There’s not a shred of doubt about it - 2020 has been a tumultuous year. From a never ending loop of COVID-19 related news to the plethora of effects the pandemic is leaving in its wake, it’s been -to say the very least- a stressful year for all those involved.
With Christmas approaching at rapid speed (can you believe how fast the year has flown by? We simply can not.), we want to ensure that the festive season doesn’t feel as, well, weird, as the rest of the rollercoaster that has been 2020.
Without further ado, here are our top 6 tips to make sure Christmas is as normal as possible this year.
1) Do All the Normal Christmas Activities You Can
One simple way to ensure Christmas feels somewhat normal this year, is to simply do all the normal things you would be doing if it weren’t the year 2020. While the global physical restrictions place an obvious buffer on things such as gathering in larger groups and frequenting bars for a glass or three of mulled wine, the wonder that is the internet allows us to still do these activities, just virtually.
Instead of canceling your pre Christmas drinks with your colleagues or friends, simply rearrange to do this on Zoom instead (in fact, sometimes having get-togethers in video call form is even better than the real thing - you can’t go to a bar in your pyjamas but you can on Zoom).
Furthermore, place more importance on the small acts of kindness and festivity that you’re still permitted to do; decorate the tree with people in your household, bake and wrap up Christmas cookies to leave on your neighbours' porches and have a Christmas movie marathon with your family.
2) Write a List of Your 2020 Accomplishments
While resolutions and accomplishments are typically left for New Year’s Eve, jotting down all the ‘normal’ accomplishments you’ve achieved this year will help remind you that despite this trip around the sun’s unprecedented events, you were still able to achieve typical, normal things (a very welcomed reminder during the stressful Christmas period).
If you’re stuck on things to write down, don’t fret, these can be as small as ‘I saw a friend I haven’t seen since March’ or ‘I finally learned how to make pasta from scratch’, - however small the achievement, the list will help instil a sense of normality to the frenzy that has been 2020, helping you see that some things really never change.
Once you’ve got them written down, ensure you place your notes somewhere that you will see them frequently so that you can be reminded of their significance.
3) Catch Up With People You Normally Would This Time of Year
Our calendars are typically brimming with social activities during the holiday season, one of the multitudes of reasons why Christmas feels so bizarre this year.
To mitigate potential loneliness this festive season, ensure you spend as much time with loved ones as is allowed and possible. As well as instilling a sense of normality to what has been an objectively very abnormal year, catching up with friends (either as a permitted small group or virtually, for those whose city’s restrictions will bring a screeching halt to physical get-togethers this year) does wonders for our mental health and general wellbeing.
4) Give Yourself Space
It’s not unusual to feel considerably overwhelmed during the holiday season; from putting up the Christmas tree and gift buying, to baking and organising Christmas lunch, every waking moment in December seems to be filled with some kind of festive related activity. With the added stress of COVID-19 this year (and the tumultuous effects the pandemic has had on our collective mental wellbeing), this year’s festive season may feel more hectic than ever before.
To mitigate a stress induced meltdown, take some time from your busy schedule for yourself; give yourself the chance to recharge your social (and mental health) battery by spending time doing something you love. Read a book, cook a meal (for yourself - not for an anticipating party of guests) or take a relaxing bath.
5) Invite Your Friends Over for Dinner
A staple Christmas social activity is the humble dinner party, an activity that despite this year’s restrictions shouldn’t need to be scrapped completely. If you’re able to, invite a small group of your nearest and dearest for an intimate, festive gathering that as well as inducing some welcome holiday cheer, will help create a much needed sense of normality.
To mitigate the stress of throwing a whole dinner party on your own, turn the event into a festive potluck by asking that each of your guests bring along their favourite home cooked dish. This way, you'll be able to wind down with your friends (by not having the whole meal dependent on your culinary skills) and your feast will be much more eclectic.
6) Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself
Above all, allow yourself to realise that this year, things are just going to be a little different, and trying to forget this fact or brush this away completely won’t make matters any better - in fact, desperately clinging onto the hope that the world will reach normality by Christmas eve may set you up for a lot of disappointment.
Instead, focus on the activities and experiences that you can enjoy this year, such as partaking in virtual activities with friends and family over video call, walking around the neighbourhood to appreciate the Christmas lights, and eating your weight in Christmas cookies.
