As we officially enter the holiday season, there is fear in the air, with so much worry. There is a clear concern for our health and the health of our loved ones. Can we go to our elderly parents by car? Can our adult children fly home for Christmas? Then there is the economic news that so many families are having a hard time with. How many presents can we afford under that tree this year? Can we even afford the tree?
Simple steps to make your holidays happy and healthy!
I feel the same crushing pressure as everyone else. For over 35 years I have spent New Year’s Eve with three best friends, which over time expanded to our partners and our children. Our cheerful band of twelve has been ringing in the new year together for decades. For these holidays I have created a new home base for myself, with new daily rules. Every day I try to do the same five things. Each of these activities makes me calmer, happier and/or calmer. For convenience, remember the mnemonic MECCA (Mecca is both a holy city and a word meaning “center”).
What is MECCA?
1) Mto process: Start your day with a short meditation. I listen to ‘Headspace’, which offers a daily ten-minute guided meditation (learn more about it here: https://www.headspace.com/). To be clear, every morning I wake up and think, “Oh, let’s skip the meditation.” I really never want that. But when I meditate, I feel better: clear-headed, relaxed and refreshed. It’s the best way to start the morning.
2) Eexcercise: I practice every day. I incorporate exercise into my day, this may include walking the dog, or jumping on our elliptical trainer, or lifting hand weights. And just like with meditation, every time after I practice I think, “Oh, I feel so much better.” Also remember that the holidays usually involve extra food and drinks. Exercise helps combat that holiday five.
3) creaat: You write? Paint? Quilting? Perhaps years ago, when you were in school, you practiced a creative art. Creativity is one of the best coping tools we have. By creating we can transform our feelings into something else: something beautiful, moving or cathartic. And as a bonus, use your creative skills to make gifts this holiday. I have a cousin who sends beautiful handmade cards every year at Christmas. Her skill is beyond me, but I always look forward to seeing her creations.
4) cto connect: During the holiday season, many people feel lonely. Many of us have lost someone, and we miss them especially at this sentimental time. This year, even more people will miss their loved ones as most of us will have to stay in our own homes. Reach out to your loved ones. Not just texting, but picking up the phone and talking. I admit the conversation won’t be compelling. No one is doing anything so there isn’t much to talk about except COVID 19. Call your friends anyway. Call your aunt. Call your grandparents.
5) aaccomplish: Do something every day that you have been putting off. You know those projects that you never have time for? My house was full of them, but not anymore! And thank goodness there is plenty to do around the holidays. Maybe this will be the year I finally organize the Christmas paper bin. It is full of bits of wrapping paper, dusty ribbons and cardboard boxes of questionable use. Every year I tell myself I will clean and organize. Something tells me this will finally be the year.
No one knows how long we’ll continue to drift in this strange COVID limbo, but I hope you can make the most of these strange holidays by taking care of yourself and maintaining a healthy grounding routine. You’ll find me meditating and exercising (begrudgingly), creating my blogs, and calling my friends on New Year’s Eve. You’ll also find me in the back of my garage, throwing away dusty wrapping paper.
At some point we will find our way back to normal. For now, enjoy the twinkling lights adorning your neighbors’ homes. Be careful and chin up. Humanity has gone through many hard times, and we will get through them too. Happy Holidays!