This holiday season is certainly different.
Instead of telling our kids (or partners) to get off their electronics, we’re going to be encouraging them to use them to reach out to others.
They can use them to reach out to parents, grandparents, siblings and friends from near and far – just to say hello and to wish them warmth and safety and happiness this Christmas. We want them to know they’re in our thoughts.
Instead of big gatherings, we’re setting up tripods with smartphones attached that can cover the whole living room. This is so we can share the joy of unfurling Santa’s bounty together, but apart.
Meals are being prepared in our homes and this time the smartphone is mounted in the kitchen, watching mom prepare her world-famous stuffing, or when dad carves the Cornish game hens because he and mom don’t need a full turkey this year.
We can go out sledding, but as a family cohort. We can go skating… well, we’ll just leave that one there… Take a walk together. Frolick in the snow.
There are many who lament this odd holiday season because it’s eroded family traditions.
“Christmas sucks this year,” they say.
We believe the holiday season, like most things in life, is what you make of it. The effort you go to make this a Christmas to remember will leave an indelible mark on the lives of others.
Sometimes we take our holiday traditions for granted. After the same thing done for decades, we believe that’s the only way we can share in the spirit of the holidays. In fact, it becomes indistinguishable from one year to the next.
This year, despite what we’ve all been through, there’s an opportunity to embrace a different way to do the holidays. There’s a chance that this could be the most memorable Christmas ever – for all the right reasons.
Take the time to do something special this holiday. Embrace the time we do have together whether virtual or in-person. Go the extra mile (safely) to let loved ones know that we’re setting the stage for a remarkable 2021.
This is a holiday that will be filled with more than just good tidings. This Christmas is one of hope, joy and love – perhaps more than any year we can remember.
From our LiveWire Calgary family to yours, we wish you the merriest of holiday seasons.
Be safe, be kind and stay healthy.
And go connect with a loved one.
Darren Krause
Editor
LiveWire Calgary
We know the holidays may not be merry and bright for everyone. Especially this year, it can be a time of anxiety, fear and depression. We want you to know there’s help out there.
If you need help, please call the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.
