It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or is it? The Covid pandemic has ripped the rug out from underneath us all and knocked us on our keisters. We found ourselves bewildered, questioning how this happened and wondering if we will find stable ground again.
As 2020 progressed, we came to realize we had to modify or even cancel some of our most treasured memory-making moments including weekend get-togethers, family birthdays, spring weddings, May graduations, summer concerts, and yadda yadda yadda. So what are we thinking about this upcoming holiday season?
As Dee Snider, from famous rock band “Twisted Sister” said, “WE’RE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!”
The novelty of staying at home in pj’s has long passed. Will the feeling change when we hang our stockings over the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas is not quarantined with covid? What if we purposely planned for a happy holiday that we will look back on with actual “fond” memories? The key to happiness is found in our hearts, in our thoughts, and our relationships. This profound wisdom was used to discover the 5 best ways to celebrate our Covid Christmas.
Create a new tradition.
This might be our opportunity to let the family fruitcake baking tradition be permanently replaced by something that is pandemic protective AND is seasonally sufficient. If you were one of the lucky ones to purchase a firepit before they were back-ordered, then roasting chestnuts over the open fire can be a safe opportunity to physically distance AND socially engage.
Give to Receive
The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away ~ Pablo Picasso. Even as children, we remember the feeling of watching with anticipation the expression of someone opening the gift we picked out. Or, in realizing that in bringing good cheer to others, our happiness multiplies. This has been a season of sadness for many and we can use “thought shifting” to not focus on the pain but thinking about how we can use that pain towards a purpose. Look at the neighbor that lost their job and have a meal delivered from a small local restaurant. Make some bread or bath bombs for that overwhelmed teacher or parent (or parents that have involuntarily become a teacher.)
Re–evaluate what you are passionate about
When much is lost, a lot can be found. Discovering what fills us is simple. What has torn at your heartstrings that you couldn’t stop thinking about, talking about, and wanting to change? Maybe you have a fervor for Social Justice. What are you doing when you lose track of time and are frustrated when you have to stop doing it? Knitting, baking, or even puzzle making? We’ve had more time to be able to lose track of recently. Notice what drives your passions and let your heart follow.
Use time as your opportunity
The phrase “If only I had more time” is SOOOOO 2019. Get with the program and see where to best use your Christmas gift of time. Write that book, organize those closets, strengthen relationships with those you live with, take that vacation (or at least start to research it) or start your own business. The world is your oyster, it is your TIME to find your pearls.
Acceptance
“Time does not heal everything but acceptance will heal everything” is a famous Buddhist quote. We have a choice to focus on what we can’t change, or accept that we can’t change it and move forward. Getting stuck in the resentment towards that boss or ruminating on the rejection from a past relationship, allows the pain to hold us prisoner. The only thing that we can control in life is how we choose to think about our circumstances and what we plan to do despite them. Acceptance is the first step to peace and finding joy.