How to Make the Most of the Holidays During the Pandemic

2020 has been a long, and in many cases trying, year. With the threat of coronavirus still looming and many of us now facing lockdowns over the holiday season, it’s important now more than ever to be resourceful about how we spend our holidays. In this article, we’re going to explore some tips on how to get the most out of the festive season this year.

1 Find Your Family and Time for Them

Be it your chosen family, your birth family, or something in between - find the people in your life who matter to you. Many of us have gone months without seeing each other, and we all know the feeling of spending time during the previous lockdowns promising to see people when we can. This holiday season, make time to see them. If they use the internet, arrange a zoom or facetime call, and if they don’t - perhaps an older relative - give them a phone call. If you’re working from home, maybe timetable it into your breaks or your evenings. Having a catch up with someone you’ve not spoken to in a while can boost your mental health and help sustain the bonds of your friendship through these trying times.

2 Use Your Time Wisely

If you are able to host a group call with family, why not plan an itinerary? Zoom quizzes, which were incredibly popular earlier on in the pandemic, could make an evening of laughs and competition in the run up to the holidays. From organising a murder mystery party, putting on a family quiz, or even partaking in charades - you can recreate the family aspect of the festivities virtually and not lose touch with the games that have kept us entertained for years. If planning something for Thanksgiving, for example, why not have a call to remind each other what you’re thankful for? In this digital era, distance doesn't need to break up our traditions and deciding how best to use the time you have with people digitally will go a long way.

3 Find Out What You can do, Based on Lockdown Rules

Restrictions differ across authorities and countries as we move into the Holiday season. Check what your local authority’s rules and regulations allow so that you can plan the possibility of doing something face-to-face. A socially distanced walk, a takeaway coffee catch up - the possibilities are endless, limited only by what regulations you come under. Ensuring you and your loved ones are safe should be your first and constant priority, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t see people whilst also being safe. Remember to wrap up warm if the weather is looking cold and bring a facemask with you to reduce transmission risks!

4 Remember to Take Care of Yourself

This year, for many, has been tough - from facing insecurity and tenuous positions to mental health impacted by lockdowns and losing those we love, to some of us experiencing grief. Don’t lose sight of the fact that it is valid to take time to care for yourself. Take time to unwind, to talk to friends and loved ones about how you’re feeling. From pursuing your comforts, taking a little bit of extra time just for you, finding reasonable ways to treat yourself - remember that it’s okay to have had a bumpy year. With the promise of vaccines on the way in the new year, and many governments hoping for a return to normalcy soon, this won’t last forever, and we will be back to celebrating together soon.

5 Support Those Around You Who Need It

Whether its reaching out to check on family friends, or supporting local businesses and communities that have struggled this year, remember that the festival season is about giving. Just as we suggested in reaching out to friends and loved ones to discuss how you’re feeling, ask them how they’re feeling - how do they feel, what’s on their mind? Small, random acts of kindness go a long way in helping to uplift those around you. This extends to your community - donating to a foodbank, or enquiring with charities if there is anything you can do to help may completely transform someone else’s holidays. Don’t forget local businesses either - this year has been tough for most businesses, and buying gifts from small or local organisations will not only help support them but will also indirectly invest in your local area.