“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ― Melody Beattie

We’re now into the 2020 holiday season, with Thanksgiving last week and Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa later this month. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year normally because I’m spending time with loved ones and experiencing joy and laughter (and lots and lots of food!).

I am so fortunate to have many friends and family that I love dearly and spend as much time as possible with during the holidays. Unfortunately, though, I won’t be able to spend time with any of them this year, because of the travel restrictions due to the pandemic. I’m sure many of you find yourselves in the same boat, not able to travel or spend time with your extended families like you might have in years past.

So, given the circumstances, I find myself reflecting on what the holidays are going to look like at our house and how to still be engaged with family and friends in Canada. You know the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”?

"I’ve decided to actively focus on gratitude instead of dismay. When you actively pursue gratitude, you gain new insight in all that we have to be grateful for.

I’m sure many of you are feeling the same way. I’ve decided to actively focus on gratitude instead of dismay. When you actively pursue gratitude, you gain new insight in all that we have to be grateful for.

I’m grateful that we can still celebrate the holidays, albeit in a different manner than usual. I’m grateful technology will allow us to Zoom with family and friends, even if it isn’t a perfect solution. I’m grateful we are healthy and employed so we can enjoy a holiday meal.

I’m grateful my daughter is home from school for the holidays and that she invited an international student home with her. Now we can celebrate with Anna, who is from the Czech Republic but wasn’t able to travel home for the holidays. I’m grateful we can involve her in our family traditions and celebrations. I’m not going to lie, I’m also more than a little grateful my eighteen-year-old daughter has some company in the house!

With so much to be grateful for, it’s easy to be excited for the holidays. Yes, it will be different. Yes, it will look and feel like a much different holiday this year, but I can do this. You can do this. We, together, can do this.

It’s not always easy, but it is possible to embrace gratitude and optimism. I hope you are able to find gratitude in your lives, and through gratitude to find joy in this holiday season.

Happy Holidays and my very best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!