As another year draws to a close and we are faced with having to navigate through a second festive season marred by a pandemic, we need to be mindful of the myriad of feelings that we as well as many people will experience as we celebrate this festive season.
As South Africans enjoyed the eased restrictions that came with level 1, the dark cloud of the dreaded fourth wave, which is predicted to start in a month and stretch into the festive season, is an ever-present reminder of the tumultuous nature of Covid-19. Then as 2 years of various levels of isolation and restriction draws to a close, we need to remember that there are many people who lived a lonely existence before Covid-19, and that this holiday could be especially painful for them.
Many parents who are not able to take leave or have care givers at home to supervise children during the coming school holidays, will be wracked with concern and anxiety.
The job losses due to Covid-19 and the July looting, will surely impact affected families with people stressed at a season with little to celebrate. Unlawful activity which usually rises around Christmas holiday time may soar with criminals taking advantage of the high levels of unemployment as an excuse for their criminal behaviour, leaving my people vulnerable and on edge.
The risk of depression and yes, even suicide as children struggle after 2 years of disrupted education, especially this year’s matriculants who will be feeling enormous pressure to produce good results. Added to this possible fear that the results will not allow them to pursue the study path they envisaged or meet the expectations of their parents.
Faced with the above, we can all benefit from tips for coping with the holidays:
- As we move into this festive season, it is comforting to know that we have a fighting chance in the form of a vaccination. However, being vaccinated does not mean that we should let our guard down. We still need to follow the safety regulations, i.e., sanitise/wash hands regularly, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.
- Talk to/connect with friends and family. If we are struggling with sadness during the holidays, we need to be honest. It helps those around us understand what we are going through. Open communication will also help us understand each other.
- Spread Christmas Cheer to the less fortunate, the people that need our help may be closer to home than we realise. So, if we need help, we must not be afraid to ask – there are people who have the ability and means available to lend a helping hand. Church groups, after school care programmes, soup kitchens, community outreach programmes, are just a few examples.
- Take care of ourselves and our family. Prioritize what we know works best for us and our family. Pay attention to our mental health needs and be open to new self-care strategies. Let us not be too hard on ourselves or our family, especially children. They too have had their fair share of dealing with unprecedented schooling challenges.
- Making it through the past two years is an achievement on its own. If the academic outcome is not what we or our children hoped for, let us try again. What our children have experienced is not isolated but something that many scholars around the world have had to deal with.
- Let us find joy on our own terms―Do what matters most to us! Set realistic expectations and limits for ourselves and others, and do not be afraid to say “no” when something is outside the boundaries we set. Less worrying about the money we do not have for the things we do not really need and rather being grateful for all that we do have, riches that money cannot buy.
- Be happy! Be content! Life is a gift that should be cherished. For our peace of mind and general well-being let us focus on the spirit of the season😊