It is no secret that this holiday season is bound to be unique in more ways than one. As 2020 comes to a close, each of us are able to reflect on the ways that life amidst a pandemic has challenged how we connect and engage with… well, everyone, from acquaintances to co-workers, and our loved ones.
1. Send Out Holiday Cards
Snail mail! While it may sound cliche, there is nothing like a handwritten note. Take the time to peruse the cards at your favorite local shop (if possible and wearing a mask!) or find the perfect paper notes online. I personally enjoy having a few different styles of holiday cards so I can select which one suits the person receiving the card the best.
Set aside some time, maybe light a candle and make some hot chocolate (bonus), and start bringing the pen to paper. Writing meaningful notes to all those who made your list will connect you to the spirit of the holidays and to whom you are thinking of while you write. I suggest having a few ‘holiday taglines’ for your cards and adding on your heartfelt notes from there. Those who receive your cards will be touched by the thoughtful touch you’ve added.
2. Caroling Across the Screen
Are you and your family or loved ones the carolling type? Who says you can’t still go carolling this year?! We do live in a digital age, after all. Create an e-vite and spread the news. I’d recommend having a playlist on hand for your group to sing along with and it’s not a bad idea to send lyrics out either.
Set yourself up in front of your tree or maybe on your porch if it’s not too cold where you are and voila, you have a stage! If you or a loved one is a pianist or musician, have them lead the show. Remember, the fun is that you are gathering together, so don’t get on Aunt Susie if she’s not hitting all the notes. A cozy beverage and some cookies are never a bad idea this time of year.
3. Share Your Holiday Favorites
What’s your favorite holiday dish or treat? Start a recipe share among family or friends! You may love classic sugar cookies but Paul’s favorite might be quiche on Christmas morning. There’s something about holiday dishes that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The familiar smell of mom’s dishes cooking in the oven or the scent of sugar as your whipping up your classic dough—everyone has theirs.
You might even create a recipe book showcasing everyone’s favorites. This would also make a cute holiday gift to share with everyone that participated. Some items (like cookies) can be sent easily in the mail so a sweet follow up could be sharing the sugar no matter how far you are from each other.
4. Have a Holi-Date Movie Night
Maybe everyone can’t get cozy together on the same couch but you can still enjoy your favorite movies together! Have a Netflix Movie Night and watch a classic together. Popcorn, pizza, more cookies… no judgement here. Hearing someone you love laugh is one of the sweetest sounds. Or maybe your dad cries every time he watches A White Christmas and you can’t miss out on it this year.
5. Share the Light with a Holiday Walk
Do you live in or close to a neighborhood that goes all out with lights? Make a video of the holiday cheer in your hometown and start a thread to have your loved ones do the same! It shares the bright spirit of the holiday and will make everyone feel a little closer to each other. If your signal is strong enough, you can make it a video chat! Either way, everyone will get to feel a little like they got to come visit for the holidays!
Staying Home for the Holidays?
So, 2020 has been a weird year and many of us will have to miss spending time with those we love the most but you can still find creative ways to connect and spread the holiday cheer!
Make sure to find time to connect to yourself too. This Gentle Yin Practice is perfect for recharging.
Traveling for the Holidays?
Maybe you are still hopping on a plane to get home and if that’s you, make sure to reset when you arrive with this after flight class.
