Finding Joy During the Holidays

With the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine arriving stateside this week, we can start to see the light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. This new sense of hope is welcomed, but until the vaccine reaches all communities across the nation and world, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Which means your upcoming holidays are going to have to look a little different. Even if you can't have the big celebration you imagined, you can still have a merry, happy, and joyful holiday season. We've rounded up a few ideas to help you find joy in this season.

Festive Favorites

You can still do all the same things that you did in years past, but you might have to improvise. You can have your annual Ugly Sweater Party, but instead of gathering together consider making the sweater at home and jumping on a virtual call to show it off. If you usually have a Holiday Cookie Party, change it up this year by making a different family-favorite cookie in the weeks leading up to the holidays and share them with people in your household.

Start New Traditions

Now is a great time to start something new to share with your family for years to come. Reading to your kids can be fun and educational. To get your kids excited about the holidays and reading, gift wrap your favorite children's books and have your child select and unwrap one every night. Or if puzzles interest you, break out a holiday puzzle to work on as a family while watching a festive movie.

Self-Care

Finding time for yourself is important for improving your focus, strengthening your relationships, and helping you relax. Self-care is different for every person. You might find comfort in doing arts and crafts (like coloring books or painting), browsing your favorite magazine while taking a bubble bath, or taking ten minutes to meditate or write your thoughts in a journal. Take a few minutes each day to do something you enjoy. This can help encourage positivity and improve your mental health.

Unwind and Unplug

Try to put the phone down, shut off the tv, and focus on being in the moment. A break from all electronics may be just the thing you need to reconnect with your family or focus on yourself. Break out the board games, share memories, cook a meal together, or relax with your favorite book.

Give Back

There has never been more uncertainty and insecurity for families during the pandemic. Giving back is a great way to help spread kindness and generosity if you have the means. There are thousands of organizations that have opportunities for volunteering or donating, all you have to do is decide which one is your favorite cause. Giving back is also a great way to honor a friend or loved one, which makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift.

Finding joy at home is the best way for us all to come together and beat the virus and begin new traditions that carry on for years to come.