Coping with the Holidays - Coronavirus Edition
Years ago, I wrote a blog about handling holiday stress. I explored my theory that the weeks between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day can be the hardest time of year for many us. Women, in particular, are often saddled with the responsibilities of finding gifts for family, friends, coworkers and in-laws; feeding a lot more people than usual; having dope household decorations; and navigating everyone else’s feelings, while the onslaught of holiday after holiday keeps coming—Thanksgiving (November), Christmas (December), New Year’s (January), and finally Valentine’s Day (February). Then it’s March!
This year is a special year. ‘Rona season (aka all 2020) has caused so many ups and downs in our lives, mentally, physically and emotionally, that re-conceptualizing the holidays and cutting ourselves a break about what we “should” be doing is an act of love, self-care, and self-preservation. Some of the basic tenants of my previous post are the same:
Yes, we should be thankful for what we can be thankful for;
Yes, life is never perfect because nothing is perfect. Perfection does not exist;
Yes, we should make the best of stuff;
Definitely, we should not misdirect our anger
However, this is not a post about trying to be “normal” in a crazy year. Normal is how we define it, for ourselves, and we should never be stressed out about what is supposed to be a joyous time of year. This is a loving reminder that coronavirus gave us the built-in gift of no, nope, not today, catch me when the virus is over, and gambling with death is not my thing - but thanks for the invite.
Do you have to cook for anyone this year, especially folks you don’t already live with?
No. (Well, maybe you should feed your children but there is always take-out and food delivery!)
Do you have to spend time with your extended family?
Nope, because CORONAVIRUS. If you don’t live with them, don’t go catch the ‘Rona from them.
Had enough ‘me time’ since March?
Yes, no, maybe so? Depending on your living situation, this can go either way.
If the answer is yes, I’m so sorry. I hope you found one person you could safely interact with during ‘Rona season, or can make some room in your spirit to embrace some more me time.
If the answer is no, there’s nothing wrong with finding an adult sized hiding space in your house or somewhere outside. The power of ‘me time’ should never be underestimated.
Do you have to go to anyone’s house?
Nope, they can catch you when the virus is over cause you don’t like gambling with death, or severe illness. If they have a deck or a backyard, you might consider blessing folks with your presence, if it is a safe, socially distant, outdoor gathering with minimal people. Otherwise just pass cause the 'Rona stay ready.
Feeling sad in general?
I’m sorry. ‘Rona season did a number on all of us. I am sending virtual hugs and hoping you can find some good mental health services to really help you cope. I’m also hoping that by this time in 2021, it will be safe to lick people’s faces again, just because we won’t die from it.
Have a happy as possible holidays, and if happy can’t describe your season, it’s okay, it really is.