The Holiday Season: 2020 Edition

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The holidays are right around the corner and the mere thought of it makes me happy.  The holiday season brings so much joy with it, and frankly, the year 2020 owes the world a little joy.  Even though the holiday season will look different for many families this year, some aspects will remain the same. Despite everything that’s going on in the world, the holidays can be a time to reconnect with those we love, relax, and step away from everyday life. So, as we approach the holiday season, go ahead and be intentional about using this time to restore some much-needed joy to your life. 

Reconnect with the ones you love

Growing up, one thing that I could count on the holidays for was reconnecting with extended family.  Family spread across the states would somehow find their way back to Grandma’s house (almost) every holiday season.  It was so much fun laughing, talking, playing games, dancing, exchanging gifts, eating and just being in the midst of family.  There is very little that can compare to the joy of being with family during the holidays. 

We may have to reconnect a little differently this year, but don’t let that stop you. Be very intentional about connecting with those you traditionally spend your holiday season with. Using Zoom and drive-by events are great ways connect with your family safely this year.

Take time to relax

The holidays are a perfect time to relax.  If you have time off from work during the holidays, use it wisely.  Now, I know that creating holiday magic often falls on women’s shoulders, but do yourself a favor and take a moment to take a breath.  If you are in charge of creating your family’s holiday schedule, plan fewer activities.  The pandemic is an excellent excuse for that.  If, for some reason, you’re unable to schedule fewer activities, plan more relaxing ones.

I learned a valuable lesson from Thanksgiving.  At first, I thought that celebrating the holiday with just my little family of four would be disappointing.  But, the day turned out to be what I’m sure will be memorable for all of us.  After we ate Thanksgiving lunch, we piled up on the couch and watched movies for the rest of the evening.  We laughed, talked, and just enjoyed each other’s company.  It was so relaxing. 

Step away from everyday life

Another thing the holiday season is good for is allowing you to step away from everyday life.  Life is filled with work, chores, meetings, and other chaos that requires you to adhere to a schedule.  The holiday season gives you a moment to step away from it, even if only for a short period.  It is important to take those moments to forget about life’s stresses and just take in the holiday season’s magic.  I look forward to trading in the reports, the emails, and the deadlines for the decorations, the songs, the seasonal treats, and all the things that come along with the holidays.  

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It is easy to find a million reasons not to celebrate the holiday season, especially this year.  It has been a tough year.  So many people have experienced loss, illness, financial hardship, and other pain associated with 2020.  That, to me, is reason enough to take this holiday season as a time to reconnect with family and friends, to relax, and to take a moment to step away from real life for just a minute.  I hope that by focusing on the wonderful things that come along with the holiday season, I’ll be able to restore some much-needed joy to my life and prepare to face whatever 2021 brings my way. 

Happy Holidays!