For many people, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones. But for this year, with the pandemic, the holidays can be painful and isolating.
Here are some ways you can cope with the holidays with the loss of connection:
Recognize You are Not Alone
It’s easy to feel as though you are the only one experiencing great pain during the holiday season. Everywhere you turn, on movies, social media,or even out your front door, people seem to be happy, putting up decorations, buying gifts, and having a happy holiday season. It’s essential to recognize the truth right now, and that is that you are not alone. There are people worldwide who are experiencing loss and isolation, some perhaps just as much or even more as you.
Honor Your Pain
No one expects you to feel joyful and in the holiday mood right now, so don’t feel like you must pretend for others’ sake. It would help by honoring whatever emotions you may be experiencing, whether it’s sadness, anger, anxiety, or a combination.
Take Your Time
The holidays are usually a busy time for people. There is usually so much to accomplish and many events to host and/or attend. This year you do not have to pretend to keep your regular schedule. You simply will not have the mental or emotional stamina for it. So take the time you are given to attend to your needs. Not attending any events this year is sufficient. Your life will continue, and the pandemic will end.
Help Others in Need
One of the worst parts about the pandemic is the feeling that we no longer have any control over our lives. Loss makes us feel helpless. One way to 
fight this feeling is to help others who are in need. As a bonus, helping others who are hurting can often be a salve on our hearts as well.
When Don’t These Guidelines Apply?
If you have children, it’s essential to understand that they are looking to you right now to know what life will be like during the holidays. To a child, the loss of a holiday can be devastating. Though you may not feel like celebrating the holidays, doing so helps your child know that life does go on and that there is space in your life to feel joy along with sadness.
If you are struggling to know how to do the holidays amid the pandemic and would like to explore counseling, please contact Deb Crawford today. You don’t have to struggle alone. Please click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Deb.
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