First, there was night; and then there was day (Genesis 1:5). This viral war the world is fighting in some ways has kept us all in the dark. The news was grim in March, seemed to improve, and now has me quoting Dickens:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

In the same way A Tale of Two Cities ends, I believe we have much to feel optimistic about and we will get through this difficult time together. Peace and comfort are coming in the same way we can count on the sun rising every morning.

As Dickens poignantly described the mixed emotions and thoughts many are feeling right now, there doesn’t seem to be an easy solution. Mental health professionals are trained to discern a mental illness or deviations from the “norm” but in our current situation, it seems that anxiety and depression would be what one would expect during this time when keeping our distance from one another is necessary. It is ironic in that the “cure” for depression is to socialize and during this pandemic, that behavior could literally kill you. We need to find creative ways to socialize so that we don’t feel isolated from one another. 

Creative ways to celebrate during this holiday season might include:

• Decorate! Your surroundings impact your mood. A festive room will project a festive mood. Put up those lights, hang stockings, get a poinsettia centerpiece for your table, and drape your favorite sitting chair with a holiday-themed blanket.

• Read a winter tale. Here are a few of my favorites: Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol; Samantha Silva Mr. Dickens and His Carol; Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Tetralogy (Winter Street, Book I) and Francesca Hornak’s Seven Days of Us.

• Host a virtual dinner. We can still “see” each other and virtual is almost like being there. For “how to”, check out: https://www.delish.com/entertaining/a31745625/how-to-host-a-virtual-dinner-party/

• Virtual or not – cook a festive meal! The traditional family meal can still be prepared or use this time to try a new recipe. If you don’t feel like cooking, several restaurants are open and taking orders now for delivery or pick-up.

• The holiday lights outdoors are delightful. Take a drive through Nela Park, Cleveland Public Square, or the Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

• Attend a virtual performance. These are on my playlist: The Nutcracker  streaming live https://www.playbill.com/article/your-guide-to-streaming-the-nutcracker and Playhouse Square virtual concerts https://www.playhousesquare.org/news/detail/10-virtual-concerts-to-brighten-your-day

• Plan a movie watch party. You can use a watch party app: https://www.polygon.com/21295526/how-to-watch-movies-with-friends-together-online-netflix-party-hulu-squad-disney-plus-watch2gether 

Sometimes these feel-good ideas are not enough. If the holiday blues have you feeling an emotional collapse, RnR Therapy counselors are available by videoconferencing and in-person at our Lyndhurst office. Services are offered at an affordable rate; no insurance needed. Our motto is “an investment in yourself yields the best return”. You have already made an investment by taking the time to read this blog. We thank you and appreciate you sharing this with others.

Photo by Nick Scheerbart on Unsplash