There’s no denying this holiday season will probably be different for most people. You may have already canceled certain plans, or you’re expecting a smaller get-together than you usually have.
The stress and uncertainty the pandemic has caused has been hard on everyone in different ways. While the holidays can typically be a time of relaxation and fun, things may not be that easy this year.
Whether you’re choosing to cancel your major plans and break with certain traditions or you’re going to get together with your family and you’re worried about disagreements, you’re not alone. Christmas during the pandemic will be interesting, to say the least.
So, how can you cope with the uncertainty of the season this year?
When You Can’t Be Together
With terms like social distancing and quarantine still being used all the time, many people are opting to forego many family traditions this year. There have been spikes of the COVID-19 virus all over the country lately. Even the CDC issued a statement over the Thanksgiving holiday that urged people to keep their gatherings small. Christmas is likely to be the same.
Those changes in tradition can make you feel lonely and sad. You might grieve the traditions you’re missing out on, and the people you usually spend the holidays with.
It’s okay to grieve! Accept it for what it is and find new ways to make your own traditions or incorporate things into this year as best as you can.
For example, if your family all sings Christmas carols, why not do it over the phone or a video chat? If certain members of the family have “famous” recipes, cook one of them up for yourself and enjoy the familiar flavors of Christmas.
There are no rules in place that say you can’t keep some of your family traditions this year. You just may need to get creative with how you do it.
Dealing With Disagreements
If your family decides to get together, things may not be the same as they have been before. It appears everyone has different opinions on the pandemic, the virus itself, and even the “political” status surrounding what’s going on in the world.
It has been a tense and tough year, all around. So, people are bound to share their opinions on certain touchy subjects.
That can lead to head disagreements, especially when there is still so much uncertainty going on regarding the pandemic.
While the best tip to keep in mind is to avoid political talk or even “news” altogether, it’s bound to happen.
When it comes to reducing your stress levels and not giving in to the disagreements that might occur, it’s important to set boundaries, take breaks, and step away from heated situations to give yourself time to cool off.
Staying Connected With People You Love
One of the hardest things so many people will face this holiday season is loneliness. The mental health effects of this pandemic are bound to be causing problems for years to come. But the holidays can really hit hard when it comes to feeling isolated.
You can cope with that loneliness by finding creative, unique ways to stay connected with the people in your life. While you might be sick of Zoom calls and video chats, they really are one of the best ways to see the people you love face-to-face.
Additionally, you can find “little ways” to feel more connected. That might include sending out paper Christmas cards, or dropping off meals/presents to your family members’ doorsteps. You don’t have to be physically close in order to feel connected and loved.
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Are you struggling with the holidays already? Not sure how to cope with the pandemic in full swing? You can get through this! Contact us for more ideas and support. Serenity EFTC provides family therapy in Colorado.