December 2020: Holidays during COVID

We’ve all joked, and sometimes cried, about how crazy 2020 has been, and we’re now looking into the month that may be the hardest for many of us.  We’re exhausted from nine months of varied stages of lockdown, isolation, fear, and unpredictability, and now COVID rates are rising again.  And on top of it all, it’s the holiday season.  For many of us, the holidays will look very different this year.  Here are some tips to help cope with this challenging time.

1. Be gentle with yourself.  Cry if you want to.  It’s okay to feel grief during this holiday season.

2. Keep what holiday traditions you can, but allow yourself to be creative about replacing ones that you’re not able to have.  If you can’t travel to see family, print out their pictures and set them around the table.  Or try zooming together while everyone eats their holiday meal.

3. Talk to others about how you’re feeling and share ideas.  We’re all in this together!  Maybe even join some Facebook groups or follow some Instagram accounts that are sharing ideas about how to cope with this year’s holiday season.

4. Practice gratitude.  Focusing intentionally on the things you’re grateful for is a foolproof way to feel better, even if it feels hard at first.

And, of course, reach out for professional help when needed.  We’re here for you!