Creative Ways to Celebrate During the Pandemic that can Help Manage Your Stress
The holidays can be a stressful time for many people. This year with the pandemic and all that goes with it, our stress levels can be even higher. What can we do to manage the stress of the holidays and create some lasting memories for our families? First, try to get creative and find ways to make some new traditions when regular family traditions can not take place. Involve your family in coming up with ideas. Try not to focus on what you are not doing and focus on what you will do instead. Find ways to connect and still celebrate with loved ones safely.
Strong family traditions are part of what makes celebrating during the holidays fun. Get creative and find ways to keep important traditions alive. Technology has helped keep us connected when we couldn’t connect face to face. Set up a “dinner Zoom” with loved ones who can not be with you in person. Share food and send presents through the mail and open together on your Zoom call. You can play music and sing some holiday songs or play a fun game on Zoom too. If a dinner Zoom doesn’t appeal to you try icing cookies together or making a Gingerbread House instead. These activities can help you connect with loved ones and still enjoy some holiday fun together.
Another great idea is to send a photo book or other items with pictures. These can be great and thoughtful gifts that can lift the spirits of those we can not see in person. There are so many festive items to choose from to add photographs of you and your family. Most places make gifts in all price ranges and assortments. Try making a calendar with a nice picture for every month to bring some continual cheer to family members. There are so many options such as blankets, mugs, books, and everything in between. Gifts like this will sure to be a hit with loved ones!
Zoom is also a great way to share a traditional holiday story or movie together. One suggestion is The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg or The Polar Express movie is a family favorite too. There are ways to watch movies at the same time using Netflix Party. Connection is the most important thing to most people so even though we may not be together in person we can still find ways to make meaningful memories and connections. Making homemade gifts or sending and reading notes together is another great way to make a new holiday tradition. These are also ways we can manage stress during incredibly stressful times. Connecting with family and friends and sharing our feelings can help alleviate our stress.
Memories can be made in so many ways. It is important to focus on the good and what we have instead of what we are missing. Keeping a positive outlook and finding ways to celebrate differently can make memories that we will always cherish. Modify regular traditions to fit with your current situation. Everyone’s situation may be different, but we can all find ways to celebrate and keep traditions alive and make some new ones too!
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born”