For most of us it’s difficult to imagine spending the holidays without the usual gatherings and social events, surrounded by family and friends. The holidays are often a celebration of a year’s worth of hard work; they provide something to look forward to whether it’s a child on break from school, an adult who can finally take time off from work, or our own parents’ anticipation of seasonal joy seen through the eyes of their grandchildren. This year the hard work only seemed to get harder, school more challenging, and the anticipation of seeing loved ones was disheartening at the least. If ever we needed something to look forward to, this is the year.

 

When the pandemic first struck, no one really knew how long we’d be sequestered in our homes. Those first few months filled up with Zoom happy hours and family game nights, a return to the kitchen for some, an opportunity for a new hobby for others. While it was far from fun and games, we did a pretty good job of hunkering down and making the most of a really crappy situation. But now that those first few months have turned into nine and counting, we’re tired. It’s easy to feel hopeless when you’re tired.

 

But here’s the thing. What if there are lessons to be learned? Lessons that would never be realized had we not been forced to stop the busyness of our everyday lives? What if we could take from this year something good afterall?

 

If you’ve ever experienced a true crisis before COVID-19, then you already knew that trauma can bring out something unique in individuals. It forces a perspective, reminding one to take stock of what’s truly important in life. All of a sudden those items that you thought were important just aren’t any more (except maybe toilet paper). You begin to realize more fully the importance of family, friends, relationships, health and time, and you begin to reflect on how you may have taken some of these, or possibly all of them, for granted.

 

This holiday season may be unlike any other, but look for the silver linings. They are there. Reach out to those you love. Even the smallest gestures can have a great impact. Spend time with your children and those in your close-knit bubbles. Be grateful for the things most important: your health, your family’s health, the simple pleasures of the season, and the extra time you have to spend with those in your home. Rather than being upset about that lost vacation, be grateful for the extra time you’ll have not having to run through airports. Gratitude is the practice of noticing and being thankful for what is valuable and meaningful to you. It’s a powerful tool. It’s symbiotic with wellness and promotes happiness, and it propagates resilience. Something we could all use a little more of these days.

 

Stay safe and have a peaceful Thanksgiving.