Unbelievably, it’s December and the holidays are upon us. I’ve been hearing a variety of comments regarding this fact. Many people are happy to see 2020 end and are at least cautiously optimistic about the coming year. But dealing with another surge of Covid has been tough. The social isolation is wearing thin – as is remote learning for many families. Even if there’s a light at the end of the tunnel (with the vaccines), spending the holiday season at home and limiting contact, even with close family members, is hard and sometimes lonely.

So, I want to acknowledge all of your feelings and how challenging this is. And I also invite you to balance these feelings with awareness of the potential gifts or silver linings (even if it is a stretch).

I have been discussing this with friends and clients, and here are a few of the ideas we have come up with:

• A chance to simplify
• An opportunity to create new traditions
• No pressure to entertain
• More downtime and time to spend with a few of our closest connections
• Saving money (fewer gifts, outings)
• Fewer pressures and expectations

Still, it can be an incredibly challenging time. If you need some support or guidance on your journey, please reach out and contact me at [email protected]

Tips for Enjoying Holidays 2020

7 Things to Do if You’re Feeling Sad About This Holiday Season | The Everygirl

https://theeverygirl.com/what-to-do-if-youre-feeling-sad-about-holiday/

https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/11/09/how-to-cope-with-extra-stress-during-2020-holiday-season/6227223002/

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/7-tips-for-managing-grief-over-the-holidays-during-covid-19#How-grieving-is-different-during-COVID-19

Quotes & Inspiration

“The Joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” – W. C. Jones

“It’s strange how the simple things in life go on while we become difficult.”
― Richard Brautigan

 “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace- only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”
― Anne Lamott

“The holiest of holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness.” – Helen Keller

“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran