Adjusting to the New Normal of the Holiday Season by Shaunacee Harris

Cheers to the holiday season! The holidays are almost here! This is the season of giving, spending time with family, and fulfilling traditions. However, the Holiday Season of 2020 may look quite different for most. The pandemic affecting our traditional holiday plans can trigger a variety of emotions.

This year we’ve experienced isolation from family and friends to ensure we’re safe and many are yearning to reconnect with loved ones. The distance apart can negatively impact our wellbeing. Now it’s time for the holidays, a time when many get to reconnect with loved ones and celebrate traditions that have been passed down through generations. Due to social distancing, cherished traditions may be broken, which could be devastating for some.

Although the pandemic may change the way we celebrate this year, it is still possible to find joy and explore safer options. Here are some recommendations to consider, but are not limited to:

• If you typically partake in large gatherings, celebrate the same traditions but with a smaller group
• Engage in virtual celebrations/traditions. This could include hosting holiday dinners via web-based apps (i.e., Zoom, Facetime, Skype, etc.)
• Get creative! Start new traditions and rituals that are meaningful to you

For those who are still planning to meet up in person, please check out the CDC’s recommendations for celebrating the holidays:

It is important to consider that regardless of the pandemic, the holidays can be a challenging time, especially for those who’ve lost a loved one. Notably, this year may be tough for those who lost a loved one to COVID-19. Feelings of loneliness, grief, sadness, isolation, or anxiety can contribute to the holiday blues. That is to say, if you or know of someone struggling during this time, please know that you are not alone. We must take care of ourselves and engage in activities that will positively impact our wellbeing.

Here are some ways to maintain good mental health during this time:

1. Get some exercise
2. Make sure you are getting enough sleep
3. Try some gratitude/journaling exercises
4. Engage in some mindfulness & meditation
5. Participate in socially distant hobbies
6. Talk to you family/friends or join a support group
7. Safely volunteer at homeless shelters or soup kitchens to connect with others
8. Seek professional help from a mental health therapist

The holidays’ uncertainty is scary but taking care of yourself will be essential during this time. Whichever way you decide to celebrate, please ensure that you are following social-distance guidelines!

Here are some other resources to consider as you begin to prepare for the holiday season:

https://www.nm.org/about-us/northwestern-medicine-newsroom/nm-news-blog/maintaining-good-mental-health-during-the-holidays-and-winter

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cope-with-holiday-family-gatherings-and-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/mental-health-and-coping/index.html