By Nancy Stoops

As 2020 comes to an end I think we should all be very proud of how we survived.  The pandemic changed things this year for everybody.  Now the holidays are upon us and we are trying to figure out different and safe ways to celebrate.  Many of us will have virtual celebrations but make sure you celebrate. Take sometime to reflect the changes in you and the new found coping skills and courage that seemed to appear in you this year.  Be proud that you are still standing.

Make sure that you get out however you can this year and celebrate.  Take sometime to drive in a neighborhood with lovely holiday decorations.  Go ahead and make those marvelous holiday cookies and plan a drive by cookie and gift exchange.  Remember just because we have to celebrate differently doesn’t make our celebration a bad thing.  Be creative this year and start some new holiday traditions this year.

            Be kind to yourself and make the holidays as easy as they can be.  Take sometime for yourself to rest and relax and recover from this very difficult year. Think about how adaptable you had to be this year and feel some pride. Just take sometime to enjoy the season however you choose to celebrate.  Remember to be grateful that you are still here and just enjoy being here. Look at the holiday lights, smell those wonderful cookies in the oven, decorate your home to make you smile and do an act of kindness for others this magical season.  I wish you all and joyful and very peaceful holiday.  I hope you all find amazing ways to celebrate the holidays and to bring in the New Year.  May all of you be showered with an abundance of magical holiday blessings!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.