How the Holidays are Both Easier and Harder this Year 

The holidays are often a blur. You flurry through decorating, whirl through cookie baking and holiday parties, and juggle school concerts and sending your holiday cards. This year, things might be a little different. That’s going to make your holiday easier in some ways, and harder in others. Here are a few things to consider this year as we transition to holidays during COVID. 

1. Parties and events are fewer. Turns out, even the small gatherings with “our bubble,” are causing problems. Many will mourn this loss; the holidays just aren’t the same without that special concert, a trip to see the Nutcracker ballet, or your best friends’ holiday bash. But in some ways this means life is easier, less of that “holidaze” we sometimes feel. it’s also a chance to reconsider what you want to do each year. Maybe you’ll realize you don’t miss going to the neighbor’s party or feeling obligated to bake for the cookie exchange. Take a moment to consider which events you’re missing and which ones you’re happy to leave behind. When we return to “normal,” next year (we hope!), you can choose more carefully. 
2. Are you sending more holiday cards? Because you’re not seeing people in person, you might feel inclined to send more holiday cards. Feeling bored one weekend stuck in the house again? Get a jump start on them. It might be a chance to get creative with decorating your cards or a fun family photo. You might find some new spark in an otherwise blah time. On the other hand, it’s still OK not to send them at all! 
3. Wrapping and sending gifts might take longer. If you’re not planning to see as many people this year, you might want to send more gifts. However, you may not. Perhaps you lost your job for part of the year. It’s OK to give more or fewer gifts this year. However, if you are purchasing gifts, you probably ought to get started in November. We’re guessing the mail will be even busier than usual this year. Plus, if you’re ordering online, having it shipped to your house, then wrapping it and THEN sending it, you’ll need to schedule in extra time. We’re sure stores will be happy to gift wrap and send directly to the recipient, so you might save yourself stress and time by taking advantage of that option. 
4. Decorating can be fun again. We’re seeing a lot of people on social media digging out their Christmas trees already. Maybe this is the year you get creative and have more fun with it. After all, you might have more time! You also might find it enjoyable to craft some holiday decorations. 
5. It’s time for new traditions. Speaking of more time, maybe this year with no cookie exchange, your family can enjoy a fun afternoon baking cookies just for yourselves. Maybe you go see some holiday lights from your car or do a special holiday movie night with treats. Traditions all start somewhere. You might try something new this year and love it so much you decide to continue it, no matter what next year brings. 

We created a series of holiday videos a few years ago, and it’s interesting to watch those now with the framing of today and how things are different. Give it a try here.

If you’re struggling with a transition of some kind, whether it’s due to COVID, a new medical diagnosis, a move, or something else, contact us for guidance and coaching.