Getting Ready for the Holidays

The summer is over and hopefully we are entering the Autumn season with fond memories of summer vacations and get-togethers with family and friends. And while we may have pretended to have a “normal” summer, the Delta variant, wearing masks, booster shots and the pandemic remained on our minds. Having anxiety about the pandemic and our health continues into another season.

The pandemic anxiety we all are feeling is not just a personal matter. It also has caused conflict among family members. More and more family members have fought over get togethers, inside or outside dining, wearing masks and getting the vaccine. In fact, family members have become estranged from one another due to these disputes. So, what are families going to do over Thanksgiving and the Holidays?

Our connection with our family is probably the most important personal relationship we have. Allowing these family disputes to continue without resolution may severely harm the relationship and make it harder to reconnect. Although Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for so many and families prefer to be around the same dining room table, the pandemic and Delta variant may prevent families from being together. However, we should not let the Delta variant or our disputes over masks define and destroy our relationships. Rather, instead, we need to recognize the health risks that exist in our society and make personal decisions that make us feel comfortable and safe. And that may include the need to think creatively about the Holidays. Perhaps for another year, the group around the dining room table is smaller, is outside and includes seeing family members over Zoom. The point about the Holidays is connecting with family members over a delicious meal, sharing stories and laughing. Although we may be getting tired of another Zoom get together, try to overcome the lack of a physical connection and focus on the emotional connection and enjoy seeing and speaking to family members no matter where they are. While the pandemic continues to exist, we should celebrate being with our families and enjoy our relationships with our family members even though it may continue to be virtual.