For most of us, if not all this year has looked and felt a lot different than any other year.
The biggest cause of this is the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic there has been uncertainty, loss, fear and worry about the unknown. This has created huge amounts of stress in our lives.
Months back when the soft closure occurred, many of us thought “ oh, a little break from the usual grind” or “now we have some extra time to start and finish a home project”.
(Remember, mine was the master bathroom.)
Finished Shower Tile (Glass doors coming) 
Vanity Built by Husband
The home supply stores were bustling and people were excited and maybe trying to ignore what was going on.
However, as the pandemic has continued with even more cases and deaths, our stress has also increased more. News reports continue with less than positive news and we may be wondering what this holiday season is going to look and feel like.
Today is a great time to schedule some time to chat with your spouse about what you both want the rest of the year to look and feel like. Consider what is most important to you.
For me, FAMILY is at the top of my priorities. We have many traditions that we have established over the years. One benefit of the pandemic is the opportunity to review old traditions to see if they still work. Also, think about some new traditions you may want to start.
About 5 years ago my family and I started the Turkey Trot. We considered calling it the Rewster Run because of our last name, Rew. But due to the different ages and capabilities we stuck with the Turkey Trot.
We travel the same 3 miles (1.5 miles out and 1.5 miles back) each year. We start Thanksgiving morning at 8:00am. We have done this in all types of weather. Clear but very windy and cold, clear and sunshine. I remember 2019 we had LOTS OF SNOW. We are like the post office. We go sun, rain, sleet, or snow. WE DO IT!
If we have guests visiting, we invite them along. Interesting note: our guests from last year are not coming this year. Could it be The Turkey Trot? LOL
After the Turkey Trot, we come home and have a breakfast that has been prepared by my sister (she only did the walk one year).
For me personally, this tradition hits two of my key values- Family and exercise. Get the exercise done in the morning before eating and you don’t have to worry about it again. Unless you take an after-dinner walk- great idea😊
The Turkey Trot has helped us to build family memories. Like the year the wind was blowing so hard. We thought our 3-year-old child would freeze. That same year, we saw a young couple with a little baby in a stroller running into the wind. Imagine- a baby with watering eyes that freeze. Ouch! I thought if they can do it, we can!
Another year I was sick. My husband, children, and sister went. They kept the tradition alive for me.
And last year. We weren’t all able to be together as a family. My second daughter was away in California. However, my oldest daughter brought her fiancé, my sister was there and my good friend and her three sons. It snowed the whole walk. Running in the snow, tackling in the snow and snowball throwing made the walk exciting. It was a beautiful day outside and inside my heart was full of joy. And much to my surprise, my second daughter called as we were making our way home. She still made it for the Turkey Trot😊.
This year we are still moving forward literally and figuratively with this tradition. We are also adding a new experience (we’ll see if we do it again). We are helping Thanksgiving Heroes deliver Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
We are scaling back on some traditions because of COVID-19 but finding ways to be together as a family.
Our second daughter who has been away for almost 18 months will be coming home on December 16th. This alone (although a one-time event) will be a wonderful way to enjoy the Christmas season and meet my personal need of being with my family.
Although it has been a very crazy, out of control, and uncertain year. We can make the last few weeks of the year fantastic. Take a little time and as one of my client’s said, “see the silver lining”. Use this opportunity to review and reflect on your traditions.
Do you like your traditions?
Do they meet your current wishes and desires?
How can you make this holiday as unique as this year has been and fill your soul with joy?
Share your traditions and ideas! Let’s talk about it… #GiveThanks