Dealing with the holidays after a major life change brings several challenges to the table. Perhaps this year looks different for your plans: you’re unable to travel to visit family, your children are in another household, or you’re just missing the holiday traditions you’ve held for so long. These feelings may have you feeling down this holiday season, but here are a few tips to navigate the holidays with your new dynamic:
Create New Traditions
Maybe your children won’t be spending Christmas Day in your home, but that doesn’t mean the traditions have to end! Start new traditions this year to keep things special and memorable over the holiday season. Whether baking holiday cookies, diving into a movie marathon, or celebrating the holiday early or late, your new traditions will make the transition feel like a fresh start. Giving your kids the opportunity to suggest new traditions will make the new holiday transitions special for them. If you’re separated from your family and unable to travel, have a special Zoom date or plan for Christmas in July. You don’t have to forgo family traditions based on the calendar date. Break out your holiday décor next time you are able to see them, and participate in your favorite traditions then.
Open Your Heart to Others
My family lives 12 hours away, so traveling to visit for the holidays is not always possible. Even if your family lives closer, maybe there are other reasons that prevent you from spending time with them this holiday season. Whatever the reason, finding community is still a wonderful way to beat the seasonal blues. Spend the holidays with your friends and other loved ones, giving yourself the opportunity to really dive into those special relationships as well. If you’ve recently moved and you’re alone in a new city, find some fun community events like a painting class, holiday concerts, or other fun events that will highlight your new city and give you the opportunity to meet new people.
Practice Self Care
If getting out with your friends and family doesn’t sound like your cup of tea this year, give yourself the opportunity to really rest and turn off your responsibilities. Find your favorite movies, snacks, and drinks and settle in for a day of comfort. Practice self-care and do the things you enjoy but never have time for. Take an emotional risk and start a new hobby! Sometimes we forget ourselves in the midst of raising kids, working full-time, or dealing with the requirements of our day-to-day lives. Get out and take a cooking class, pick up that instrument, try a new sport. Whatever it is that you’ve been putting off until “one day,” make it happen today.
No matter what you choose, make it something that feels right to you. Give yourself the opportunity to find new peace in the holiday season, even if it looks differently than you envisioned. Be kind to yourself and embrace the change. Remember that a date on the calendar is just a date, and enjoy your kids or family when you are able. That is what really matters, and what you will remember each holiday season.