No question, it has been a difficult year. Holiday celebrations have been dramatically altered. And most of us are ready for some Christmas cheer. However, many of us aren’t feeling too joyful. We are weary of the pandemic, lock downs, stay at home orders, and social distancing. We just want to put our arms around our loved ones, greet our friends with a hug, and see smiles on the faces of those we care about.
Yes, Christmas will be different this year. The usual celebrations will not take place or will need to be done in new and creative ways. The traditions we all count on may have to be put on hold. And those who have lost loved ones and jobs are feeling grief. COVID is still surging and friends and family are ill. But during this time, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul who told us to rejoice while he was in chains in prison. Despite his circumstances, he could still find joy. And so can we!
Unlike the dictionary definition, joy is not produced by some possession we desire. John Piper reminds us that joy is produced by the Holy Spirit. Rick Warren adds that, “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” Thus, joy is not dependent on our circumstances. What good news during a pandemic!
Here are 10 ways to find joy during this season:
- Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. It may sound like a cliché, but a shift in focus makes all the difference when it comes to your mood. See the glass half full versus half empty. This will help create joy moments this season. What can you do this year to be creative and more intimate with your celebrations? From a positive perspective, you can avoid the commercialization of Christmas and focus on the true meaning.
- Become other-focused. Volunteer and serve where you can. Give to charities, toy drives, and those in need. Take food to the local food banks and care for your neighbors. The more other-focus you become, the more joy you will have helping others.
- Stay connected. Handwrite cards this year. Send cards and notes of encouragement to those in nursing homes, first responders and health care workers. They need to be remembered as they persevere through the pandemic.
- Make your home as cheery as possible. Decorate, bake and keep the family traditions alive as much as possible. This year, you may have to have your own Christmas Eve service, sing carols around the piano or with Pandora, but keep those traditions alive.
- Make an advent wreath with candles. Google how to make the wreath and add the candles. Each week, light the candles and do the Scripture readings. It’s not too late if you decide to do it now. Review the weeks missed, the significance of advent, the Scriptures and more. Make it a time of reflection with your family.
- Head out to view lights and nativity scenes in your community. This year, we can still drive through our neighborhoods and communities to see the decorations. Keep the Christmas spirit alive by playing Christmas songs in your car. Take a mug of hot chocolate and make it an outing! A family tradition for us it to enjoy lights at the beach. For a small fee, we drive on the Virginia Beach boardwalk while listening to a local radio station play acoustic Christmas music and enjoy the displays on the sand. Find something in your community to safely celebrate as well.
- Encourage those who need extra support to stay connected. This is especially important for people in addiction recovery. They need to attend on-line AA and NA meetings. During this time, isolation can lead to relapse and suicide. So, check on those who are lonely and in recovery. Encourage them to reach out to their support communities on-line. Remember national hotlines are available 24.7. Two of the most important ones are the National Suicide Hotline- 800. 273.8255 and the National Domestic Violence hotline-1.800. 799. SAFE (7233).
- Exercise gratitude. Scripture tells us to count it all joy knowing the trials of your faith will bring you patience. So, each day, begin with 3 reasons to be grateful. Write them down or say them out loud. This will improve your mood and physical health. And it will bring a positive focus to your day and renew your mind.
- Use social media to connect with family and friends over different celebrations of the season. Schedule times to talk, to celebrate together and to do fun things via social media platforms this year. Use the platforms to “see” each other as if you were together, knowing this is not the norm for years to come. If you tell yourself, “Just a little while longer until we can be safer with a vaccine,” it will help you stay positive and connect with cousins, grandparents and others.
- Remember the source of our joy. In John 15:11, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Jesus is referring to his own joy as being in us — not just giving us a joy, but his joy in us. So, make a joyful noise to the Lord. Sing, celebrate! A child was born! Jesus was sent to save us. Now, that is a cause for true joy!
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