Hi!
Welcome to the holiday season of 2020!
I've seen talk in a few places on social media where people seem concerned about putting decorations up 'too early,' where people are worried about the etiquette of this, that, or the other thing.
Okay folks, if 2020 has taught us anything it's that in order to get through it we need to be as fluid as the wine we drink.
Yes, this year has been, and continues to be, a complete horror show. With the spiking of cases, people having to deal with unimaginable loss, some insisting on traveling regardless of warnings, thus triggering more restrictions being put in place, all of which could, potentially, morph this holiday season's to-dos into something resembling the Grinch's list of top ten ways to Scrooge a holiday.
So, we have some choices to make.
For some of us, the loss of loved ones will be too fresh for us to do anything but grieve, and that is as it should be. Grief is human, it's needed, it can't be prescribed limits or timetables.
For the rest of us, well, we will just have to figure it out. Like the rest of 2020, that last of it is going to be different, a touch chaotic, more than a bit scary, with the stress level cranked up to about a 10.
So, choices.
It's hard not to feel down about the loss of traditions, the loss of get-togethers, this dragged-out marathon loss of 'normal.' All we can do is our best.
So, we are choosing to decorate even earlier than we usually do. Yup, the tree and all of the snowmen have been up and filling in every corner for 2 weeks already. Although the gift budget had to be trimmed a bit this year, the shopping for gifts is complete, with wrapping well underway. A few cookies and other treats have already made their way to the freezer, with more to follow.
We have basically decided to stretch the season. If 2020 wants a marathon, we are happy to oblige.
We may not be able to have our kids and grandbabies under our roof for Turkey and the trimmings, to open their gifts, play games and just be goofy together, but if that turns out to be the case, there is nothing stopping us from taking Christmas on the road. Nothing stopping us from dropping gifts and treats off to them at their homes. A Curbside Christmas.
We may not be able to watch our grandbabies put on their holiday concerts at school, but there is nothing stopping them from safely going caroling, singing their songs for their neighbours.
So, although, in my humble opinion, holidays have never had rules, this year, more than any other I can remember, needs to have any pretense of 'rules' stripped away.
If you want eggnog on your cereal, go for it.
If you want to blast Holiday music 24/7, all the power to you.
If you want to make fudge a food group, good on ya.
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The holidays are close to impossible for some at the best of times. This year, of course, it presents all kinds of new challenges.
If you are able to muster a bit of extra Christmas spirit, maybe spread it around a little.
Retail workers have been yelled at, sworn at, and generally treated like crap this year, even more than they normally do. Maybe, when you have to be out and about, be a little extra patient a little extra kind.
Old folks in care homes can't have visitors. If you have a bit of time and the means, maybe put together a care package to drop off with a card. If not a care package, maybe a letter or two.
Healthcare workers are more overwhelmed than any of the rest of us can imagine, send them whatever kindness you can.
Doing what seems like the smallest of things can make the world of difference.
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Until next time...
May your greatest intentions be carried through your actions, let your kindness shine.
May you celebrate this holiday season in whatever way suits you best, albeit with eggnog or wine.
May you bring a little light to someone shadowed by the dark.
May you share any cheer you can muster, in the best way, leave your mark.
May you, if you're struggling, find a way to reach out for a caring hand, a caring voice.
May you, if you're able, be that kind hand, that caring voice, give them a heartfelt choice.
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Looking for something to curl up with?
My daughter has put pen to paper, and is wanting to publish her work. Do you have any advice or insights you would be willing to share
ReplyDeleteI’d be happy to help in any way I can. Please feel free to shoot me an email at margy_mel@yahoo.ca with any questions you may have. Just mention this message in the subject line.
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