Seasons…Greetings?
Hello and good greetings to you. It’s an odd time at the moment and it’s understandable that this time of the year is a …much different experience to what we are used to. Though even if we have to put specific measures in place , we can still make Christmas something magical.
Christmas, Yule or a random festive season , I do not judge, is one of the most exciting times of the year. It can also be the loneliest time of the year , this year more than any other year before it. Though I guess this has been a lonely year in general, it has also been a year of improvement.
I have been more alone this year then i have ever been before. I’ve been stuck in the house doing nothing but talking to people online. That has filled the person’s shaped hole in my heart but it’s not a permanent solution. I have made friends for life, i’m sure of that. Though it’s not the same as sitting in a cafe with a good friend and talking about nothing for hours whilst the person serving looks at you angrily for being too loud.
Christmas will look different and it’s not just because santa will be wearing a face-mask.
Here is something which may help you get out of the lonely covid season and get you into the festive spirit!
Video calls. Video calls are great things, they help you to do your job and stay in contact with your family. Yes there are phone calls but it’s just not the same as seeing your family member’s faces. My family and I have been doing this since Covid started in the UK . We played bingo once a week and did a family quiz. There was a little fighting but that’s all family life, it’s something I hope we continue doing in the future.
Postal services have been haywire recently, but that doesnt matter if you have an email account! Get in touch with your family by sending emails, it’s been a long while since we have done this and not resorted to facebook or messenger. I think that we can all agree that we can get a lot more into an email then we can a facebook message or tweet -that is without being incredibly intimidating on our phone screen- Emails are a lot easier to use , especially for those who have had to get an email and do not have other social media.
Occupying yourself in these difficult times is something we’ve had to learn. Places of entertainment and social places are no longer accessible to us and therefore we have to make our own fun. Since amy i have gotten into writing, drawing, journaling, moodboard making, researching and a whole lot more. I have been able to express myself and my emotions creatively in a way people can actually see it and how i feel. You don’t have to do things like this though, I know baking has been a popular option and if you are unable to go to the shops, baking cookies or cakes for someone would be a perfect christmas present.
Turn it all off, I know that watching the news does not help my anxiety at all. It makes me not look forward to Christmas and the festive season because all I’m seeing is things that i can not do. Well guess what? You Can be happy , you can be festive. You can celebrate christmas . Just because you are unable to see many people it does not mean that you cannot be there for them, it does not mean that you can’t speak to them. It doesn’t mean you cannot spread festive cheer everywhere.
Have a christmas party…a virtual christmas party. I know i’m assuming that people have laptops and ipads and things for these ideas. That is because…you’re reading this …therefore if you know people who have a laptop, smartphone or an ipad you are able to create a festive christmas party. Drop off some snacks at your friend’s house- or just let them get their own- put on some christmas music, have a little karaoke or a quiz! It can be anything.
Christmas is about being grateful for what you have, the height and end of winter and being happy for all that we are allowed to do. It doesn’t do well to focus on what you cannot do . It is a dark spiral if you are to do that, instead focus on what you have. Internet connection, family, friends, food in the fridge, movies to watch, things to do.
Being festive does not mean getting the best present for someone or going out to a million parties at the end of the year. It’s all about being grateful and doing what you can to show appreciation. Giving people gifts as tokens of thanks and gratitude. This is a happy time. It’s not a time to curl up in a ball and avoid everyone because you cannot see them face to face. It will be strange but we can get through it.
Seasons greetings, many well wishes to you all
Nadine
poolsofpositivity 