Navigating The Holiday Season of 2020
This has been a year, unlike anything we have ever experienced. Lives have been changed in 2020 with the spread of Covid-19 and the holiday season may look a little different than usual for most. Many moms who gave birth this year still have not been able to have all their family members and friends meet their newest additions, couples have had to postpone their weddings, parents have had to make the decision of whether to do virtual school or send their kids to campus, and birthday parties have looked different too. The holiday season can bring stress for many, but as we wind things down and wrap up the year, let us not forget the reason for the season and how we can still make the best out of a difficult situation. Here are some ways we can try to enjoy the last two months of the year.
1. I like to list at least one thing I am thankful for or grateful for daily. It can be anything - that we woke up that day, that our kids are healthy, that we got that new promotion at work, etc. This keeps us focused on a positive mindset and reminds us that even though things around us may be difficult, there is always something good happening around us.
2. Even if family gatherings may look different this year, try to keep some kind of tradition(s) that you would normally do going. Maybe that means decorating for Christmas early as I have seen many do, still cook that turkey and stuffing and all the fixings, drive around and look at lights, etc. We need some kind of normalcy during this crazy time.
3. If you are getting together with family or friends, do so carefully and mindfully. That might mean having Thanksgiving dinner outside with a few fewer people than usual, quarantining for 14 days leading up to the holiday(s), wearing masks, and getting together in groups of 10 or less. Even though we are dealing with a pandemic and COVID cases are on the rise again, that does not mean you cannot see family and friends all together - just do so mindfully.
4. If you are not able to see family/friends, get together with them on Zoom or some other platform where you can still see each other and talk. Maybe you can do your meal or opening presents at your house, and they can do it from theirs but you can still share the experience. Maybe plan a white elephant gift exchange or a tacky sweater party you can do virtually.
5. Do something you enjoy. For me, that means driving around and looking at Christmas lights while sipping on hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music. I started the Christmas music on November 1st this year when normally that would not begin until the day after Thanksgiving. We also plan to put up the Christmas tree this year earlier than usual. The Dallas Zoo is having a Drive-Thru Lights experience, so take your kids to something like that where it will be safe and fun for the whole family!
6. Make sure you are meeting your own self-care needs. If you are at the end of the year and still have not used your PTO - TAKE IT! Get a few days off to rest and relax, or do those things you have been putting off all year. Many people are renting cabins or Air B&B’s for a few days just to get away and see the changing of the leaves or get out of town. If you feel drained or low on energy, make sure you are replenishing your own cup. Remember we cannot take care of our kids or families if we feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Whatever you chose to do, I hope you try to make the best of it. May everyone has a happy, healthy, safe, and blessed Holiday Season. Merry Christmas!
Stephanie Richards, MA LPC
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