Holidays in the Age of COVID-19

How to cope with stress and loss during the holidays

There’s no doubt that the holidays are a special time of the year. They bring joy, gatherings with friends and family, and a reflection on the past year. It is also true that the holidays can bring stress and depression for many people, particularly this year with COVID-19, job loss and the economic downturn. Feelings of stress and anxiety may be compounded for those who have lost a loved one during this time.

Chaplain Judy Bellemare, with the Office of Spiritual Care at Saint Mary’s Hospital, says “it’s important to acknowledge our feelings about things in our lives that have been interrupted, changed or have been lost. If we can be authentic in sharing our feelings that gives permission for our loved ones to express their true emotions. Holding in physical or emotional loss can cause stress on our bodies as the pain will surface in unexpected ways, change of health, headaches, aches and pains, outburst of emotion, tears, sadness and anger.”

But there are steps one can take to minimize stress and approach the holidays confidently in the age of COVID-19. Utilizing these simple steps can help alleviate overwhelming feelings of loss and depression, leaving room for happiness and gratitude.

• Give yourself permission to embrace and celebrate, remember and share the legacy of your loved ones.
• Create a memory space:
• Light a candle.
• Set up pictures of loved ones.
• Set a place at the dinner table.
• Make new traditions as you embrace the old ones.
• Decide what you can handle comfortably and let family and friends know.
• Make changes:
• Open presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning.
• Let the children take over decorating the house, the tree, baking and food prep.
• Try doing something special for yourself or someone else.
• Plan Ahead:
• For holiday shopping, make a list.
• For family gatherings, decide which traditions to maintain and which ones you would like to begin.
• For greeting cards, do a little at a time.
• Get enough rest.
• Express your emotions, express your faith.

The key thing to remember is to take control of the holidays. Be realistic, know what you can and can’t handle, and be willing to express that to family and friends. Don’t be afraid to have fun. If you give yourself permission to find joy your family members will know that its okay to take pleasure in the holidays.

For more information on coping with stress during the holidays visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.