As we entered the holiday season this year, I sensed I would have to rely more heavily than usual on memories of holidays past since things, this year, are anything but the same.

The trick is, can I find holiday cheer during a pandemic that keeps us apart?  Am I resilient enough to make new memories as I manage this historic moment in time?  These are the questions I ask myself.

To be sure, like everyone else, I’ll be happy when we can resume our lives as usual.  Is it possible that when this year is in hindsight, I will have learned something from having lived through the experience?  If ever there was an opportunity to focus on simplicity, this would be it!

As I sort through the many holiday activities that I’ve taken part in over the years, I’m reminded that the common thread through all of them is relationship.  For me, that is the hallmark of the holidays.  My challenge, therefore, is how to enhance those relationships even if I can’t spend time in the physical presence of those I love.

Sometimes the busyness of life interferes with the ‘carry-through’ of thoughtful gestures…at least it does for me.  How can I use this slower-paced, confined holiday season to spread more joy…to be more thoughtful, which, in turn, will bring me more joy?  I’m reminded of my good friend’s project to perform sixty random acts of kindness to commemorate her sixtieth Birthday.  Performing (sometimes anonymously) random acts of kindness is a win-win!  

I was thinking of my mother yesterday and the joy for the holidays that she instilled in our home when I was growing up.  I decided to take a minute to write her a Christmas card right then and there and thank her for this precious gift that I so appreciate.  I’ve decided to send her a card with a personal message each week leading up to Christmas in an effort to lift her spirits.

This year, I can’t get together with my loved ones to sing.  But maybe…just maybe, in some small way, I can cause their hearts to sing, thus bringing a little light to each of our weary souls this holiday season.  

~Zanne
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