Defined by Wikipedia:
A holiday is a day set aside by custom or by law on which normal activities, especially business or work including school, are suspended or reduced. Generally, holidays are intended to allow individuals to celebrate or commemorate an event or tradition of cultural or religious significance.
Holidays are time to be out and about with family and friends, caroling, drinking eggnog and spreading joy.
Much emphasis is placed on the way we should celebrate and the warm fuzzies to be had from celebrating.
In the best of times….
For most of us holidays rarely live up to the images portrayed in television/movies, shared on Instagram, etc.
Whether a verb or a noun, the word can often conjures the same feelings.
Whether we are far from family or friends.. have tragically lost someone we love, have a minimal (nonexistent) budget, family dynamic issues, celebrating a holiday can be terrifying.
Compounded with the stress that a once in 100 year pandemic and an election year that seems will be dragging into next year.
This year more than ever the holidays are difficult, for most we won’t be with our families and friends.
No matter who you are our the situation you are in this year has undoubtedly been profoundly difficult.
Not surprisingly fewer, are in the “holiday spirit”, many of us will face the day alone.. or if truly blessed with a “quarantine buddy” or two the one(s) you have been facing each days trials and tribulations with… likely in no mood to celebrate.
Take a moment step back and realize that no matter how things look right now.. we have been given today.. what we do with today is our choice.
Rather than face it with fear…. lets do what we can to embrace the holidays.
I’ll be posting some ideas that may help make your day/week brighter.
You matter, be kind to yourself, look at all you have been through.
Talking to myself 