What are YOU doing this Holiday Season?

We're friends, right?

I feel like we're friends. So, I feel like I can be really honest with you.

I always look forward to the holiday season. If you ask anyone who knows me, I've always been a *little* Christmas crazy.

Well ... maybe a lot.

I'm finding it grueling to get excited about the festivities this year. It's hard not to feel like a bit of a Grinch as I reflect on the reality of 2020. Yet, I know I have so much to be thankful for. And I am.

Here in Canada we've already celebrated Thanksgiving. Our family chose not to be together (because a global pandemic is a thing). I hope it's a decision my American friends will make as they approach their Thanksgiving at the end of this month.

It has been a hard year for so many. Both the travel restrictions and size restrictions for gatherings (that are in place to protect us all) make celebrating joy and time together with family and friends seemingly impossible.

I understand the need. I support doing what it takes to flatten the curve. 

I'm lucky. I get to see the holidays through the eyes of my grandchildren Zoe and Coen. They live close to me. My mom (89) also lives in my city, but because of coronavirus restrictions she has chosen not to leave her retirement residence for Christmas to come here to my home. Doing so would mean a 14 day isolation for her after her return. I support her decision. Visitors are restricted and that means as a family group we can't see her on a day we've always celebrated together. Fortunately, as her designated support person I can visit with her. Thankfully she is still with us, because the day will come when she won't be. I'm well-aware of the fact that I need to make every memory count.

I was texting with my friend Shannon the other night. She has a daughter, as well as a son and his family who live away in different parts of the world. She shared her sadness in that this Christmas they won't all be together. She and another daughter (who lives here) are busy baking cookies together to put into the care packages they'll be sending their loved ones afar.

Another friend, Catherine won't have her family and friends gathered around the table for Hanukkah Sunday supper this year. (An enthusiastic expression of love for any home cook.)

I'm wondering. Given the times, how I can make Christmas extra-meaningful? What traditions can I spotlight and what new traditions can I introduce to make the celebration more magical?

I would love to hear in the comments: How will the holidays be different for you and your family this year? Have you come up with any new ideas of things you'll be doing to celebrate a sacred seasonal time? What traditions do you particularly love?

Let's stay connected (and feel a bit festive). 

Copyright 2020: Helene Oseen