Some of us are not connecting with friends and family in the same manner we usually do this season. While the change may be welcome to some and challenging for others, coping with the differences can take on a powerful meaning if you're clear with yourself about how you want to experience your holidays.
Check in with yourself about the kind of experiences you want to have. Try to be as clear as you can and describe them to yourself as well as you can. What are your values when it comes to celebrating the end of the year and other holidays in December? Do you value having fun? Relaxing? Enjoying excellent food? Clarify what specifics are important to you.
Next, think of one new ritual that would give you a chance to manifest the values you hold. If you want to have fun, identify a way to approach the time in a fun way. Don't be afraid to be silly. If you want to relax, identify a way you can care for yourself and make it something out of the ordinary for you. Consider the new idea a brand new ritual for the way you want to celebrate in December. Begin to think of this year's new routine as something you want to do every year. Notice the difference it makes to think of your activity as part of a future lineage of celebration that you choose. If you celebrate the ritual with others be clear about how you want that to go. Identify for yourself what you can do to increase the likelihood you have those kinds of experiences with others.
So much has happened to us recently that has been outside of our control or even influence. Take the chance to be clear with yourself this December about how you wish to experience the end of the year and position yourself to have those experiences. As always, your behavior will influence your feelings so don't drift -- set intentions!