Navigating the Holidays During a Pandemic: Choose Kindness

 Navigating the Holidays During a Pandemic: Choose Kindness

If you’re feeling like the typical stress and overwhelm that usually comes with the holidays is ten folded this year, you’re definitely not alone. This particular holiday season is undoubtedly different; and stress, fear, grief, loss, isolation, despair, anxiety and so much more ,are at all time highs.

We are living in a period where death tolls have skyrocketed the past 6+ months; leaving so many in mourning. We are also living in a period where families can’t be together due to isolation or quarantine. People are left to spend the holidays alone; and the toll of isolation must not go unrecognized. Add in to the mix the loss of traditions, plans, and overall; times that are meant to be filled with love, family, and friends are now filled with emptiness for so many.  

 

While protecting yourselves and your loved ones should be a priority and necessary, the fact is most likely not enough to fill the holes in so many hearts. We must be mindful of this. 

 

Further, many are out of jobs and won’t know how to explain to their children or loved ones why Santa didn’t bring them as many gifts this year; causing more guilt and emotional turmoil. All of this on top of so many people: grieving the loss of loved ones as mentioned earlier, are extremely sick in the hospital or know someone who is, trying to figure out just how to make ends meet, put food on the table, or pay their rent; yet alone buy gifts. We MUST keep this in mind. This list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the numerous things people are going through right now.

 

To top it ALL off, you still have the numerous effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic in and of itself; that I’ve written and spoken about at length in previous posts; the trauma, the impacts, and all of the above. 

 

With all of this being said; you’ve heard me say it in every post: You NEVER know what someone is going through so please be kind. People are going through things right now that you wouldn’t even deem possible. You don’t always know what someone’s job, home, or just life situation is. Now is not the time to stress about buying the “perfect gift” or having the “perfect tree”, the “perfect house”, or “being perfect”. Nobody is perfect without a pandemic, yet alone with one. Everybody is struggling in some way or another right now and you may never know. Again, be kind. 

 

Don’t worry about getting everything on your wish list.  NOW is the time to GIVE and RECEIVE love, compassion, empathy, and kindness. The world is suffering enough; let’s help lessen the stress. Instead of buying a gift, give kindness. I promise you: that is what matters more than anything; ESPECIALLY for someone who is struggling. Even a handmade card, note, or something made from the heart can mean the world to someone. 

 

So please: This holiday season, and everyday; spread kindness like crazy! Pay it forward, keep it going. 

 

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season and warming love to all those battling or struggling with the things they don’t talk about: I hear you and see you. You’re not alone.

 

~Compassionately Inspired