It's going on just over eight months. I know, you don't need reminded. But here we are, we've missed the spring holidays (Easter, Passover, there's probably some other ones I'm not fully aware of and I apologize for that). We've done our best to enjoy the warm summer weather. We've entered the school year with trepidation and hope. We modified or skipped Halloween.
And now we are looking at what is usually the busiest time of year for gatherings and socialization. Work places have already released modified Holiday parties or canceled them. Christmas Tree lighting celebrations have been missed. The CDC and Departments of Health across the nation have stated that traveling is not advised and is instead discouraged.
Are we really facing a Thanksgiving of eating on Zoom? A winter of leaving presents on porches? A New Year's of watching countdowns and ball (or other object) drops on TV not surrounding by family and friends?
In March, very few, if any, people thought we would be here now. It's been a long journey and most of us couldn't and can't take the isolation. And really don't want to be facing the holidays in quarantine. But with cases rising across the nation, what are we to do?
First and foremost, no one can make your decision for you. You have to decide what is the best course of action for you. What is most important? Physical health, safety, and ease of mind that you aren't infected? Or spending time with family and easing your heart and mental health through connection with others? Not sure? Here are some ideas for the holidays:
Weigh your pros and cons. Make out a list if you have to. Sometimes the items on this list may hold more weight than another. For instance, getting COVID-19 might weigh an '8' on your 'cons' list while laughing around the dinner table with family might weigh more in at a '4' or maybe a '10' for you. Laying it out visually might help you decide and feel better about your decision.
Stay connected. Regardless of your decision, we as humans are programmed to connect. We do no survive in isolation. So use the technology to your advantage if you choose to stay in with your immediate family. Zoom or call family members. Eat together in separate households. Send pictures, videos, texts, the works. This helps you and them because your family members aren't feeling as isolated either.
Make the best of today. Let's not worry about next year's holidays yet. And we can't compare this year's holidays to last year's holidays. Do the best that you can with the restrictions and limitations the pandemic is giving us. Can't get out to see family? Make a new tradition! Bake a new recipe (or an old one)! Sing Christmas Carols on the phone! Make homemade decorations. Do holiday trivia. Breathe and take in the relaxation that we don't usually have this time of year.
We are not alone in our aloneness. All of us are struggling in different ways. None of us wanted the pandemic to come in and ruin our holidays. Let's not let it.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please make sure to reach out for help. Check out my Resources page for some places to start.
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