The 2020 Holiday Season

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holiday seasonWe are officially in the holiday season of 2020, and it feels very different for each of us. Excitement is still the feeling I get, as I will try my best to make the upcoming season feel equally enjoyable, happy, and fun for my children. 

This holiday season will be unique as many of our normal routines and preparations will differ from previous years. Unfortunately, we will not have holiday parties to attend. We used to look forward to those parties at a friend or family’s home with 25 guests packed inside.

And we all loved getting dressed up for holiday work parties at a restaurant or rented event space. That will not be happening during the 2020 holiday season due to guidelines to help slow the COVID-19 spread. Annual trips to visit Santa at the mall will have to be postponed this year. There will likely be fewer visits to New York City to see the Rockefeller tree and shopping.

The lack of some of the normal festivities will put a dimmer on this year’s holiday spirit for some.

The fact is the winter holidays are a time that brings so much joy to our lives. It’s a time to try to get together with as many friends and family members as we can. It doesn’t matter how or which holidays you celebrate; it seems all to be affected by the new social norm.

The other bizarre aspect is how we are encouraged to wear masks at holiday gatherings. While many of us thrive off the 20-second hug or the quick kiss on the cheek when we see our loved ones, we are now encouraged to social distance. This is a change that none of us are used to. However, following the guidelines will keep our loved ones safe. 

Many of us have our health or are striving to stay healthy. We have our children who remind us constantly how fortunate we are to be their moms (and dads too). We can certainly make the best in making holiday memories this year.

Even though we may not be celebrating with all our relatives this year, I know how important it is to keep others around me safe and protected.

While our hearts may be aching a bit this year, it is okay. I keep reminding myself; we are all in the “same boat.” 2020 has been a unique year, to say the least. And my optimism tells me that it’s not only my family and friends feeling the difference this holiday season; it’s all of us. 

Teaching our children about the importance of putting others first is always important but a great reminder during the holiday season. A way to celebrate can also be to donate time, food, or other resources that you have available to those in need.

I am most hopeful that we will be back to some sense of normalcy next year. Cheers to a 2021 holiday season that will bring our usual festive traditions!

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