Holidays During Covid

Danell Brice, PMHNP-BC

The holidays are here and time for family, friends, parties, and celebrations!

What? Another guest? Who invited Covid to the party?

Holidays bring joy and happiness, but can also be a source of stress and sometimes the blues.  Covid restraints of social distancing and quarantines do not help. Yes, this season will be different, but you can still enjoy Christmas cheer and stay healthy during the holidays!

Below are a few tips to keep you joyful and help you maintain a happy mind, body, and spirit:

You may be grounded at home and practicing social distancing, but you can still enjoy your holiday traditions:

Your phone or PC is perfect for keeping up with everyone this year, celebrate the season, virtually.

Holiday decorations always light up a smile!  Face time your loved ones and decorate the house, laugh as you get tangled up in the lights; do your shopping online or share favorite holiday movies with hot chocolate and popcorn.  The key is doing it together.

Head to the kitchen! Prop your phone on the counter and prepare holiday favorites with your bestie or family members.  Share the meal after, add some music and dress for the occasion.   Bake cookies using family recipes and go crazy with decorations. Get the children involved and listen to the laughter.  Their happiness and excitement are contagious, and no need to mask up!

Turn off the television and turn on your tunes!  Free your mind!

Music can lift your spirits and chase away holiday blues. 

Let go of the stressful day and feel the music!  Get up and dance!  Drag a family member to the floor. Dancing is great exercise and works wonder to lift your spirits by kicking in endorphins.

Get out of the house!

Let nature free your spirit.  Take a walk and enjoy the scenery early in the mornings.  Try an evening walk and check out the lights and decorations. Feel the season.  Share the views with friends and family via Facetime.

Take the kids to the park and leave your phone in the car.   Go down the slide!  Hop on a swing next to them. Find the child inside of you.  Laugh, and enjoy their laughter, as they see the smile on your face!

Throw a holiday happy hour or virtual party!

Gather friends and family together, along with your favorite appetizers, libations or mocktails, and Zoom it!  Play silly holiday games, dress in cocktail attire or dress as your favorite holiday character like the leg lamp from The Christmas Story!  Nothing says Happy Holidays like a party.

Do something for someone else.

Make your favorite holiday dish or bake a batch of cookies and share it with a neighbor or friend.  Wrap it with a bow and leave it by the front door. 

Collect a few grocery items and place the bag on someone’s porch.

Call a friend or family member who is alone this year.  Share your time by making someone else feel joy.  Giving of yourself can fill your spirit.

Do something for you.

Engage your senses.  Light a fragrant candle, cuddle up in your favorite pjs and blanket, watch the fire, drink a cup of fragrant tea or holiday coffee, read a book, enjoy a bubble bath.  De-stress by stepping away for a moment.

Reach out.

Some anxiety and stress can be normal this time of the year. Change is hard and this year has been difficult for all of us. You are not alone.  Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions you have.

Talk to someone.  Share with family or friends, let them know this season may be harder for you.  Share your feelings, don’t keep them bottled up inside.

And if you feel it is more than just “the seasonal blues”, contact a professional.

Crisis lines, health care providers and mental health professionals understand and are ready to help you through this.  Trust their expertise and caring.

Don’t let the pandemic steal your joy!  This holiday can be a happy end to a stressful year.  With a little creativity, you can still enjoy the spirit of the season and share your happiness with family and friends.

Fill your heart with love, happiness, and peace.