The Christmas season is finally here, providing some much-needed joy and reprieve from the difficult year we’ve all had so far. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and in this article, we want to give you some tips on how to have the jolliest holiday season possible.

Discuss How You Will Handle the Holidays

Plan a phone call with family and friends before the holiday season gets in full swing so that any worries that loved ones may be having about safety can be addressed in advance. Make sure to discuss issues such as wearing masks, physical contact, and other social distancing measures. It may not be fun, but in order to enjoy the holidays with as little stress as possible, it’s very important to communicate about these issues early on. Healthy boundaries are good for your mental health as well as your physical health.

Find Creative Ways to Involve Friends and Family

Even though it’s harder to throw a get-together this year, you don’t have to give up on spending time with family and friends. A lot of traditions may be shifting this holiday season, but intentional moments can still be created. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Plan a Zoom Holiday Party!

• Organize a Secret Santa with your friends or family that are far away (complete with a socially distanced app like Elfster or Secret Santa Organizer)

• Create a Facebook group or shared photo album that everyone can add pictures to so that friends and family feel connected and a part of you holidays

• Find a good advent devotional that you can work through together with family or friends

• Consider a new tradition like:

• Participating in running a virtual 5k

• Creating handmade Christmas cards for family that you won’t be able to see this year

• Make a donation or volunteer with organizations like the Buddy System, One More Child or Heart2Heart Outreach of South Florida

Think About What You May Have to Face Over the Holidays

With the year coming to an end and the holidays already here, you may find yourself having to face that there may be traditions that you may not be able to honor, and family members you may be unable to see. Working through these topics early on allows you to be present and help others work through their own situations.

While times may be tough, that doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate and have a happy holiday season this year. Even in the midst of the pandemic, you can create joy in these difficult circumstances.

This week’s podcast: On this episode, Tova Kreps, LCSW talks about how to make room for Jesus in this Christmas season.