18 Dec 6 Ways to Keep Your Spirits Up During Covid and the Holidays
One more week friends!
I know this Christmas is not the same.
Many people not seeing family, while others are alone on Christmas Day.
I’ve been thinking of how we are to keep our spirits up during this time of year when we may be missing many of the things we normally do at this time.
I am fortunate to have my mom with us, as Covid was very confusing and difficult to deal with, especially as she was alone in another state.
So, now, I can do some of the things I enjoy doing this Holiday, but would do just to keep feeling the Spirit of the Holiday.
Dress up for One Day. –
Even if you are going to be home and not seeing many of the people you would, try dressing up for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Maybe wear flats if you dont want to walk around in heels, but putting on a dress or some sparkles, could help elevate your mood that day as well.
If that doesn’t appeal, just dress for dinner, and wear your Christmas pjs the rest of the time. Compromise is sometimes needed!
If you missed my fashion posts on Winter White Look for the Holidays and My Christmas Dress, you can see them here
I’ll be sharing a few more dressy looks next week, and then after Christmas , some casual styles and loungewear looks.
These below are a few examples from years ago.
I can’t resist a great faux fur stole and my signature brooches.
Lots of textures here with lace and patterned stockings.
Wearing a jeweled button down top under a strapless brocade gold and black dress.
Celebrate a New Tradition– Thinking of Those You Miss
This year, we sat at the dinner table discussing my Dad, who passed away 5 years ago this January.
My dad was a caring, loving, 6 foot 4, 275 pound big teddy bear. His boisterous laugh would make you laugh!
My mom told us the story of how they went into a bar during the Holidays, and what did my Dad order, asking the bartender? Whiskey on the Rocks? A Rusty Nail ? ( drink from the 60s that was very popular with Frank Sinatra).
No, my big Dad asked for a Pink Squirrel!!
We were laughing so hard at just the picture of this! “It is said that the Pink Squirrel was created in the early 1940s at a cocktail lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
So this year, my mom and I are determined to make The Pink Squirrel in honor of my Dad!
If you like the sound of it HERE IS THE RECIPE!
| 1 part | Creme De Noyaux (sometimes called creme de almond) |
| 1 part | White Creme De Cacao |
| 2 parts | Vanilla Ice Cream |
It might be tough to find, this 1940’s liquor. So, a similar bottle would be to ask for an almond liquor.
We will enjoy thinking of my Dad with this one!
Give to those in Need
With Covid being difficult financially for those who have lost jobs, struggle to put food on the table, or are homeless, look into how you can donate to those in need.
I belong to a group, “Nextdoor” and have found people collecting donations for the homeless in our area. Anything is welcome, and we will be donating this year to help .
The Spirit of the Season is about Giving,
Decorate Your Home
I’ve heard some people in the neighborhood lamenting why they should decorate this year.
I am thinking that this year, even more so, is a year we need to feel the Spirit of the Holidays and lift ourselves up.
Part of the joy for me, is to unload our boxes of “memories” ( ornaments) and bring Holiday joy to our house.
The warmth of the fireplace glow, the lit tree, the garland and surrounding Holiday decor, makes me lighten up as I come down stairs each morning.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, decorate for you! You may not have family over as you would, or friends to celebrate with, but celebrate the Season and bring joy to yourself and family.
If you missed my Holiday Decorations Post, see it now.
Visit Other Neighborhoods and See Their Outdoor Lights and Decor
No problem being in your car, this Covid Christmas. One of the things I always enjoy doing is driving around the area, to different neighborhoods and viewing everyone’s lights and outdoor decorations.
This weekend, we are loading up the car, with my mom, hubby, doggies, and I and stopping by Starbucks first for some Gingerbread lattes.
After it is dark, it’s time to see the lights in the neighboring developments!
Attend Mass/Service Virtually
If your faith has a service on-line, watch the service virtually.
My mom and I plan on watching the Mass on Christmas Eve and feeling that part of Christmas we would otherwise partake.
Amidst all of the gift-giving and shopping, the True Holiday spirit and meaning of Christmas can still be observed.
Even though this year is not the same with Covid, how will you keep your spirits up this Christmas?
Let me know in the comments. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend,
Stay Safe,
Jess xx
shelbeeontheedge1
Posted at 07:16h, 24 DecemberI love these ideas, Jess! And all of your holiday inspired outfits are just gorgeous! I love that long red cardigan!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:41h, 24 DecemberThank you ! It is a favorite.
Alexandra
Posted at 21:22h, 22 DecemberLovely ideas here! I love that you’ve personalized each one too.
I bought my husband and I new Christmas shirts to take pictures with Santa, but that didn’t happen – we will still be rocking them Christmas though, and I’m looking forward to it.
The Pink Squirrel looks delicious! Is it the almond that makes it pink?
I’m hoping to get my husband to go out with me tomorrow night to drive around, and light see, and then we talked about sitting by the fire.
This year, I’m all about relaxing, and just enjoying the time together, and not running around like usual. I’m really looking forward to it. Merry Christmas, Jess!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 11:04h, 24 DecemberHi Alexandra, Merry Christmas to you too! I am glad you liked the article.
The pink squirrel was made pink by the Creme de Noyeux, which was an almond liquor from the 40s that you can no longer get. The substitution is ammeretto, so our squirrels may not be pink! Enjoy the lights and the Holidays
Lovely
Posted at 00:39h, 21 DecemberWonderful ideas to keep your spirits high this holiday season! That’s a beautiful way to honor your dad. Pink squirrel sounds interesting!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 09:55h, 21 DecemberThank you Lovely! My Dad was a special guy, a Teddy Bear, but did like the frilly drinks! 🙂 Have a fabulous day! xx
Aidan Brogan
Posted at 11:31h, 20 DecemberThank you for sharing a great post!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 09:57h, 21 DecemberHi Aidan, thank you! Happy Holidays!
Elizabeth Walker
Posted at 10:40h, 20 DecemberGreat ideas! Thank you for sharing a wonderful post!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 09:57h, 21 DecemberHi Elizabeth, thank you for stopping by! Happy Holidays!
Lisa D.
Posted at 21:39h, 18 DecemberWe love to walk through neighborhoods that have lots of Christmas lights. It seems more people are decorating this year.
Lisa
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 11:55h, 19 DecemberIt is alot of fun! We drove to nearby neighborhoods and had a great time. We spent 2 hours driving around and got gingerbread lattes.
Merry Christmas Lisa! xx
Jodie
Posted at 19:23h, 18 DecemberI do think dressing up makes a difference. And helping others is a huge lift. I forget about it, but even just a quick call to someone can be what I (and they) need.
XOOX
Jodie
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 11:56h, 19 DecemberYes, I always dressed up at Christmas, and I thought even for dinner it would make you feel good. So many need help during Covid and it is all about giving this season.
Michelle Churchman
Posted at 14:11h, 18 DecemberAwww…, your dad sounds like he was such an awesome fellow! The Pink Squirrel story really paints a picture of him. And the drink looks really tasty!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 11:57h, 19 DecemberHe was and I miss him!! I can see why he like the drink, its like a milkshake!
thisblondesshoppingbag
Posted at 06:44h, 18 DecemberGreat ideas, we have to do everything we can to keep our spirits up and try to lift up others as well. I had to laugh at your dad’s drink choice! Ha!!! I’d never heard of a pink squirrel before, so funny!
Have a great weekend friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:20h, 18 DecemberThank you
So true. This has been a very difficult year. I was hoping that would make people laugh! It is an older drink from the 40s.
Enjoy your weekend too!