WAYS TO ENJOY BIRTHDAYS AND THE HOLIDAYS DESPITE COVID-19
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WAYS TO ENJOY BIRTHDAYS AND THE HOLIDAYS DESPITE COVID-19
It is the year 2020, and it’s someone’s birthday somewhere, simultaneously, it’s the holiday season for everyone (for me, both at once) see my first birthday away from home. Undoubtedly, it is supposed to be the happiest day/time of the year for most people. Moreover, it is the time of year when families and friends get together to celebrate, reconnect, or hang out. For many others, it is the time of year to escape on a much-needed vacation they have saved for all year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has proven itself to be a challenge. Sadly, it’s a total bummer when it comes to socialising, partying or celebrating any special occasion. Nevertheless, I will share with you ways to enjoy birthdays and the holidays despite COVID-19.
SEARCHING FOR GIFT-GIVING IDEAS PERFECT FOR A TRAVELLER? (Items a traveller would love to receive this Holiday Season)
Due to the call for social/physical distancing, many are realising that they will have to find new ways to celebrate and enjoy this extra-special time of the year. What’s one of the main changes we all must adopt? Separation, which leads to celebrating alone or with fewer friends and family members. Albeit due to the contagiousness of the coronavirus.
What some may not realise is that for many people, the holidays and birthdays can be a somewhat sad and lonely time of the year. So, imagine how much more challenging it is for some, due to job losses, isolation, and the uncertainty of the future, financially and health-wise. However, one piece of advice I must give, and it is, do not attempt to postpone or cancel celebrating your birthday or the holidays. It’s all about mindset. Focus on the positives and good in your life and build on that.
It is time to get creative. First and foremost, give thanks to God that you are fortunate to be healthy and alive to see another birthday and the holidays, unlike many others.
Recondition your mind and focus on what you already have and be thankful. Then get ready to enjoy your special day or holidays in the new normal. Ask yourself what brought your joy during previous birthdays and or the holiday season? You previously enjoyed the prepping for the season, the food, the decorations, and the overall positive feeling. You should definitely continue your tradition and focus on the reason for the season.
18 ways to Enjoy your Birthday and Holidays despite COVID-19
Research shows that during the holiday season, depression and anxiety increase due to loneliness and the “holiday blues.” With the pandemic this year, it could be extreme for people who are alone (see 25 ways to cope alone during coronavirus lockdown). For this reason, here are the 18 ways to enjoy your birthday and holidays despite COVID-19.
- Celebrate life! Be grateful you are alive to see another birthday and or holiday season. You have good health, food on your plate, and a roof over your head. That’s a lot for which to be thankful and celebrate. It is more than what many people have or enjoy.
- Keep your traditions alive. Continue with your birthday and or holiday traditions. Do what that you are accustomed to doing pre-COVID-19, minus the crowds. That includes cooking, decorating, etc. it will surely take your mind off the COVID-19 blues.
Traditional family set, matching Christmas pyjamas for the entire family.
- Clean your home. There is nothing that gives you a lighter feeling than a freshly cleaned house. A clutter-free and clean closet or cupboard, for some reason, really does lift your spirit.
- Decorate your home for the holidays. Even for those who, like me, are not in the Christmas spirit quite yet, a lighted Christmas tree on some small decorations can bring some holiday cheer.
- Plan and prepare your favourite and special-holiday meals and treats. The smell of Christmas cookies, Fruit cakes, and bread baking is heavenly. Additionally, the preparation of your special-beverages like Eggnog, Rum Punch, Ponche de crème, etc, is sure to lift your spirit. Not forgetting, giving brings joy to the giver and the receiver. So be sure to share with loved ones and the less fortunate as well.
- Do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to be pampered. A manicure/pedicure, a massage, a facial, or a relaxing bath surrounded by scented candles would be a nice treat. Thus, leaving no room for anxiety and or depression.
- Buy yourself a gift you have been desiring. If you are like many who are currently employed and whose finances have not been affected, then treat yourself. Due to COVID-19, many people have cut back on socialising, travelling, etc. Therefore, it means they have saved more, spent less, and can splurge a bit. A desirous birthday or Christmas gift to yourself will bring you some cheer.
- Fill up on the Christmas movies and plays that bring warm feelings and holiday cheer. Home Alone 1/2/3, the Grinch, and a Christmas Story, among others, are some of my favourites. It is rather strange no matter how many times I have seen these movies, they never get boring or feel repetitive.
- Focus on giving your time or sharing. Lend a hand to those who need help and make time for those who are alone and or lonely (preferably virtually or electronically). In addition to this, share your homemade Christmas treats with the less-fortunate or elderly who are unfortunately living alone.
- Spruce up yourself on your birthday! Men, take a haircut, shave, and make yourselves more presentable. Ladies, get all dolled up, hair and nails did, it is your birthday, and it’s all about you and feeling special today. Dress to impress, even though you are at home and won’t be physically socialising. Afterward, share your day with family and friends via video chats.
- Create a make-believe vacation with a theme. In this case, you will dress and prepare meals and drinks synonymous with the chosen country. This is best suited for families, couples, and travellers who were unable to travel for their birthday or the holidays and want to spice up their time at home.
- Have a small outdoor get-together with a couple of very close friends or relatives (who are not living with you), mask-up, of course. Enjoy your birthday in the fresh open air. Have some laughs because we all know laughter is the best medicine for depression and stress.
- Share your recipes and or cook virtually with friends, family, or loved ones who are far away. Make it a “cook-date” and have some Holiday music playing in the background and turn this into a fun cook-off. (This really does work and it is a fun way to spend a few hours of your day in the kitchen).
- Have virtual birthday/Christmas hangouts with your friends and family who are currently unable to be with you physically.
- Organise a caravan drive-by birthday party with/for your friends or family members. That is especially where physical interaction is discouraged. Moreover, it is an excellent way to deliver gifts, celebrate, and feel loved by those who love and care for you festively.
- Gift exchange is a tradition you should continue. Self-isolation or fear of the mall because of COVID-19. is not a good reason not to give your favourite person a gift. One option is to shop online and order in advance so that delivery will be on or before the day.
The portable home gym is a perfect gift all, especially after the Holiday Season when most people tend to gain weight.
Water Dumbbells Weights for Pool Exercise, Water Aerobics, Fitness & Swimming
- For those who can’t resist the urge to travel (see planning to travel during COVID-19) and feel the need to do so, then take precautions.
- Boost up your immunity before embarking on your trip (most important).
- The shorter the flight, the better (less exposure time).
- Opt for a hotel instead of staying with friends or family.
- Be sure to protect yourself and wear your mask, not forgetting eye protection because the coronavirus can infect you through your eyes as well.
- Give the Covid-conspiracy talks and news clips a rest. Most importantly, mentally and visually tune out all the conspiracy talks about COVID-19, vaccines, and deaths surrounding it. Failure to do so will result in you being forever in an anxious and depressed state. Therefore, now it’s time to focus on your birthday and or the holiday season and enjoy.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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Summary
There is a season for everything. That does not apply to your mental health, which should be uncompromised at all time. Whether it is your birthday or the holiday season, it is only once a year. Therefore, it is time for you to enjoy, focus on yourself and your happiness. So, secure your mental health and be guided by the 18 ways to enjoy birthdays and the holidays despite COVID-19.
Enjoy this time of the year, but with common sense and, of course, precaution. Follow proper health guidelines and be smart about protecting your health. Do not let one day or the season leave you sick. Eat, drink, be merry, and enjoy it. Furthermore, do whatever it takes to get you through this period, stress-free.
In your scaled-down celebration, remember, COVID-19 is not a gift you want to give or receive from anyone on your birthday or for the holiday season.
Celebrate in style but most importantly, stay alive to see 2021, without COVID-19 complications.
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