Connecting with Family During the Holidays on the Cheap

This article is sponsored by Cricket Wireless. All opinions are 100% my own.

I love the holidays, like the food, family, gifts, giving, and not going to work. There are so many things to love about the holiday season that it is no wonder everyone seems to be in a good mood—it’s the happiest time of the year!

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is seeing my family. I live in Texas, far from my mom and some of my sisters in Virginia. A significant part of the holidays is that my mom either comes to visit us here or we see her there, but the reality is that coming for Thanksgiving and Christmas is pretty unlikely.

This means that we have to improvise on one of those dates. I want to share a few tips for connecting with your family during the holidays on the cheap.

Write a letter or send a card.

One great way to keep in touch with family is by sending them a card or a letter. While Christmas cards add a personal note, they add a special touch. I love receiving letters. When was the last time you received a letter?

It is so rare today with email and such that it feels extra good to get a letter now and again. Around Thanksgiving, sending a letter to your family members telling them you are thankful for their presence in your life is an excellent way to show them how much you care.

Give them a call

You can always call your family members during the holidays. One good cell phone service provider is Cricket Wireless. Did you know that their network covers 98 percent of the country and that they have more 4G LTE coverage nationwide than Sprint, T-Mobile, or MetroPCS? Their plans are also much more affordable than many other cell phone plans.

Cricket Wireless also has a few unique deals for the holiday season. They have various premium brand devices, and their plans are flexible. They also have a Group Save discount that can save you up to $100 monthly when you add eligible lines.

And suppose you do decide to switch to Cricket. In that case, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Prime for just $29.99* Additionally, from November 13 through January 7, you can choose November 134G LTE January 7REE** after a mail-in rebate Cricket VISA Promotion Card.

Send e-gift cards

When someone lives far away, it can get pricey sending them a gift in the mail (depending on the weight of the present, of course). What I love about sending gift cards is that you don’t have to worry about paying for shipping, and you can schedule them to be sent months in advance!

Not only is this more cost-effective, but it is also straightforward to do. If you know what stores your family’s favorites are, getting them a gift card to that place is a practical gift they’ll use.

The holidays can be tricky if you are not around your family, but you can still show them how much you care. Staying connected with your family during the festivities can be simple if you take the time to remind them how much you care!

Want to win a cute Cricket wireless plush toy for the holidays? Sign up for our giveaway and win one for yourself! The winner will be announced on December 19th!
Win December 19eless Plush on December 19

*Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Offer: Offer ends 1/7/16. New lines only. Porting number required.  It excludes ports from AT&T.

The first month’s SVC charge is due at the sale.  It cannot be combined with the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Mail-In Rebate Offer. 

Activation Fee: Up to $25/line. Taxes, fees, charges & restrictions apply. Restocking Fee: Up to $25. Pricing and terms & are subject to change and may be modified or terminated without notice. 

Coverage & svc are not available. Everywhere. See store for offer details.

**Valid 11/13/15 – 01/07/16 on Motorola Moto E ($49.99), ZTE Overture 2 ($39.99), LG Risio ($29.99), and Nokia Lumia 635 ($19.99).

While supplies last. Submit the rebate form by 2/6/16. Must port number from another carrier (excludes AT&T ports) and activate new smartphone plan (min $40/mo).

Phone price/ tax due at sale. Void in CT, RI, and Miami-Dade County, FL. Promotion Card, issued by MetaBank®, member FDIC, or CenterState Bank of Florida, NA, under a license from VISA U.S.A. Inc., is not redeemable for cash & may not be used for cash withdrawal at any cash-dispensing locations or automated gasoline pumps. The card may be used to pay for your wireless bill.

The card is valid where VISA debit cards are accepted for 150 days after card issuance. Must be active & in good standing for 45 days.

Must make 2nd service payment w/i 45 days of activation. Limit five offers per household. Allow up to 8 weeks for fulfillment.

A restocking fee of up to $25 may apply. An in-store activation fee of up to $25 may apply. Other charges & restr’s apply.

Offer subject to change & may be terminated at any time without notice. For Card terms, visit http:/mycrk.it/RebateTerms.