Do you feel more vulnerable on Christmas?

Christmas is a time when many people feel lonely and incomplete. It seems that those we miss the most, we miss them even more on Christmas. Those who are single may feel more vulnerable this time of the year, seeing couples everywhere.

Others feel pressure to buy the perfect gifts, make the perfect food, when it should actually be about getting together with their beloved ones.

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Now, we all have a much bigger reason to feel vulnerable: we’re in the middle of Corona pandemic. So many deaths and grief. Nobody knows exactly when we will get rid of this deadly virus. Most people I know won’t be able to gather the whole family. Many are sick and in quarantine. Others are obeying the government’s measures.

As flights from UK are forbidden in many European countries today, lots of young students are going to spend Christmas abroad, without their families.

As an immigrant, I have a totally different Christmas celebration in Norway than I used to have in Brazil. It’s cold outside, the food is different, it’s formal. However, every year, it becomes more natural for me to spend Christmas in Norway. I am curious about the Norwegian traditions. I like to try the typical food, and this year, for the very first time, I made Pinnekjøtt (lamb ribs) all by myself. Check the post about Norwegian Christmas here.

The thing is: we don’t have to let ourselves drown. There are ways to deal with vulnerability.

What I know for sure is that there’s always something positive we can do to feel better. We can trigger some feel-good attitudes by focusing on what brings us joy. For example:

Bring on the good Christmas memories. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, remember the happiest Christmas you ever had. Our brain will send the message to all our body that all is well.

I have the sweetest childhood memories regarding Christmas at my grandma’s house. At lunch, we had traditional Brazilian Christmas dishes (turkey, pork, rice with raisins and peas, sauce, farofa) . Five different types of desserts. Roberto Carlos’ new record was playing in the living room right before John Lennon’s Happy Xmas. Aunts, uncles and cousins came in and out all afternoon. The house was full of joy, good food and happiness.

I know that that time is over. You know what I do? I play John Lennon’s song every year on Christmas Day, like a bring-back-joy ritual. Music is always a good way to cheer us up. Check my Feel Good Christmas songs here.

We can always choose what to focus on. Can’t you see all your family this time? Make the most and give your best to those you can meet. All alone? I know it’s not easy, but let’s be creative. We have internet.

Smile. A smile does wonders to ourselves and everybody around us.

Watch funny films. That will definitely help you smile. Check some film and series tips here and here.

Be grateful. Do you have food on the table? Be grateful. Not everybody does.

Meditation. Breathing exercises do wonders to our state of mind. They bring calmness, relaxation, open our horizons and improve our health. Never tried? Do a simple exercise: take a deep breath in counting to four and exhale counting to eight. Repeat it ten times.

Everybody has their pains and problems, but Christmas is time for hope. No matter what situation you are living right now, there’s alway place for hope.

I hope everybody has a peaceful and hopeful Christmas, full of love.

Remember whose birthday it is and send love. Let your light shine.

Merry Christmas to each and all of you. Stay safe.