Glam-mas, getting ready for the holidays has always been a joyous time for me! Starting in September (FALL), I get all excited. There are displays in the stores, movies begin to appear on television, and if you’re like me – shopping is something on your to-do list. I get into my holiday music. My mission is to gather items to make preserves and cakes to share with loved ones. I just love getting ready for the holidays!
A HUGE part of that is spending time with family. You find yourself busy with things like purchasing gifts, planning special meals, baking, seeing family that I have not seen regularly, taking new pictures, and watching the gift exchange between family members. Just the thought of the holidays is like a shot of VITAMEATAVEGAMIN for me. (If you’re not sure what I mean, view this clip for a good laugh:
This year will be different due to the Corona Virus! Getting ready for the holidays will take on a new look. It could send us all into an even deeper state of depression and cause higher anxiety levels – IF WE LET IT! We are all dealing with social distancing, restricted travel, illnesses, decreased income, etc. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Getting ready for the holidays (back in “normal” times), had its own set of negativities. Some of us spent more than we needed and paid the price during the next year. We put more emphasis on the gifts and money that we spent more than focusing on the spirit of the holiday. What a wonderful opportunity we now have to refocus and infuse the holidays with a different meaning. I have listed a few things to consider that will show your love while getting ready for the holidays.
Sharing Golden Ideas
- Have everyone list just one gift and have a grab bag within the family.
- Mail presents early, then have a Zoom gift opening party.
- Call or use Zoom so you can read them a bedtime story on Christmas Eve.
- Mail the same gift to everyone in the family. Everyone will have the same thing and feel connected. (This will take some creativity.)
- Write a bedtime story about you and your grandchildren. Use pictures of you and them.)
- Make an ornament for everyone’s tree.
- Send a Thanksgiving paper plate, napkin, and cup. Designate a time for everyone to eat dinner or dessert with each other using the same items.
- Send your grandchildren the makings for a craft. Designate a time when all of you get together (via Zoom) and make the craft together.
- Send a trick or treat goodie bag to the sweethearts. Have that snack together!
- If the family is close, leave a present at their doorstep and tell them to call at a certain time.
- TAKE PLENTY OF PICTURES! Even though these times are different, remember, it’s history. This will be a great memory for the children to keep, use at Show N’ Tell and share with future generations.
- Make a quick video telling people just how much they mean to you.
- Make a family time capsule for each child to remember this period in history. Generations will be studying this, and they will have great Show N’ Tell items. (smile)
Also, the Center of Disease Control has a page that is worth a read for ideas. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Don’t succumb to the downs of the changes we are faced with during the upcoming holiday season. I know the holidays are trying for many in general. In addition to the normal holiday feeling, some will have an empty seat at the table; some have waited all year to see their family during this season and won’t be able to; others lack the finances to have a regular celebration; some will be all alone. Whatever your situation, remember that getting ready for the holidays can STILL be a special time. If you are like me, giving to and blessing others always lifts my spirits. Is there a neighbor, someone from your church, a transplant college student, a homeless shelter that could use the blessing of your presence? Do a little research. Make a new friend; be a blessing.
How ever, you get ready for your holidays this year, don’t let the craziness of the world in. Make sure to find a way to make this holiday just as special as in the past. Let getting ready for the holidays be special; as special as you are!
No matter what you celebrate this time of year…
If you have any additional ideas to share with your fellow Glam-mas, be sure to list them on our Facebook page – The FIRST Young Glam-ma (Grandma’s) Group. Remember, you must be a member of the group to submit a post.
Happy Holidays!
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