Coping with the Holidays During the Pandemic (2020)

Written by Krystal Jackson, LPC

This holiday season looks differently than seasons past. We are living through a global pandemic that has shifted the way we normally would engage with our loved ones and the community this holiday season. While many have endured losses, there is a collective endurance of this change. I wanted to offer a few ways to cope during this holiday season.

Check your expectations

Are you stuck on the fact that you won’t be able to celebrate like you planned? This can keep you from seeing the ways in which you can make this year’s holidays your own. Our expectations can set us up for disappointment if they are unrealistic. For example, you may not be able to have your family over for dinner but you might be able to drop off a plate or get creative with your holiday gifting. We cannot expect this year to be the same as year’s past because it’s literally not the same at all. A major part of checking your expectations is practicing acceptance of this present moment. What are you looking forward to? How can you make this holiday season your own? What ways can you celebrate?

Pay attention to feelings of loneliness

Typically this time of year is filled with parties and gatherings. However, due to COVID-19 we aren’t able to gather in person as we are used to. This may result in feelings of loneliness or isolation. If you want to connect with others, you have to let them know. Whether it’s Zoom/FaceTime call or joining a virtual event, we thrive when we have a sense of community. If you are feeling lonely, this is a reminder of your desire for connection and not an indicator of your worthiness or value in your relationships. You can combat loneliness by finding ways to strengthen your existing relationships, volunteering, or meeting with a qualified mental health professional.

Find connections in a new way

Gathering in person may not be feasible for many of us this year. and this can feel like a limitation. However, I believe there are other ways to connect beyond in-person. We have to rethink how we define connection. A few of the ways I have connected with others this year have been: play an online game of Uno, cook recipe with someone else social distanced style, virtual book club, have a Netflix watch party, take a socially distanced walk or exercise class.

Honor your feelings and do more self-checks

Your feelings are your feelings and they are always valid. But our feelings can be influenced by the way we are thinking. Check in with yourself and pay attention to what your inner dialogue is saying. Are you being kind or critical? Are you adding pressure or releasing what doesn’t serve you? By being mindful about how you are feeling and what you are thinking, this gives you insider information into what your present experience is. I recommend doing self-checks by asking a few questions: How can you take care of yourself? Who can you ask for support? What would be helpful to you in this moment? What would cultivate peace or joy in my life right now?

Explore new traditions

One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is being able to continue family traditions. As I age I have found benefit in creating my own traditions. What traditions do you want to continue for yourself? What new traditions would you like to start? It may be making an adjustment to an old family recipe, doing a cookie swap, or setting a limit on holiday gifting. What ways can you make the holidays your own?

I hope this was helpful. If it was, please share with a friend, leave a comment, but most importantly take care of yourself. You are here and have endured this year. That is more than enough.

Krystal Jackson, LPC is the owner of Simply Being Wellness Counseling. She enjoys sharing helpful insights about self-compassion, transformation, and how to navigate a healing journey. You can learn more about Krystal by visiting krystalcjackson.com.