It is no secret to those that know me that I am an old soul. I love all the traditions that surround the holiday season. I love all the same holiday dishes my mom made and I get excited to recreate those favorites each year with my family. I love watching the Macy’s Day Parade. And I love making homemade hot chocolate. More than any of those things I love being with those I love most.

This year there are many people I will not be able to see due to COVID-19. With that in mind, I have been thinking hard about all of the traditions I love most and those I will celebrate this year—be it with or without my dearest ones physically present. I have come to two important conclusions about traditions that I hope you will find helpful during this unique holiday season. 

First, you have the ability to create or adopt new and special holiday traditions or “steal” them from others. Simply put, you do not have to do what has always been done in your family. You can do something from your own imagination or use a tradition you have heard about that resonates with you.  For example, I watch the Macy’s Day Parade because I always did with my parents. A friend of mine told me years ago that she lets her kids decorate a gingerbread house while watching the parade—celebrating both Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I adopted this tradition and my kids thoroughly enjoy it. Second, you can do the same traditions but execute them differently. For example, if you and your dad always bake a pie together and you cannot be together physically this year, try something new.  Use an Alexa with a screen or Facetime or Zoom with him and bake the same pie in each of your kitchens.

I encourage you to thoughtfully consider what traditions you will honor this year and also try to think of at least one new one to try. Make a new recipe, watch a certain movie or read a certain story together as a family. The most important thing is to connect with others—in person or virtually.

This season we all have the opportunity to create meaning and draw close to those we love in new and creative ways. It is completely normal to feel unsure about the holidays looking different. Yet, it is up to all of us to search for beauty and meaning in this season. Goodness is always able to be found by those who search for it.

If you are feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, we can help. Our trained and experienced psychotherapists can provide the support and expertise you need to navigate this trying time in our world. Please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.