How can I get through Christmas? My question exactly !!!!
Be creative, compassionate, and curious. Mental Health applies to every day and for this COVID Christmas 2020.
Can’t have famine a Memory Tree. Keep up your own traditions with a little holiday twist of creativity! Yes, you can!
Let’s face it, this SUCKS!!! We cannot deny or change the restrictions with COVID but we can have a joyous Christmas.
In this world of unprecedented times, we have to find ways to be happy and joyful. This is not to take away the fear, suffering, and sadness of those who have died or become ill with COVID-19, merely we all have to get through this period of history together and yet in our own unique ways. Happiness and joy look and feel different for everyone.
Yes, there are times when we have experienced Covid fatigue, sadness, and the tragic loss of a loved one. Finding our way through grief takes patience and is an individual experience. Each of us copes with grief differently. Death does not take a holiday at Christmas.
For me, Christmas has always been a special time for many reasons. I love Christmas ‘feelings’. The first part of the fun is to put up the tree in mid-November. Christmas reminds me of the joy of growing up and how my mom made Christmas incredibly special. The beautiful colorful lights that shine all day and into the nights gives our home a sense of warmth even on the coldest of nights. The blue and red outdoor lights are a welcome sign from a busy day at work and the stresses of life. Memories of that one Christmas orange and the large tin of AlphaGetti in the stocking was a true holiday treat. My grandma coming over every year with her tarts and lemon pies added to the beautiful memories. At Christmas I make tarts and other treats to celebrate those who are not able to be here during the holidays. In my heart, they are never gone.
We must also understand that no homes are happy. There are poverty, violence, and abuse. How do they cope? This is where we have to also be mindful of our neighbors, family, and friends who may be really struggling with Christmas 2020. Dropping off presents, fresh baking, and taking a few extra minutes to call with a ‘loving hello’. It is the little seeds of love and compassion that can make a huge positive impact on the lives of others.
Over the years with work, having a child, and getting married we created our own holiday tradition and added to the ones cherished. For example having our own Christmas dinner, opening gifts on December 25th, coffee with liquor, Christmas oranges, and holiday movies ( yes it is a variety of selections and choices from The Boston Strangler, Christmas Carol, Scrooged, Harry Potter all seven Midsummer Murders, Inspector Morse, Montalbano, and ELF) with friends and family.
This year will be no exception. The holiday treats are being made, created, and baked for Christmas and to be consumed into the New Year. 2020 is going to slowly disappear and new beginnings in 2021. It is about family, friends and sharing good food. It is about keeping safe and staying positive. It is about seeing ourselves healthy into 2021.
This year I decided to make a memory tree, taking pictures or drawing the faces of people who are unable to come over for dinner, visits, and celebrate with us. That is going to be many faces on the tree. It is difficult to plan with the rules changing and adapting to the restrictions. Be compassionate. No matter what may be happening in my life, I know others suffer as well. Our daughters cannot fly home and for us, they ‘make our Christmas special’. It is important to keep realistic expectations. Nothing is going to change in the foreseeable future so we have to be creative in keeping the joy.
Christmas gives us a sense of magic. Childlike magic and dreams. There is much to be thankful for despite the COVID cloud. Up to now, we are all safe and healthy. To me, that is the greatest and most important part of Christmas 2020. Next year at any time during the year we plan to have Christmas 2020 celebrations. It is only a day and being creative is having fun recreating the Christmas magic. I get to keep up the tree a little longer. Yahoo! Finding joy in the little things in life is what is going to keep our mental health on a safe path.
It can be easy to drop into that doom and despair. It is a slippery slope into a depression. Speaking from experience there are moments and in fact, days where it has been a constant struggle with those negative, gloomy, sick of lineups, pissed off about COVID thoughts. Reassure your children that Santa is going to stop by this year. Things can be different and still fun. We are human and doing the best we can.
As we move forward into December remember self-care and self-compassion. None of us immune from experiencing COVID fatigue or a COVID meltdown. Acknowledge your feelings and seek out help if needed. Remember your self-care tool kit. Set boundaries, have realistic expectations with family and friends, set yourself up for a happy and joyous Christmas 2020.
We are all in this together and how we get through this time depends on a positive attitude and using creative fun ideas. Look at what we can control and let go of what we cannot control.