7 Tips To Get You Through This Year’s Holiday Season
I expect to see pumpkins in mid-October, but I can hold off on the visuals of Christmas tree displays and other holiday fanfare.
There is no doubt that the 2020 winter holiday season will contrast from all other years distinctly.
An assortment of emotions like anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion lurks to assault unsuspecting holiday observers.
My mother had 12 siblings. She and the family matriarchs made sure we celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners together. Never were there less than 50 people. Loud rumbles from my uncles' deep and boisterous laughs and shrieks from the aunts about the new growth in babies and teens'. Many of you share similar or other fond memories of your own.
With recent reports that small family gatherings contribute to an increase in the Coronavirus spread, and families are already desperate to see their loved ones, I sense what could be a distressing holiday season for some.
There is good news, though. First and foremost, if you are reading this, that means you are alive! You have breath in your body. You better thank God or whomever you praise!
It is crucial to get real during difficult times and take stock of what you do and don't control. Be honest with yourself because unrealistic expectations are a set up to sabotage your health and well-being. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, I urge you to get help.
2020 is the year of new traditions, so don't wait until the heart of the holiday season and end up freaking out and binge eating over what you "usually" do. Instead, try something new.
Buy some beautiful stationery—Handwrite letter(s) to the family you usually see during the holidays. Pour out your heart and share your feelings. What does this person(s) mean to you and why? Say that in your letter. You probably never said it in person. They will treasure your message for years to come.
Send holiday cards to family and friends but include photos of you with the person. Write why the moment was special to you.
Coordinate a holiday dish exchange. Do you cook a traditional dish for the holiday dinner? Bake your cookies, or other speciality. Research the best way to send the food and mail it overnight to a family member.
If your family exchanges gifts, organize a pollyanna. Virtually pick names and mail presents to participants in time for the holiday. Open the gifts during a virtual celebration on a set day.
Contact other family members to conjure up old photos from albums and cell phones. Create a video from the photographs. Show the video during an online party and give each family member a copy.
Identify a family in your community that is in need. Collect donations from family members who can give money. Then buy groceries for the family and note that it is from your family.
The gift of gratitude. Think of the people who matter most to you. During the holiday season, schedule time to randomly call these people and say why you are thankful to have them in your life.
Focusing on doing for or helping others is a formidable way to lift your spirits.
The secret to getting through this thing (Covid-19) is awareness and mindfulness. Focus only on what you can do in the present moment. This year has taught us that life is a mystery and is full of surprises.
Push yourself to move through the final three and a half months with grace and gratitude. God did not make a mistake; you are here for a reason. What is your purpose?
We rise by lifting others. - Robert Ingersoll
“Act of giving something to others is an art of flowering your heart.” -Vinayak