Whether it's you on lockdown, or your family, or where you had planned to meet up on vacation, I understand how stressful it can be when you can't see family. It's bad enough on a regular day but now we're in the holidays, and that just makes it worse.
But let's see if we can make the most of it with these tips:
Host a cook-along with family members. It can be virtual, but it's still a way to be together. And if it's possible, put together a plan to safely deliver the final goods to the elder members in your family who can’t travel.
Volunteer. Doing good makes you feel good.
Send kind, meaningful gifts or cards, and open them together virtually
Honor your grief. You may have lost someone to COVID this year. Process your feelings and find a way to honor the deceased instead of grieving alone. This might be a charitable donation or a physical representation of their life.
Practice thoughtfulness weekly. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Maybe just call someone you know that doesn't get calls.
Schedule a family holiday toast.
Seek out and savor the positives. It hasn't been the best year by any stretch of the imagination, but find silver linings. For example, my little brother had a baby girl (my niece)...my nephew and his wife are having a boy next year...and a good friend got married.
Take care of your health from the inside out. Make a conscious effort to get enough sleep, eat right, exercise, laugh, and get emotional support from your loved ones to keep up your physical and emotional health.