Over the Hills We (Don't) Go: Micro-holidays, Mindfulness and Gratitude

First published by Best Version Media

It’s nearly impossible to believe that this year to end all years is coming to a close! How is it that a global collective event has made 2020 seem both endless and quick as a lightning bolt?

And now we find ourselves in the middle of the holiday season, one that looks and feels different than the norm and has the potential to be depressing. But research has shown that practicing daily gratitude and celebrating quirky micro-holidays as well as Christmas and New Year’s leads to well-being even in trying times.

Here are three suggestions for putting the holly-jolly back in your holly-days this year.

First, celebrate minor or even unknown December micro-holidays. For example, December 4 is National Cookie Day and December 12 is National Gingerbread House Day. You could plan to have a bake-off with friends via video chat or have your kids bake “with” their grandparents on Zoom. Or if you’re feeling more competitive, a virtual gingerbread house contest where the winner gets a prize might be the ticket.

Second, concentrating on what we can do during the holiday season instead of what we can’t do can bring us joys we’d perhaps forgotten about. Since we’re typically dashing through the snow (sorry - I went there!) to dozens of different events and obligations, being forced to take a step back can make us appreciate the simple things. This would be a great year for hand-written holiday cards, and, if you’ve been wanting to go full-on Griswold on the outdoor lights and just haven’t had time, now’s your chance.

Third, make a family thankfulness jar - and open it up to those you can’t see in person. Perhaps each member of the family can contribute to the jar on a daily basis and plan a celebration of reading them aloud on Christmas Eve while gathered around the tree. Or, if you prefer a dedicated Christmas theme, make an advent calendar with a jar for each day leading up to the 25th. Everyone can contribute on a daily basis, which won’t just encourage the whole family. It’ll also help everyone have an attitude of gratitude during these holidays that are so out-of-the-ordinary.

From my heart to yours - happiest of holidays! Let's make the most of them!