
In my last post, we talked about reflecting and what Christmas means to us. Now, I’d really like to address the elephant in the room, which is, how do we celebrate Christmas this year when we have a pandemic going on?
It’s not easy for us, as adults, let alone if you have or are working with children, or have elderly parents who you are caring for. This is such a busy time in our lives but it can also be fairly concerning. The following section outlines 7 actionable steps to support you and your children or students during this pandemic to help make Christmas a more joyful time. Don’t feel like you need to follow all of the steps. Do whatever speaks to you and your family or class.
Actionable Steps
Feel It:
If you’re a parent of a teacher, let’s get one word out in the open: disappointment. There’s absolutely no way to avoid this, so it’s best to address it. Understand your feelings around it and then talk to your children, students and family in an empathetic way . Listen to their concerns and if you feel comfortable, share yours as well so they know that they aren’t alone in feeling this way.
Be Your Own Muse:
Yes! I know I mentioned this last week, but when there’s such mixed feelings involved, especially if you’re taking on other people’s feelings as well, its good practice to sit with your own thoughts after, and really center yourself. If you want, I’ve created a journal for you with 7 writing / art prompts, a to-do list, and a reflection guide to help you through this time. If you prefer a different approach, do what feels best for you, but make some time for yourself.
Traditions with a Twist:
Instead of talking about how Christmas will be different this year, which can feel fairly negative, have a discussion about what you all are looking forward to this year. In fact, make a list of it and pick the top 5 or 10 things you can do this year. Then, really hone in on it and create excitement about it. Maybe even put on some Christmas music to really get in the spirit of the holiday.
Remember, you can still put up a tree and decorate it and your home, and gifts can be exchanged with immediate family and left under the tree for those who you’ll visit after this pandemic is over. A family dinner can still take place, even if you have to use an online platform to be together. If you are a Christian, you can still attend mass virtually. It’s all possible; you may just need to be creative about how to make your plans work.
Christmas Treats:
Cook, bake or buy them! Whatever you choose to do, enjoy pulling out some Christmas recipes and making your house smell delicious.
Lookin’ Good:
Whether you are dining in person or virtually, get dolled up and have some fun. Not only will you feel stunning in the moment, but at the end of the day, when you wind down for the evening, you can enjoy dressing down into comfy pajamas to curl up and watch a movie while devouring some Christmas treats.
Get Crafty:
Take some time to write or create cards, send a text messages or write an email / a letter to loved ones. Incorporate words of kindness and appreciation for the people you are writing to. Send them messages of love.
Date Night:
For those of you who need to be out and about, take a walk in your neighborhood or take a quick drive around and enjoy the lights that some people have decorated the outside of their homes with. You can do this with your family or you can do it on your own. Spoiling yourself with some much needed time on your own can be a wonderful way to calm down from an eventful day.
The Ultimate Gift:
When we give of ourselves, we receive so much more in return. I’m not asking you to break the bank doing this, nor am I asking you to put yourself in danger. You can donate to a local organization or perform an act of kindness for someone while social distancing.
Need Support?
If you’re a new mom or if you’re feeling alone, please join me at New Mom-Support. Let’s be there for each other so that no one feels alone but is surrounded by love and support.
A Christmas Gift
Well, there you have it my friends. These are my 7 steps to enjoying your Christmas despite this pandemic.
I would like to take this moment to wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and will start implementing the steps outlined above. As my gift to you, click on the image below and enjoy this Christmas Reflection freebie that is currently selling my store.
Merry Christmas!!!!