Top Tips for a Happy, Healthy 2020 Holiday Season

The holiday season is meant to be filled with friends, family, food, and fun. This year, your holiday season may look a little different. A spike in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases means that many people are foregoing holiday gatherings, and families are still struggling with the stress of schooling in the home, working from home, and not having the ability to safely reach out to their family and friends for support. It can be hard to imagine giving up all your favorite holiday traditions on top of the added stress that 2020 has given you. Whether the holidays have always been a source of stress for you or you’re worried about the challenges this year will bring, the Greater Houston Counseling Services team is here to remind you that you’re not alone, and there are still plenty of great ways to have a happy, healthy 2020 holiday season. 

Take a Breath
Many people overdo it at the holidays. You may have a little extra time away from the office, but that doesn’t mean you need to be working overtime on holiday preparations and festivities. This year, more than ever, we all need to give ourselves a little grace and make time for rest and relaxation. That all starts with taking a deep breath. If you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or tired, take a few deep breaths and give yourself permission to take a break. 

Make New Traditions & Remake Old Ones
Even if you can’t throw a huge gathering for family and friends or go to crowded community events, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays this year. Some ways you can make new holiday traditions and remake old ones include:

• Rather than walking around your bustling town square to see holiday lights, consider a drive through holiday light park or just driving through neighborhoods to see the lights. You’ll be safely social distancing with your immediate family while enjoying the beauty of the season. 
• It may not be safe for your family to visit you to put out the Christmas tree or otherwise decorate for the holidays, but consider decorating together over video chat or filming your family’s decorating to share with family and friends near and far. 
• Do you love baking cookies or other holiday treats with your grandparents? You may not be able to bake these sweets together in person, but you can always virtually bake together over video chat. 
• Watch holiday movies online together. Many streaming platforms have introduced ways to watch movies and TV shows with your family and friends from anywhere. You may not be able to cuddle on the couch or share the popcorn bowl, but you can still enjoy your holiday favorites together. 

Have Small Holiday Parties (Emphasis on the Plural)
The big holiday party may be out, but maybe you can substitute a few small gatherings. Hosting small gatherings of less than ten people may be a good option, allowing you to maintain social distancing throughout the get together. Then, make sure to clean and sanitize surfaces after your guests leave. 

Practice Good Self-Care
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Staying healthy means making good decisions about how to spend your holidays, but it also means making time to take care of yourself by eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep. If you struggle with the complex emotions and stresses that often arise at the holidays, consider including a visit with a therapy professional at Greater Houston Counseling Services as part of your holiday 2020 self-care plan.

Visit Greater Houston Counseling Services
If you’re struggling during this holiday season or just in general, the Greater Houston Counseling Services team is here for you. We offer flexible therapy options for individuals, couples, and families. With a team of knowledgeable counseling professionals in our three Houston area practice locations, just about anyone can find a clinician who’s a good fit to help them achieve their therapy goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready. ​

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