Today I will cover the topic of holidays without loved ones. This time of the year is especially hard for individuals who have lost loved ones who have went on to glory, or maybe you have someone that may be locked up or incarcerated. I want to instill hope and lift up your spirits a little bit. On top of having the holidays, without your loved ones, this global pandemic makes it harder because holidays are looking a tad bit different. It is my prayer that after this article you are uplifted and hopeful. I will also cover how to maintain what to wear, how to get back in the spirit, how to reminisce from feeling sad and falling into depression, and keep from heightening your anxiety. 

Keep Old Traditions

When you’ve lost loved ones, especially when it’s fresh, it’s your first time going through this holiday season without whomever it is that has been consistent in your life. Actually, it’s been two years for me; I lost my mom right before Christmas, and it was her favorite holiday. She couldn’t wait for Thanksgiving to be out the way so that she can start preparing for Christmas. So Christmas for the past decade has been extremely hard for me and my siblings, nieces, and nephews because my mom is not here and my family tries to get together and keep traditions going – but it’s just not the same. 

What has helped me to maintain is keeping a positive mindset and remembering the good times that we share. My mom, sisters, and I would buy each other a new pair of pajamas as a tradition and we have kept that tradition going. We keep everything on a positive note by playing  games, and  baking cookies. We do things like that to keep ourselves out of a funk. We also play old videos, do dance moves, and listen to music that reminds us of the good times. This keeps everyone happy and uplifted. 

Create a festive wardrobe

You must stay away from all black. During Christmas time the famous colors are red and green; a little pop of black can coordinate well with this. Just remember you are what you wear, and if you are wearing black all the time it’s going to drain you and bring your mood down. Yes, black material may make you look slim, but black is such a draining color physically, mentally, and spiritually. So in order to get more in the holiday spirit, create a wardrobe that is colorful and festive. Ugly Christmas sweaters are everywhere, and you can get one for fun. If you have children, make the ugly sweater and put ugly things on it. 

Decorate your space

I know a lot of people love to decorate for Christmas, even if you just put some lights around the window, put a little Christmas tree up, add some ornaments and streamers. Therefore, when you walk in the house it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Don’t forget to add genuine people because it’s going to be imperative to bring your spirits up. Stay away from negative people during this time, it’s gonna make your life extremely hard. Also, with this whole global pandemic, you got to be limited to who you’re around,, which is not a bad thing. So, honey, use the pandemic flu excuse for anybody that’s gonna be negative and drains you emotionally.

Start New Traditions 

This year my family has gotten this new sense of Christmas spirit and I’m loving it. So it makes me excited about going home to visit for Christmas. Embark on a new tradition that refreshes your mind, body, and most of all your spirit. Take one step at a time and don’t become overwhelmed by trying to conquer holidays without your loved ones.You know what you can handle, and you know your strengths and weaknesses. In order for your weaknesses to become strengths you have to be real with yourself, you have to know what needs to be worked on. 

Remember the reason for the season

Jesus is really the reason for the season. So let’s just be mindful of what we’re doing at this time. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart and a happy new year. Don’t forget to dream bigger than your fears more than your imagination. surpassing your wildest dreams. And, don’t forget to be amazing!