The holiday season can be such a mixed bag. For some people, it’s the best time of the year. But for others, it can be difficult. It’s hard if family or friends are far away, or if you’ve just suffered a loss. Feelings of loneliness and grief are compounded during the holidays when it’s expected that you’ll be able to spend time with people close to you. Here are a few ideas to help you manage the holidays this year.
One way to feel that holiday spirit this year is to volunteer at a community event or service project. The holidays are all about giving to others. Donating your time to help people in your community is a great way to give back. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, or ask people in your neighbourhood if they need help putting their Christmas lights up. You can also spend time at the local animal shelter or organize a community service project. Get your neighbours together to help clean up the local park or hiking trail. It’s a great way to meet new people, and take care of the place you live. However you chose to volunteer over the next few weeks, you’ll feel much better about the holidays after having helped others.
If you’ll be separated from friends and family this year physically, try to connect with them virtually instead. Ask a few close friends if they’d like to have a holiday movie zoom party this year, so you all can participate. Or ask your family if you can make gingerbread houses together over the video call. We’re all busy this time of year, so it’s possible not all your friends or family can join your virtual meetup. You can still enjoy spending time together while apart with the loved ones who can meet up. You might be tempted to avoid a virtual hangout because of holiday stress, but the pressures of the season are even more reasons to reach out to your friends and family and enjoy time with them. Make virtual time together, whether it’s games, baking, movies, or just talking, a priority this year.
A final way to enjoy the holiday season is to take pictures with the people you love. Thanks to modern technology, you can take pictures with people no matter how far apart you are. Take screenshots of your zoom calls and send each other selfies with the cookies you made together long distance. You can print out those photos and put them on your wall, so you feel less lonely during the holidays. You can also put a few of the pictures on holiday cards or Christmas cards to send to your friends. Basic Invite has a ton of photo Christmas cards options to choose from, and you can customize their cards however you like. Your friends and family will love getting the holiday cards you designed in the mail. It’s a great way to connect with the people you care about and let them know you are thinking of them.
Even if loved ones are far away, remember that you can still enjoy the holidays. Get out of your head and spend some time serving your local community. Spend time with loved ones via video calls, and make holiday cards to send to everyone. Happy holidays and I hope you enjoy the season.
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