The days are getting shorter and shorter but holiday lights are getting brighter and more festive, especially this year! Is it just me or do you think that in many neighborhoods, homes look like gingerbread houses? Is it possible that after nine months of the pandemic our fatigue is real and we look forward to our beloved holiday season? I want to believe that there is still hope for holiday cheer. Our spirits are bright and we are staying optimistic.
Unpredictable 2020 Holiday Season
One thing that we can all agree on is that the 2020 holiday season will be different from our regular tradition. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all people throughout the world. It took the lives of million and changed others’ lives significantly. The holiday celebration will be marked by a measure of grief and will not be the same as usual. As life keeps moving forward, the holidays will still happen, and joy will be possible with a creation of new traditions that capture the spirit of the season. There will be many dinners conducted over Zoom, and small gatherings held outdoors on porches with heated lamps, or in backyards around fire pits. The one holiday wish we all share is the hope that very soon we will be able go back to our normal lives, spending time together without any considerations of possible complications, and without having to worry about masks or social distancing.
Maintaining Mental Health
Loneliness has become a defining characteristic of 2020. It is even more prevalent over the holidays. It is important to remember that we are in this together. Although some are smiling outwardly, many still experience melancholy feelings, especially around the holidays. Staying connected with family and friends is important, even with a brief phone call, video chat, or short text message. It is also normal to share your feelings of sadness with your close family members and friends. Conversations with loved ones will make you feel better and will give you joy and peace.
While some of us are spending most of our time at home, let’s take advantage of this and develop a regular sleeping pattern that involves going to bed at the same time every day. A good night of sleep can improve our mood. Nothing is better than waking up feeling rested and recharged. A good night of sleep will provide enough energy for the day ahead and even help to increase our daily productivity.
Sleep can boost our immune system, which is very important during the winter. Sleep can also improve exercise performance, hand-eye coordination, reaction time, muscle recovery, and heart health.
If it is safe and permissible in your area to meet up with a friend somewhere outside, you can get together in the neighborhood or local park and take a walk together. Spending time outdoors reduces stress levels, helps to enhance clarity, and rejuvenates the mind and body.
Christmas Lights Bring Cheer
On December 1st, I was not ready for the holidays. I felt guilty to celebrate Christmas during the events of the past year. I delayed my Christmas card project, the decoration of the Christmas tree, and holiday shopping. I was down and blue. All my thoughts were about upcoming school projects and daily problems. Around 4 pm, I was driving home and it was getting dark already. I turned to a side road and suddenly holiday lights popped up in my neighborhood! Each house was brighter and brighter and the words, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go…” were playing on the radio. For the first time this season, I felt the spirit of Christmas. That evening, a Christmas tree appeared in our living room and new candles in our windows helped us create our own gingerbread house for our neighbors to see.
In the End
This holiday season we have the right to feel melancholy and blue from time to time, but we still have the power to create a festive mood and spread holiday cheer to our family and friends. COVID-19 may affect our lives, but it doesn’t have to affect our spirits. If there is still hope for holiday magic and outdoor Christmas lights can spread holiday cheer, all the promises and wishes of the season can still come true for all of us!
Wishing all of you a joyful holiday season with sparkling light in your heart, and a good night of sleep under a warm blanket on these cold days!
Health, Happiness, and Harmony,
Kay
