The Holidays

So here we are - 10 months in and the virus is hanging out a lot longer than we ever could have imagined. The statistics are grim and scary and we are all fatigued by our concern, the huge shift in everything about our lives - and let's acknowledge that it is isolating, lonely and despite the emergence of some vaccine developments, it feels remote and a long way off. And now we have the laser focus on the holidays as another milestone is shadowed by the pandemic. It's not the way we want to live. Some of us are knitting and crocheting like fiends - some of us can't muster the energy. Some of us are clearing out and organizing our homes with a vengeance - some of us could care less. Some of us are exercising and getting our minds in a great state of focus and purpose. And some of us are eating too much, drinking too much or whatever too much. Where is the grace? Where do we hang our hats so to speak? How do we keep on keeping on for the long stretch when we don't know how long it will be? We get it! Some days are good. Others, we sink down into our sofas and wonder how we came to be a binge TV watcher when we were inspired and intentional about what we did every day. While we would never assume to have answers to these big things, these sorrows and worries for you, we want you to know that you are not alone. You are not isolated away from everyone and everything. We simply have to reach out to each other. An email, a text, and better yet a phone call would mean the world to someone right now and it does give us a lift too. It provides community where we desperately need some. Even just leaving a phone message for someone, gives them our voice to hear and knowing we were thinking of them fills the heart. As the holiday commercials pound us with jolly images and pleas for frenetic shopping, either in-store or online, we are dedicated to thinking about what gives our holidays meaning this year. Maybe it would be fun to pull out some cookie recipes and remember the fun times baking them. And maybe we will bake some cookies. Maybe it would be nice to actually tackle the linen closet/drawer and figure out how to make that a bit more organized. Or not. Little things are big during this time of covid. Clearing out one drawer might energize us a bit and lift our spirits. Making a washcloth or hat might just be that much-needed sliver of fun as we choose a pattern, explore our yarn options - regardless if we give it someone or donate it to a clothing drive. Little things are big during these times. We will find our way, each of us, as we walk tentatively or with a swift stride during this difficult time. Remember that we are here for each other! Call us, text us, email us or stop in for a few minutes. And the best thing is that with a mask, no need to wear make-up! How lovely!

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