Un-Grinch the 2020 Holidays
/I said it last week, and I’ll say it again. Time this year has been weird. I’m not sure if it’s still May or if we’re currently on our fifth round of September.
I generally love the holidays and the holiday season. There’s something about this time of year that just makes me happy. Well, normally.
Lately- I’ve felt like a bit of a Grinch.
Instead of feeling festive and joyful, I’ve felt grumpy and overwhelmed.
When my husband suggested I bake Christmas Cookies and have a Harry Potter marathon to “fix” my Christmas Spirit (he knows me so well) I realized I haven’t “played” much in my kitchen this holiday season. Holiday baking is one of my favorite things to do but I haven’t baked anything this year because it doesn’t “make sense” when it’s only 2.25 of us. (Yes, Clara is the .25)
So I’m putting together my grocery list and I’m buying ingredients for Christmas Cookies. Yes, this year is going to be a little different, but I can still make ALL the cookies! I can freeze a good portion of dough and some of the cookies, or make care packages for friends who feel comfortable receiving food gifts this year. Heck! This is the year I can attempt to make some of my favorite cookies that I’ve never made without my mom because if they come out wrong NO ONE WILL KNOW!
If you’re feeling a little grinchy this holiday season first off, I want you to know you’re not alone. Second, I want to encourage you to ask yourself if there’s something that you’re not doing because it doesn’t “make sense” right now. Are you:
Not putting up decorations because no one’s going to see them anyway?
Not doing the holiday cooking or baking because you won’t be attending a large gathering?
Not going places you normally like to go (to look at lights, ice skating, etc.)?
Not having special events (like Secret Santa exchanges) because you can’t get together in person?
Not doing something else you love during the holiday season… because 2020?
While, it absolutely is important that you continue to take reasonable precautions and be safe- is there a way you can still enjoy your favorite holiday activities? After all
You’ll see those decorations, so put them up!
You can freeze or gift your cooking/baking, so bake!
You can drive through neighborhoods to look at holiday decorations for free, and never get out of your car!
You could always do a porch drop off and Zoom your Secret Santa Exchange, and no one will see you what present you come in the door with!
No, this year isn’t going to look like last year. And yes, there are parts of this season that we are all going to miss. But maybe, just maybe we can still find some Holiday Spirit to help us end 2020 on the most positive note possible.
With that thought… I’m going to pull out my mixer and blast some Christmas music.
“The Best Way to Spread Holiday Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear” Elf