WAYS TO ENJOY BIRTHDAYS AND THE HOLIDAYS DESPITE COVID-19
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WAYS TO ENJOY BIRTHDAYS AND THE HOLIDAYS DESPITE COVID-19
It is the year 2020, and it’s someone’s birthday somewhere, simultaneously, it’s the holiday season for everyone (for me, both at once) see my first birthday away from home. Undoubtedly, it is supposed to be the happiest day/time of the year for most people. Moreover, it is the time of year when families and friends get together to celebrate, reconnect, or hang out. For many others, it is the time of year to escape on a much-needed vacation they have saved for all year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has proven itself to be a challenge. Sadly, it’s a total bummer when it comes to socialising, partying or celebrating any special occasion. Nevertheless, I will share with you ways to enjoy birthdays and the holidays despite COVID-19.
SEARCHING FOR GIFT-GIVING IDEAS PERFECT FOR A TRAVELLER? (Items a traveller would love to receive this Holiday Season)
Due to the call for social/physical distancing, many are realising that they will have to find new ways to celebrate and enjoy this extra-special time of the year. What’s one of the main changes we all must adopt? Separation, which leads to celebrating alone or with fewer friends and family members. Albeit due to the contagiousness of the coronavirus.
What some may not realise is that for many people, the holidays and birthdays can be a somewhat sad and lonely time of the year. So, imagine how much more challenging it is for some, due to job losses, isolation, and the uncertainty of the future, financially and health-wise. However, one piece of advice I must give, and it is, do not attempt to postpone or cancel celebrating your birthday or the holidays. It’s all about mindset. Focus on the positives and good in your life and build on that.
It is time to get creative. First and foremost, give thanks to God that you are fortunate to be healthy and alive to see another birthday and the holidays, unlike many others.
Recondition your mind and focus on what you already have and be thankful. Then get ready to enjoy your special day or holidays in the new normal. Ask yourself what brought your joy during previous birthdays and or the holiday season? You previously enjoyed the prepping for the season, the food, the decorations, and the overall positive feeling. You should definitely continue your tradition and focus on the reason for the season.
18 ways to Enjoy your Birthday and Holidays despite COVID-19
Research shows that during the holiday season, depression and anxiety increase due to loneliness and the “holiday blues.” With the pandemic this year, it could be extreme for people who are alone (see 25 ways to cope alone during coronavirus lockdown). For this reason, here are the 18 ways to enjoy your birthday and holidays despite COVID-19.
- Celebrate life! Be grateful you are alive to see another birthday and or holiday season. You have good health, food on your plate, and a roof over your head. That’s a lot for which to be thankful and celebrate. It is more than what many people have or enjoy.
- Keep your traditions alive. Continue with your birthday and or holiday traditions. Do what that you are accustomed to doing pre-COVID-19, minus the crowds. That includes cooking, decorating, etc. it will surely take your mind off the COVID-19 blues.
Traditional family set, matching Christmas pyjamas for the entire family.
- Clean your home. There is nothing that gives you a lighter feeling than a freshly cleaned house. A clutter-free and clean closet or cupboard, for some reason, really does lift your spirit.
- Decorate your home for the holidays. Even for those who, like me, are not in the Christmas spirit quite yet, a lighted Christmas tree on some small decorations can bring some holiday cheer.
- Plan and prepare your favourite and special-holiday meals and treats. The smell of Christmas cookies, Fruit cakes, and bread baking is heavenly. Additionally, the preparation of your special-beverages like Eggnog, Rum Punch, Ponche de crème, etc, is sure to lift your spirit. Not forgetting, giving brings joy to the giver and the receiver. So be sure to share with loved ones and the less fortunate as well.
- Do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to be pampered. A manicure/pedicure, a massage, a facial, or a relaxing bath surrounded by scented candles would be a nice treat. Thus, leaving no room for anxiety and or depression.
- Buy yourself a gift you have been desiring. If you are like many who are currently employed and whose finances have not been affected, then treat yourself. Due to COVID-19, many people have cut back on socialising, travelling, etc. Therefore, it means they have saved more, spent less, and can splurge a bit. A desirous birthday or Christmas gift to yourself will bring you some cheer.
- Fill up on the Christmas movies and plays that bring warm feelings and holiday cheer. Home Alone 1/2/3, the Grinch, and a Christmas Story, among others, are some of my favourites. It is rather strange no matter how many times I have seen these movies, they never get boring or feel repetitive.
- Focus on giving your time or sharing. Lend a hand to those who need help and make time for those who are alone and or lonely (preferably virtually or electronically). In addition to this, share your homemade Christmas treats with the less-fortunate or elderly who are unfortunately living alone.
- Spruce up yourself on your birthday! Men, take a haircut, shave, and make yourselves more presentable. Ladies, get all dolled up, hair and nails did, it is your birthday, and it’s all about you and feeling special today. Dress to impress, even though you are at home and won’t be physically socialising. Afterward, share your day with family and friends via video chats.
- Create a make-believe vacation with a theme. In this case, you will dress and prepare meals and drinks synonymous with the chosen country. This is best suited for families, couples, and travellers who were unable to travel for their birthday or the holidays and want to spice up their time at home.
- Have a small outdoor get-together with a couple of very close friends or relatives (who are not living with you), mask-up, of course. Enjoy your birthday in the fresh open air. Have some laughs because we all know laughter is the best medicine for depression and stress.
- Share your recipes and or cook virtually with friends, family, or loved ones who are far away. Make it a “cook-date” and have some Holiday music playing in the background and turn this into a fun cook-off. (This really does work and it is a fun way to spend a few hours of your day in the kitchen).
- Have virtual birthday/Christmas hangouts with your friends and family who are currently unable to be with you physically.
- Organise a caravan drive-by birthday party with/for your friends or family members. That is especially where physical interaction is discouraged. Moreover, it is an excellent way to deliver gifts, celebrate, and feel loved by those who love and care for you festively.
- Gift exchange is a tradition you should continue. Self-isolation or fear of the mall because of COVID-19. is not a good reason not to give your favourite person a gift. One option is to shop online and order in advance so that delivery will be on or before the day.
The portable home gym is a perfect gift all, especially after the Holiday Season when most people tend to gain weight.
Water Dumbbells Weights for Pool Exercise, Water Aerobics, Fitness & Swimming
- For those who can’t resist the urge to travel (see planning to travel during COVID-19) and feel the need to do so, then take precautions.
- Boost up your immunity before embarking on your trip (most important).
- The shorter the flight, the better (less exposure time).
- Opt for a hotel instead of staying with friends or family.
- Be sure to protect yourself and wear your mask, not forgetting eye protection because the coronavirus can infect you through your eyes as well.
- Give the Covid-conspiracy talks and news clips a rest. Most importantly, mentally and visually tune out all the conspiracy talks about COVID-19, vaccines, and deaths surrounding it. Failure to do so will result in you being forever in an anxious and depressed state. Therefore, now it’s time to focus on your birthday and or the holiday season and enjoy.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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Summary
There is a season for everything. That does not apply to your mental health, which should be uncompromised at all time. Whether it is your birthday or the holiday season, it is only once a year. Therefore, it is time for you to enjoy, focus on yourself and your happiness. So, secure your mental health and be guided by the 18 ways to enjoy birthdays and the holidays despite COVID-19.
Enjoy this time of the year, but with common sense and, of course, precaution. Follow proper health guidelines and be smart about protecting your health. Do not let one day or the season leave you sick. Eat, drink, be merry, and enjoy it. Furthermore, do whatever it takes to get you through this period, stress-free.
In your scaled-down celebration, remember, COVID-19 is not a gift you want to give or receive from anyone on your birthday or for the holiday season.
Celebrate in style but most importantly, stay alive to see 2021, without COVID-19 complications.
Please share with me how you will be celebrating this year. If you found this article helpful, share it using the social media icons, on scroll, on this page. Thanks!
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Happy Birthday sexy girl, wishing you all the best on your special day.
Thank you Petra.. much appreciated!
I loved your birthday photos. You looked so super-serene and happy. You haven’t aged a day in 2020 either despite the stress of lockdown and no travel which is your favorite thing! Hope you had a great day for your birthday and thanks for the sensible tips. May 2021 bring you many more blessings, and may your dreams of travel come true – may you have many more of your ‘favorite things’! Thank you for sharing your insights in 2020 and making this difficult year so much more bearable for many of us. Thank you, Cory!
Hey Liz thanks for the greetings. Stress and hard work seems to work for me with a little make up :).. I am hoping to rest more in 2021. Here’s to wishing you and yours good health and prosperity in 2021. God’s blessings..
Happy birthday, Cory. Wish you all the best for the coming year, you look so beautiful.. love your Caribbean foods too, great article as usual.
Hey Xaris thanks for the kind words and greetings. Wishing you some warmth and sunshine on your side of the world. Merry Christmas and prosperous 2021 to you and the family. Stay safe..
Once again Cory great article, extremely impressed and wonderful advice during this pandemic. I look forward to your next blog!!Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Thanks Nella, I appreciate the kind words.. Wishing you and the family a wonderful Christmas and and an excellent 2021
I tried to write wishes for you for your birthday … but the pen could not write my feelings because my feelings for you are too big for a pen to write..Enjoy your birthday Cory..and stay to return to Palestine one day in the future.
Thanks very much madam excellent advice i like articles same to have all life best understanding. Good luck madam your welcome .I’m very happy I’m from Sri Lanka thanks very much for such lovely article. Enjoy your birthday today and many more to come.
Thank you for the sentiments and the best wishes Sudath .. Season greetings to you and the family.
Happy birthday, Cory. Wish you all the best 🙂
Thank you Cornel! season greetings.
Have the happiest birthday!!!
These are great tips , not only for birthday but in general for our new reality.
Hopefully next year all this will seem as a bad dream.
We hope that we will have the pleasure to welcome you again to our hotel i, maybe in a future birthday celebration.
https://www.attaloshotel.com/
Enjoy your birthday!
Wow thank you guys, I do miss Greece, lovely country. The people and foods.. I do appreciate the greetings from my favourite and most affordable hotel, in the heart of Athens. I truly enjoyed my stay there and look forward to returning one day. Keep up the affordable prices and sincere and kind services and I am sure others will find you. Thanks again for the greetings
Dear Cora
I feel so lucky to have you as my friend. Hope your birthday is as special as you are.May all of your dreams come true. Thanks for being such a great friend. Happy birthday! happy birthday from Belgium.. you look great as well..wow
Thank you my friend, I do appreciate the greetings. you have an enjoyable and safe Holiday season as well..
Hi Cora you’re right…. Birthdays are something special. This year I went somewhere out of town with 3 friends to celebrate my birthday because we had a lockdown weekend and it felt great….It is not de quantity of people you have a round you that makes your day special it is who you have around you..Happy birthday and enjoy!
Hey Donato..thanks for the greetings..3 to celebrate is too much for me.. not looking for any complications..better be safe than sorry..I am gonna still enjoy..thanks again. Season Greetings to you and the family
Dear friend Cora, it is true that this year you could not travel and do what you liked best but you did something even more beautiful: you allowed many people to escape from the triazza of the virus and imagine a world made of travel, , rediscover or create new hobbies such as cooking. in short, you have allowed the pear to forget the virus and try to start living again. thanks again and my best wishes for a happy birthday. EMILIO
Thank you Emilio, this time last year I would have been on you soil, but say what, life goes on, I am having a great day as i call it
a solobration..its been going well..haven’t had one boring moment today.. let us hope for the best in 2020ne..thanks again for reaching out and all the best to your family over the Holidays.
I too have my birthday during the holidays, and it usually gets canceled out anyway. People are just to busy with the other holidays, they dont have time for another one. I liked the part at the end, ha ha . Hey grandma I got a gift for you covid 19 . “Why thank you, your so thoughtful”. Happy birthday Cory!
Hey J thank you..thanks also for your gifts. I understand the part you meant..yes covid is not a gift to give or receive from anyone..Your birthday is soon..wishing you the best in coming days..so true everyone is too busy to celebrate December born birthdays..
Hi. Cory happy birthday, sending love from Turkey, you look beatiful and younger, enjoy and be safe
Thank you Hasan my friend.. stay safe during the Holidays
A Very Pleasant Good Morning To You Corey. First and Foremost……… I want to wish “You” a very very “Special” Happy Birthday. May your spiritual Father continue to bless You unconditionally to see many many more years of good Health, Strength and Prosperity.
Please continue to bring us-the public-your many and informative ways on places to visit and planning our vacations.
I thank you for your encouragement. Your knowledge is widely appreciated.
Much continue Blessings.
Wow Michael, you put your soul into this message, thank you for the special greetings. Wishing you the best of the season..enjoy.
What is your favorite holiday?
Its certainly not my birthdays…I like Christmas ..New years eve or what we may call Old years’ in the Caribbean..
A friend like you is more priceless than the most beautiful diamond. You are not only strong and wise, but kind and thoughtful as well. Your birthday is the perfect opportunity to show you much I care and how grateful I am to have you in my life. Enjoy your birthday today cory.
Wow such lovely greetings Patrick..thank you. Season Greetings to you and the family..May God continue to bless your Charities..
Hey Cory my friend.i want to wish you all the best life has to offer.. as you said thank God for life and from what I see you look fresh and young.. keep it up because I k ow what you do is very stressful. love your article as usual and the caribbean foods..very interesting .. Take some rest today and enjoy yourself God blessings..take care beauty!! As you said Covid is not you wish to receive nor give… be safe and enjoy.
Hey girl thanks for the greetings.. I do appreciate.. Seasons greetings to you in the cold..I am so jealous. lol
Wish You Very Very Happy Birthday Dear Cory 🎂🎂🎂🎂 wished I could be in the Caribbean for all christmas with those foods. enjoy
Thank you Garry.. I do appreciate.. maybe one day you will visit..who knows.. season greetings
Holidays are special occasion where we like to be with loved ones and good close friends
We can’t get together as often but when we do, we try our best to protect each other
Gifts will be exchanged via mails , not hand to hands
Happy holidays and happy birthday Cory and wish You a healthy and prosperous new year for everyone else as well
Thank you Hamid and all the best to the family as well..