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<\/p>\nToday’s blog was written by Anita Olson.<\/p>\n
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Many families celebrate traditions during the winter months \u2013 Diwali just passed, Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year\u2019s (secular) and many other celebrations are to come. Because of Covid, this year has been a significant year of ambiguous grief and loss: loss of freedom, time with family, of financial security, jobs and loss of loved ones, to name a few. It is no doubt that how we previously celebrated our beloved holiday traditions are going to look and feel differently this year as the pandemic lingers on.<\/p>\n
Firstly, it is totally okay to feel that it\u2019s not fair we can\u2019t celebrate like we did last year, with parties and family gatherings \u2013 it isn\u2019t fair. But we also recognize the importance of keeping our loved ones healthy and safe. We can expect that staying in for the holidays without the neighbours, the in-laws and the funny uncle will feel different, because it is. The family traditions we hold dear and celebrate are like long terms routines \u2013 and routines help us feel settled, we know what to expect and look forward to them in anticipation.<\/p>\n
This year our family traditions, or routines, are hardly anything we were expecting – and that can cause uneasy feelings. Not knowing what to expect can feel scary. But luckily there are two sides to this unexpected coin. When we don\u2019t have a set routine to fall back on, we are nudged to flex our creative muscles! Not having a set holiday script opens up opportunity to create special new traditions for this time of year. And it may be surprising that by refreshing old traditions, new found appreciations for the holiday season pop up.<\/p>\n
There are lots of festive ideas on how to spend this winter holiday while easily following the BC\u2019s health minister\u2019s guidelines – here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing;<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Bake your favourite treats while singing along to your favourite music. Ask others to join virtually and have a bake off!<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Dust off those board games and play a few.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Have a house hold clean-out \u2013 donate old toys, clothing, kitchen gadgets to your local shelter.<\/p>\n
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