Christmas Archives -

Yay!! Christmas is Tomorrow! Today many are beginning the celebration that will continue into the morning of the 25th. This is the time of year we all have been waiting for. I know the circumstances are much different this year for many families, however, that should not change what Christmas means to you. Be safe, yes, but also be grateful.

What Does Christmas mean for you and your family? For me, Christmas is not about the amount we spent on others’ gifts, or how pretty we wrapped presents, what type of bows we used, and how perfect we lined up the wrapping paper. It is not about receiving any gifts at all. I mean, it is a plus (Haha), but that is not what makes Christmas magical. Gifts don’t having meaning. FAMILY…- Now, that has meaning.

This will not be a long blog about what to do on this holiday, but a short, simple, & sweet Christmas Reminder

Christmas for me, is having the time to rejoice with family and cherish the closeness with one another. It’s about taking a step back and watching your sister conversate with your mom and witnessing their smile and love for each other. It’s about the look on your father’s face loving and taking in every moment of his kids and grandkids being unified and happy. It’s watching your brother laugh and make jokes having everyone else at the table laughing.

For me and my family, we don’t get together much. Our family is pretty small as it is. On birthday’s one is always missing from the bunch, understandably, as life has us busy. Christmas, though, is one that we try to be present for every year, even if it is for a short while. Maybe it’s because we get the day off from work so that gives us the time to actually gather. Or perhaps it is the gifts!

Christmas for me, however, brings warmness to my heart. It reminds me that once again this year, we all made it, we survived another year. We may have argued, but got over it, and we do mean something to each other, afterall. To me, it means respect. We all may have other plans or probably even have more entertaining places we could be at, but we choose each other. We choose family over anyone else. We choose to show up for one another. WE choose us.

The year 2020 was hard for many families. People can sit there and say the Coronavirus was a hoax and is not real, but that may be because you have been blessed beyond measure this time around… Families lost their father’s to this. Someone’s Mother didn’t make it. Parent’s are broken from losing their child because, yes, Children can get it, did get it, and died from it. Have a heart and don’t be so selfish, but take this as a reason to count your blessings this year.

If you are blessed enough to have your family still alive and safe this year, cherish it, because not everyone was as lucky. As for me and my family, we will not be gathering as we do take the precautions serious due to having elderly parents with underlying conditions. As much as we want to be together and have been hoping things would have been different by this time, we wouldn’t dare put them or each other at any risk. As I truly believe, I can stay away for a few months to have many more years with them. And if something were to happen within those few months, I will know it wasn’t due to my carelessness.

This does not mean that Christmas is canceled for us. Yes, we will be away from each other this time around, but facetiming, skyping, and video calling is still there for times as these. A drive-by, as we all live near one another, isn’t off the table. And of course, the gifts can still be dropped at the porch, if any were bought. We will miss each other as this is something that has never been done our entire lives, but we understand it is best for us and we each appreciate and respect it.

This is a reminder to enjoy your family in whatever way you choose to spend this holiday. Take in the laughs, and smiles, and Joy. As we learned this year, we can all be taken from each other at any random moment with no reason, no warning. This Christmas remember those who have always been in your corner. Always picked you back up after falling. And those who you hold dear to your heart. Take this time to love unconditionally and make memories. Merry Christmas!

We had a feeling this Christmas was going to be different, but we all were hoping for a better outcome. Things will be better soon, but in the meantime, with one of the most celebrated holidays we have to think outside of the box when it comes to our safety and gatherings.

As we so desperately want to spend the holidays with our family and friends, Which I get, we have to remain mindful about not only our health, but the health of our children, parents, and extended families. Not everyone has underlying conditions, but that still does not mean that they are safe from this virus and cannot suffer tremendously if contracted.

There are some ways to prioritize your safety and well being during this holiday season. Here, I am going to help you figure out how to accomplish this, if you cannot absolutely go without being around others.

3 Ways to Set the Tone During a Covid Christmas

1. Communicate clear boundaries
Remind your guests that they are welcome, but things will be different this time around. Now, I know not everyone accepts CDC guidelines and what-not, but you as a human should want to make a difference in people’s lives in a non-selfish, positive way. This means, masks aren’t a bad idea. I would also suggest making them wash their hands as they come into your house. This should be a part of good hygiene, anyway, especially during flu season. Staying 6 ft. from one another is another wise choice to make. Shoe covers are another barrier against inviting covid inside your house into your rooms/kitchen/ restrooms/ etc., that you will eventually step on and spread onto your bed. And NO SHARING DRINKS. You are probably looking forward to taking shots with your company, but I highly doubt you will be keeping track of who’s shot glass belongs to who and if you’re taking shots, chances are you won’t think clearly and could care less. That is up until you begin feeling symptoms a few days later…. One important thing to remember, after everyone leaves, sanitize every part of your house. Doorknobs, light fixtures, restrooms, sinks, toilets, floors, couches, tables, chairs…. basically – EVERYTHING.

2. Set the standards
Not only do you all have to think about yourselves, but also about the other guests that will be around everyone else as well. There is no telling who they can possibly come in contact with for the next 14 days after leaving your house and who’s body cannot fight a virus such as covid. Let’s keep an open mind and remember those who have a weak immunity and even those who don’t know that they do actually have an underlying condition. This applies to you as well. Safety begins with you and your household rules. Right now, your choices may affect someone’s life, even someone who you don’t personally know. Be responsible and caring.

3. Skip gifts and enjoy the time instead
This couldn’t be a better idea for many reasons. This year has been hard on a lot of people, not only in a health perspective, but financial situations have been shaken. Some have to save their every penny they can as jobs aren’t as secure as before. Jobs that are open today may shut down tomorrow. Layoff’s may be a companies only resort to stay afloat. Not to mention, exchanging gifts may also include exchanging covid. Skip gifts this year and instead focus on the guests that are able to attend and cherish making those memories. As we may have figured out, this year was the year of being grateful for those we do have in our lives and appreciate the moments spent in togetherness.

Remembering Those Who Choose To Stay Home

Christmas is a time to be with those you appreciate and love the most. Though, this may not be an option for many that does not mean they cannot be a part of the memories. Visit virtually with those who cannot join you during this time. Set time aside to make phone calls to them and send them Merry Blessings.

Stay safe. Protect yourself and the little ones who depend on you to protect them. Keep the peace. Laugh, Love, Make memories, and maintain a safe distance from everyone else. Merry Christmas and may this be the last Christmas that’s been pandemic-tized!