This time last year, no one could have imagined that we’d be quarantined for most of 2020.  It was our hope at the onset of the pandemic that we would be able to return to our normal lives by the end of the year. 

We all hoped the pandemic wouldn’t stain the way we celebrated the holidays with our families.  Yet, as we approach the end of the year, it’s evident that our beloved holiday festivities will be drastically different. 

Many  of us will not be able to attend large family gatherings, holiday plays, or religious gatherings.

 Many will go into this season without loved ones who were here last year, and many will still be dealing with the financial strain caused by the virus.

The holiday season can trigger an uptick in anxiety and depression symptoms in a normal season, but with COVID added to the mix, we’re all in for an even bumpier ride this year.

Things just aren’t the same. 

But my father always says that life is nothing but a series of adjustments, and the best laid plans often go to ruins.

So while the world doesn’t look the way we all want it to, it’s still turning. And we can still make this holiday season a joyous one to remember!

So here are some suggestions to consider that may ease your holiday concerns:

Focus on Maintaining Normalcy

You can still go to the Pumpkin patch, buy a Christmas tree, hang your decorations, and do some socially distanced or online shopping. 

You can still wrap gifts and send them to distant family members. You can still watch your favorite holiday movies and blast your holiday music. You can still throw safe parties and hold gatherings; instead of holding a party indoors, consider moving outside if the weather permits.  

Have a small bonfire celebration or outdoor dinner. Just be cautious and have everyone wear a mask.  For more information on guidelines and recommendations for safe gathering, check out the CDC Holiday Guidelines.

Find Creative Ways to Connect Virtually

While some (me) may forgo the large family gatherings this year, there’s still the option to throw a Zoom party and do some virtual holiday trivia games. We’re all pros at this point, so get creative!

You can organize a virtual gingerbread contest or take a virtual cooking class with loved ones. 

You can hold a virtual holiday movie party through apps like TwoSeven or Syncplay.

A virtual ugly sweater party wouldn’t be a bad idea either. The possibilities are endless. 

Just think of virtual parties as a new fun way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family rather than an unfavorable alternative to your normal tradition. 

Life gave us a bunch of lemons this year.  Zoom is our lemonade.  So try to shift your attitude about it.

Find a Way to Give  

What better way to feel good about the holidays this season than to give to someone else in need? 

There are so many people who are going to need some serious generosity this year.

If you’re not accustomed to feeding the homeless, donating blood, or participating in Toys for Tots during the holidays, this can be the year you engage and make a difference in the lives of others.  That’s where good cheer and joy truly comes from. 

Many churches, synagogues, and other places of worship are adjusting their charitable giving practices, so check out what opportunities are available to you locally. 

If you’re not comfortable with physically volunteering, consider donating to St. Jude’s, Meals on Wheels, or the Salvation Army. You can even volunteer to provide emotional support to people online through organizations like 7cups.

Look for the Silver Lining

Looking on the bright side is of utmost importance this year.  While many may mourn the loss of some of our beloved holiday staples, there’s no doubt that we all can pick out one or two annoying things about the holidays that we won’t miss… 

Maybe it’s long, over-crowded lines at the airport.  Maybe it’s the Black Friday stampede…

If you’re someone who battles social anxiety, you might feel a bit of relief if you’re usually anxious about attending large holiday parties or being around certain family members.  You’ve got the perfect excuse for not going this year!

Your silver lining could be something else, but whatever it is, breathe a sigh of relief about it.  You don’t have to worry about it this year.

Get Old School

Don’t you ever wonder what life was like in generations past without social media and technology?  Have you ever wondered what it felt like to receive a handwritten letter in the mail or write one? Try it out this holiday season!! 

Chill out on social media, and write a handwritten letter instead.  Put it in an envelope, stamp it, and send it through the postal service to a loved one or friend.

Tell them about how you’re coping with the holidays this year. Share something about yourself that they don’t know.  Tell them what you’ve been up to. Ask them to share how they’re coping. 

Also, try sending out some old-fashioned care packages with hand sanitizer, tissues, fruit, a card, and whatever else you want to include.  The idea with this is to switch it up and find something different to get excited about.

Practice Gratitude

A psychologist once told me that the mental wards are full to the brim during the holidays. There’s no doubt that’s true.  

The holidays aren’t joyful and cheerful for everybody. 

For some, the holidays are marked with misfortune, strained relationships, past traumas, anxiety, and depression.

So making a conscientious effort to practice more gratitude this holiday season is very important. You may consider starting a gratitude journal. 

If you believe in prayer, start every morning with a prayer of thanksgiving.  No matter what’s going on in the world or a person’s life, there is always something to be grateful for.

Research shows that gratitude is great for mental as well as physical health, so start arming yourself with it now!

Hopefully, this was helpful and has you more optimistic about the holidays this year.  If you can think of more strategies, please feel free to comment below. 

Sincerely,

Alexia