As Canada is experiencing a second wave of Covid-19 and with provincial restrictions being implemented in regards to travel and gatherings, holidays in 2020 will be very different than previous years. If you are feeling the winter and COVID blues, here is what you can do to get in the holiday spirit:

1. Decorate your space

The space around you has a huge impact on your mental well-being. Even if you are not having friends and family over, get into the spirit of the season by putting up festive décor for your home.

2. Buy and send gifts early

Gifts have become an integral part of the holidays. Give yourself plenty of time to do online shopping for gifts and to send them. Buying gifts can be stressful to some and having a budget can be helpful in making sure that you don’t overspend.

3. Take time to connect with friends and family

Holidays is the time to spend with family. Due to travel and gathering restrictions, you may not be able to visit family physically. But with technology, we can all still connect digitally. You can plan and enjoy a festive holiday dinner over Zoom or Skype.

4. Experience your neighborhood and city

If you usually travel during the holidays, then you may be surprised with what your city has to offer this time of year. Although some holiday festivities have been cancelled, a few may still be on to be enjoyed in a socially responsible way. Neighborhoods also usually put up lights and decorations for all to enjoy for free.

5. Charity

Most charitable organizations receive most of their donations during Christmas time. If you are able to, consider making a small donation to a charity of your choice. The act of giving not only benefits the receiver but also can lift up your spirits. In fact, in lieu of gifts, you can ask for donations to be made to your favorite charities.

6. Plan for the future

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that even the best laid out plans can go awry. As a new year begins, take some time to reassess your current situation, your goals and how they have changed over the year. A new year usually brings in a burst of motivation. Harness that to make plans again but also be prepared for uncertainties.