The holiday season is a time to celebrate and to gather with your loved ones. For some families, long distances make it impossible to be together with their families. Being a grandparent to a grandchild in another city or state can be tough.

Keep that special connection between you and your grandchildren by trying a few of these long-distance gift suggestions.

Use a webcam. During holiday meals and gift exchanges, set up a webcam for long-distance family members who can't be there. Deciding to tape it can provide a permanent memory of your family's gathering.

Make a Quilt. Sew a patchwork quilt for your grandchild. Consider using their baby blankets and baby clothes. For free patterns and additional inspiration, search the Internet. You can add to it as your grandchildren get older, and take turns adding squares to the blanket by mailing it back and forth.

Share Family Recipes. Plan a monthly cooking session that begins with an e-mail exchange of a recipe and grocery list. When it's time to make the meal, use a service like Skype and cook together.

Interview Via E-mail. Create questions to interview each other. Start with simple questions such as favorite color and gradually ask questions about your life experiences. By keeping the lines of communication open, grandparents can build the connection and share the wisdom that came from their life’s journey.

Start an Annual Tradition. For those that celebrate Christmas, send grandchildren an ornament for the family Christmas tree. Make it personal and choose an ornament that fits each child’s personality.

Make Family History. Go through your old photos, scan, and print snapshots of you and your grandchild’s parents. Give them a summary of who’s who and a story behind the photo.

Focus on gifts that are personal and meaningful.
Be there even though you’re far away!