By Megan Jensen, an employee of Raise the Future
So here we all are, living in our somewhat post-pandemic world. Restrictions have lifted in many ways, restaurants are open, and most of us have settled into a new hybrid version of our lives that combines pre- and post-COVID aspects. As we approach the holidays, our first thoughts may be…I NEED TO DO SOMETHING BIG THIS YEAR TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME!
And let’s be honest, maybe you do!
So how do we reconnect with all the things we have lost – without getting overwhelmed and stressed out – this holiday season?
I would suggest perhaps we do, indeed, need to make plans to reconnect and celebrate…but doing so mindfully can make all the difference between the Nightmare Before Christmas or a Holly Jolly season!
Here are some tips to follow during the upcoming holidays:
- Mesh the old and new. Incorporate the circumstances that benefited you during the pandemic along with the traditions you have missed.
Travel to see the lights in a caravan with multiple cars, staying connected via Facetime with those in other cars. Fewer bodies in one car may just keep you sane while seeing the beautiful lights in your neighborhood! - Set realistic goals. While we may want to go all out this year, it will most likely lead to overextending and greater stress and worry during and after!
Avoid the marathon of activities and instead choose two or three preferred activities. Spread activities out across multiple weeks or months! - Remain committed to your personal boundaries.
It is not selfish to negotiate your needs to secure your sanity and wellbeing.
While the pressure to say yes is real, it’s okay to say no to Aunt Mary’s 15th Annual Sweater Decorating Festival and watch a family holiday movie instead! - Don’t abandon your healthy habits. Many of us have created new 2021 habits to counteract the poor habits we formed in 2020. Stick to the commitments you have made for yourself; overindulging will only add to your stress and self-shame and/or blame.
Create fruit kabobs, oven-grilled bananas, or chocolate drizzled pretzels and nuts. Get outside and build a snow fort! Create traditions that get everyone’s bodies moving! - Acknowledge your feelings throughout the season. Life is hard, and the holidays can bring a distinctive kind of pain to those who have experienced loss or loneliness. It is beneficial for you and for children to have the full gamut of emotions modeled throughout this season.
Reflect and honor what has been lost or sad during this season; then remember to celebrate the gifts that still surround you.
PERHAPS MOST OF ALL: Keep it simple. Make plans to reconnect, but keep the plans simple as it is often the simplest things that create the most joy. ♥
Megan Jensen
Family Support Professional at Raise the Future