It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! (Gosh Darn It, Let’s Hope So!)

By Jackie White

This year for the holidays, many of us will be missing out on celebrating together as we have in year’s past. Holidays have always been the one excuse to bring together the family to visit. With busy lives, it can be difficult to get together, but holidays always seemed to be the opportunity to get caught up again. As of this writing, we are closing in on ¾ of a year where we have been separated from our families and friends, and for this year, holidays will not be the chance to see each other again.

This year more than ever, it is our presence that should be the present, but how do we do that when we literally cannot be together? How can we make this season bright with the restrictions we are facing? The answer is three-fold: First you must decide that this year you will enjoy the holidays. Having a positive mindset that says, come hell or highwater, you will have an enjoyable holiday is key. Here is how you make that happen:

1. Make the plan on what you can do that is enjoyable to you. 
   
2. Choose gratitude to feel the blessings you have in your life and then celebrate them.
   
3. Break tradition and try something new that you have always wanted to try.
   
4. Take time to be intentional about your holiday and how it can be special.
   
5. Keep a bubble of positive energy around you. Protect it. Don’t let negativity in!
   

Secondly, you have to get creative in how you will be doing that. Just because you can’t be together, there are other ways to connect and make your presence known. Here are several ideas to get you thinking out of the box.

1. Zoom Call: Of course, the zoom call or Facetime are great ways to still see each other and do a long-distance gift exchange.
   
2. Handmake a gift. Check Pinterest for ideas to make something homemade for your family members. Handmade gifts are made with love so what could be better?
   
3. Write a letter. Write a heartfelt letter to your loved ones to let them know how much they mean to you. There is no better time than now to let the people you care about know how much they mean to you. Lift them up with your words of love.
   
4. Write a Holiday Letter. Oh, the dreaded holiday letter can actually be a gift to those on your giving list especially this year. Sharing the joys in a year of trials can put a smile on your family and friend’s faces. 
   
5. Go Outside: Figure it out. Meet with your loved ones outside, socially distanced of course. Get in a hike, make a campfire and bundle up to share some time together.
   

Finally it will do your soul good to do something for someone else. Here are some ideas for you:
1. Provide a donation of a meal.
2. Sponsor a family in need.
3. Make cards for people in a nursing home or hospital.
4. Bake cookies for neighbors, police, fire or hospital workers.
5. Make homemade dog biscuits for your neighbor’s dogs.

As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. You might have to squeeze the hell out of them this year, but you can do this! It’s all about getting creative and choosing to make this 2020 holiday season the most wonderful time of the year. Heck, Heaven knows, we can all use a little wonderful right about now!

Enjoy your holidays and Shine On!

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