Christmas in the Time of Covid
Filed Under: Holiday Eating
12 December 2020 | Written by Xenia Ayiotis
“A silent night, a star above, a blessed gift of hope and love.”
Christmas is a time of good cheer and a season “to be jolly”. This may be the case for many people but for some, it can be a time of stress and anxiety, especially during a global pandemic and at the end of a chaotic year.
This Christmas most of us have to overcome big or small obstacles on a practical, emotional and spiritual level, with many people experiencing a sense of isolation and loneliness. Families and friends may be separated and not able to travel. The virus is imposing limits and restrictions on the way that we socialize, and this means that some people may be excluded from the season’s celebrations. This Christmas may be challenging and feeling joyful won’t come naturally. It’s been a tough year and many of us want some kind of festive season. How do we celebrate and share in good cheer in times of Covid?
How do we celebrate this Christmas with all its hurdles? This Christmas is probably going to be a bit strange and celebrations will probably be smaller and simpler.
Perhaps we need to change the way we look at Christmas in the time of Covid? This year more than ever, it is important to align our hearts and minds.
The holiday period is full of expectations of what we are supposed to feel and what we are supposed to do. There is so much out of our control, the only things within our control are our attitude, our thoughts and our actions. This year we may need to let go of expectations and reflect on what the most important thing is to each of us.
Some reflective questions you can ask yourself are:
- How do you want to think about the festive seasons this year?
- What attitude adjustment will be useful for you this Christmas?
- How do you want to feel?
- What thoughts and actions will help you feel that way and support you?
It may be useful to create a meaningful intention for this time. Your intention could be to connect with loved ones, to connect spiritually or simply to get through this time with grace, ease and peace in your heart. Reflect on what really matters to you. Is it the giving and sharing, the passing on of stories and traditions? Creating connection and memories?
Christmas is about giving and the spirit of generosity. If these are your values, you may want to set the intention to be giving and to be of service by volunteering. Whatever you choose to do, be present for the little ordinary moments and the special moments. All those moments, added up, make a life.
This may also be a time for you to retreat, rest and recharge in a way that works for you. Think about what would nourish you deeply on every level. You may want to be with people or to spend time alone. How can you use this time to recharge, reset and reflect? Perhaps slow down for a time until the new year and the busyness begins again.
No matter the challenges we face, let us not forget that Christmas is also a time of birth, of life and of hope. Christmas is a time of miracles. It’s about believing and having faith. The stories that surround Christmas show us that even when things are dark there is light and hope.
With everything that has happened in 2020 and whatever the circumstances around your Christmas, as we celebrate very differently this year, let’s count our blessings and be grateful for the gift of special and ordinary moments. Let us believe and retain our hopes and dreams of a brighter future.
Warmest wishes to you, dear reader and your loved ones for a peaceful and blessed festive season.
Faith makes all things possible.
Hope makes all things work.
Love makes all things beautiful.
Wishing you all three this Christmas.
Blessings,
Xen
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