Zoe Weil wrote this post for Psychology Today, which we’re sharing with you today. We hope that you are safe and healthy and wish you happy holidays.
Many years ago, my family had the flu on Christmas. We all had high fevers, and our holiday celebrations were summarily cancelled. The best we could do was curl up on the couch together as we did nothing at all. But at least we were together.
For too many people this year, the coming holiday season is a bitter reminder of loneliness and loss. Due to COVID-19, we may not be able to be with our loved ones, either because we want to keep each other safe, or – tragically – because we have lost someone we love.
The financial hardship so many are experiencing on top of this already painful reality is inevitably leading to even greater sadness, anxiety, and stress as families try to manage a holiday season that’s largely oriented toward spending money on gifts.
While this post can’t bring back loved ones, make it possible to celebrate in person, or solve anyone’s financial difficulties, I offer these ideas so that your 2020 holidays may bring unexpected meaning and joy. Most of them can be adjusted and modified for in-person or distanced celebrations.
