For many this Christmas, the holiday season will be quite different than years past. This season the holidays may be more peaceful and silent than even the most Bah Humbug person wants. Probably no one will argue that 2020 has been a year like no other for most of us. We especially want to be mindful of our feelings and of others who may not feel like celebrating this year, especially if they are missing a loved one. That is alright.
But even in 2020, Christmas is coming. The signs are all around us. There seem to be more Christmas lights up. Maybe it is due to more people being at home or some late warm November days. Or maybe people just want to help spread more good cheer that is so needed. I know that we have not hung outdoor lights for some years, but we hung our sparkly ‘thin blue line’ Christmas lights to show both cheer and support for our local law enforcement.
Some things remain the same, regardless of the state of the world. Little ones will still look for Santa. There will be smiles and remembrances as those who watch them see the children’s faces full of glee. Our towns are still being decorated in the hope for the season. The star still shines bright on the Fortville water tower. The courthouse plaza sparkles at dark. Our faith communities are figuring out and getting creative on how to honor our traditions and safely celebrate the season. There are others reaching out to help those with a need this giving season. Small communities seem to be especially gifted at being aware and committed to help make what may seem like every day small miracles for others.
While the holiday season can bring much joy; it may also be more difficult for some this year as we continue to limit our contact be it with family, friends, our faith communities, or others. We may have already been feeling a growing sense of isolation, but especially now. It is important to know that you are not alone in this, even though it may feel like it. Some other things that can help with celebrating this 2020 season is to:
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Connect with others (Reach out and call someone, not just text. Maybe even have a porch drop off where you can actually see each other and talk with some space, even if only for a short while).
Rethink your expectations, even if for only one year.
Be hopeful that next year will be better.
Practice gratitude (Helps with focusing on the good you have in your life).
Help others (Reach out to others who might be feeling alone… they come in all ages. Maybe even send them a special treat you made, or send money to help out a local cause, or show appreciation to those serving on the front lines in our communities).
• Do not dwell on the negative. Balance your alone time with more positive thoughts and energy. Do something you like to do, better yet share it with others. Maybe rediscover an old hobby. (I recently decided to try my hand at night photography by taking pictures of a covered bridge decorated in Christmas lights, while hoping I would not meet up with any dogs in the dark.)
This Christmas, I believe and hope that next year, our celebrations will be more joyous and as we like them to be, gathered with those special to us. In the meantime, we can still enjoy the season with being creative in seeing and talking with each other, dropping off presents, being grateful for the good in our lives and in each other, and cruising all the neighbors good cheer of Christmas lights. Who knows, I may even try some of those long-saved recipes or play a song from one of my 1990’s Christmas Carol & Recipe Books from the Daily Reporter. Yeah, I know that I have written about decluttering, minimizing, and cleaning out what is not needed… but yes, I really did save them.
