Almost everything that is new is old in that it has been before. Example:  high-waisted jeans are in style right now and these are not new. High-waisted jeans have been a thing before and they will be again—whether we like them or not.

Some things, however, are not old. They have never happened before—at least in the way they are happening now. The year 2020 and the pandemic we are all living through is new. We have never experienced anything like this before. Technically, pandemics are not new—look up the Spanish Flu.  However, COVID is new in that our society—especially the technology we now possess–is vastly different than it was 100 years ago making our experience of sickness, disease and quarantining much different than it was years before.

During the Spanish Flu people could not Facetime or Zoom with their loved ones. They had to write letters. They could not use Instacart to get their food delivered. And science was not able to rush testing of a lifesaving vaccine. Those of us living in 2020 have seen recessions and depressions and even pandemics, but I believe 2020 will forever stand out in our memories as a year all its own.

This is the first holiday season we will celebrate during COVID-19 and it is bound to look different than any holiday season we have experienced before. In the personal blog on this topic I will give you some ideas for ways to make new traditions and celebrate the holidays with those you love whether you can see them in person or not. Just as necessity is the mother of invention, new seasons hold opportunities for us to begin fresh traditions that provide hope and meaning—even when life around us is challenging.

For now, if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed you are not alone. This year has been a trying one and our seasoned psychotherapists are here to support you. Please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment and receive hope and healing during this holiday season.