Thanksgiving. What a perfect time to connect. We sure did.

We jumped into our blue Ford 150 truck with an extended cab. Jumping into the back seat to join us was our 65-pound honey-colored goldendoodle Maddie. We were off to southwestern Missouri to see my dad.

Once at my dad’s house we spent the next three days connecting with relatives and friends, sharing food and stories.

There were other ways we connected, too. I had a colorful gym bag I was trying to decide whether to send to my 14-year-old granddaughter Morgan in Ohio. So, I hung it on a chair, clicked a picture with my phone, and sent the picture to Morgan.  She responded quickly by text. “I’d love it. Thanks, Grandma.” Task accomplished.

The next day I pulled out my laptop because our grandchildren Trent, age 10, and Jillie, age 7, in Denver had called to say they wanted to skype. I asked Dad, who is 93 years old, if he would like to see how to skype and talk to Trent and Jillie. He was all for it. So, for the next ten minutes, we talked with Trent and Jillie via this fun way of connecting.

Later on that day, I connected to the Internet and went to a website that our son Andy had told us about to order his 11-year-old son Brandon a sturdy version of an indoor basketball hoop and ball. Within a few minutes the transaction was done. The gift would be on its way to Andy’s house for Christmas.

It’s amazing the ways we can connect on a personal or business level. It all comes together when we make the opportunity to connect. As individuals it’s important we seize the opportunities to connect to loved ones and even do some shopping with little effort. As businesses it’s important to know your customers’ needs and how they use technology to meet those needs.

Whether you are an individual or a business --- have fun connecting this holiday season.