The pandemic has definitely changed our year. We especially feel it in the holiday season: fewer people are traveling; family gatherings are smaller; many people may be alone this year for the holidays. We need to still be there for each other in this time, though. Reach out to your friends and family and see how they are doing. Make phone calls and video calls, share holiday celebrations by Zoom, have drinks or dinners over FaceTime. Even “old-fashioned” traditions like sending Christmas cards can make a difference. (My wife hangs ours on the kitchen cupboards - looking at them helps us feel more connected to people who are far away.)
It may also help you to keep things as normal as possible. Put up those Christmas decorations and enjoy them, even if guests are not coming to visit. Share photos of your decorations, instead. Christmas can still be festive even with fewer people visiting.
Finally, remember that having more time on our hands due to the restrictions of the pandemic can also be seen as a blessing. It gives us the opportunity to focus ourselves on the true meaning of the season.
The Episcopal Mental and Spiritual Health Crisis Ministry is a group of ordained and lay leaders from mental health fields committed to supporting Episcopalians across New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rev. Alan Leonard, who serves in the Diocese of New Jersey, is a member along with clergy and laity from the Diocese of Newark. For resources: njmindspirit.org. To talk to someone: 609-365-WARM (9276) Wednesdays 10 AM - 12 noon & Fridays 4 - 6 PM.
