How to Create a Joyful Thanksgiving in 2020
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. It’s exciting to think about getting together with our extended families and enjoying traditional holiday dishes. It’s also perfectly natural to feel anxious about gathering during a pandemic and worried about the challenges our loved ones are facing.
If you’re like me, you have adult children navigating independent life, meeting new professors, creating friendships, and looking for jobs--all big life changes that can cause stress.
Our elderly relatives are more isolated than usual, causing feelings of fear and loneliness. The very thing they crave most—connection and love—is difficult to achieve while remaining Covid safe.
Many of us are sandwiched between these two generations, facing financial concerns, adjusting to a different home life than we imagined, or possibly feeling a lack of direction at this mid-point in our lives.
After taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid, how do we juggle the influx of family and the expectations of a joyous Thanksgiving?
First, we can release all expectations. This is super challenging! We want things to go our way, so, of course, we might feel upset when they don’t. Instead of idealizing your perfect Thanksgiving, avoid the energy drain of unmet expectations and focus on the opportunity to connect and the value of being together. With no expectations, there can be no disappointment.
Next, we can also show up as powerful, deep listeners. Put away the cell phone and give your full attention to your loved ones. Be curious. What is on their mind? What is causing them stress? What have they been able to celebrate? We can choose to be non-judgmental listeners who actively strive to create a safe space for engaging with our loved ones.
By releasing expectations and being an active listener, you will create an environment of love, belonging, and unconditional acceptance that your family will be so thankful for!
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
―Stephen R. Covey
