Four reasons to celebrate as the 2020 holiday season begins
October is the gateway to the holiday season, and we have plenty of reasons to celebrate this year. Without a doubt, 2020 has been challenging. The pandemic has impacted our lives and restricted our existence. It’s also brought worry about our family’s health and the security of their jobs. There have been some days where the stress and strain of the year have felt difficult to manage, but the holiday season is our opportunity to pause, count our blessings and hold our loved ones close.
Consider these four reasons to celebrate as the 2020 holiday season begins.
Get involved in community activities 
The holidays may be different this year. Some celebrations will be virtual. The groups that gather will be small. But this is our time to embrace the season with everything we’ve got, starting with Halloween.
Find out what events are happening in and around Hurst and consider ways you can participate that are safe and healthy. If you’re safest at home this year, you can decorate your home and enjoy the energy and costumes of kids trick-or-treating from the comfort of your porch. If you’re wanting to give out candy this year, consider putting it out for kids to take so there is no hand-to-hand contact. Talk to your family and your doctor to see what’s right for you.
Improve your health with joy
Be safe, but also pursue happiness. Being happy is good for our health. Health writer Daisy Coyle points out that people who are happy usually take better care of themselves by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. As a result, they tend to have strong immune systems, which is especially important during the pandemic. “A healthy immune system is important for overall health. Research has shown that being happier may help keep your immune system strong. This may help reduce your risk of developing colds and chest infections,” Coyle writes.
We can’t alleviate all the risks of getting sick, but being happy can improve our well-being, so let’s work on building happier selves this holiday season. One way to improve your happiness is through gratitude. Make a list of everything you are grateful for this year. We’ve been challenged this year, but gratitude makes us realize just how lucky we are. Counting our blessings and building happier selves is a great way to celebrate during the holiday season. Plus, you can share your list of gratitude with your family and friends during Thanksgiving dinner.
Enjoy time with family
Being surrounded by those who care for us and share our story is what the holidays are all about. When we are with family, whether it’s a blood family or a chosen family, we can laugh, listen and forget our worries. We feel like part of our tribe, and it replaces our fears with a warm sense of belonging.
One of the challenges of the pandemic is it’s been hard for families to get together. Now that the holidays are here, families are getting creative. Some, with the advice of their doctors, are gathering with masks outdoors. Others are learning to use social media and utilizing video tools such as Zoom and Skype so they can convene remotely. Consider learning about the Visiting Angels Social Care program to advance your social media skills and connect with your family online.
You’re a survivor
October is a beautiful and festive month, and it kicks off a three-month span of warm and wonderful holidays. This year gave us a run for our money, and we did it. Now is our time to enjoy that accomplishment. You’re a survivor. You’ve been through a hard time, and you’re here to enjoy another holiday season. Embrace it wholeheartedly. Happy holidays!