast with a topic like “Family Update” or “2016 Year in Review.”

5. Online family photo album

Sites like Shutterfly and Snapfish make it easy to create online albums. Upload some family holiday pics from years past or start fresh with this year’s batch and invite relatives to contribute.

What would be great news to share with your family? Buying a new home! A RE/MAX agent can help make it a reality. Find an experienced one to work with here.