Three Tips for a Merry Christmas
Cynics say it is just commercial, with people wanting to make a profit on Christmas. But it can be a memorable time for family and friends, if you can get together in limited numbers or by an online video meeting. And it may be a time for heart warming Christmas services too, in socially distanced ways or online.
Things aren’t the way we want them to be but that has been true for most of 2020.
I’ll miss the getting together with family at my house and at my sister’s house. We won’t have the same big groups of people, shared food dishes, desserts by a fireplace. We even have less in Christmas decorations. But here are a few tips for making it a good holiday:
- Do what you can
Can you have a few folks together who are in your “bubble” so there is less chance of spread of the virus? Can you eat together by Zoom of FaceTime? These things take some planning, some masks and maybe separate tables.
At Thanksgiving we had our son, daughter-in-law and grandson over and we sat at separate tables several feet apart but could still talk. They are at our house regularly so we were not exposing anyone new and we used masks when close to each other. - Be in the moment
This is always good advice but hard to do in our busy, “I should be doing more” culture. Just notice the smells, the sounds, the stupid jokes, the tastes. Not rushing but being present through meals or other times together, whether in person or virtually, can make it special. Try not to rehash what has past or think about what is to come. Just enjoy the moments. - Stop complaining about what can’t happen
Discontent has always been a common topic of conversation. We complain about the weather to each other and find fault with whatever is our lot in life. Some sadness may be very close to you and expressing missing someone is good; complaining things aren't ideal is self-absorbed. We can be grateful about what we do have, in relationships, in health, and whatever today brings. Thankfulness can be an antidote to complaining; and it is better for your health and happiness.
Enjoy the moments!