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Holiday Homesick

Holiday Homesick

holiday homesick not home for the holidays
Not everyone can be home for the holidays. If you're far from familiar people and places, the holiday season can be tough. Know that you're not alone. 

Perhaps you associate the holiday season with spending quality time with loved ones. Maybe you made pasta, baked cookies, picked out a Christmas tree or went to see light displays. 

The holiday season can also be tough if it left much to be desired growing up, or you're grieving. So what should you do if you're experiencing holiday homesickness?

***This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions from clicks and qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Give Yourself Grace

Feeling homesick during the holidays is normal. The holiday season can be a stressful time filled with busyness and expectations. It doesn't have to be. Don't consider yourself a grinch or scrooge if you're just not feeling it.

Do all the things if it makes you happy. Do nothing if it doesn't. Or anything in between. 

Incorporate Familiar Traditions

The key to incorporating familiar traditions is to only do it if it feels good. Make sugar cookies or gingerbread ornaments if the scent brings you comfort and joy. Watch that classic movie if it feels like a warm hug.
holiday homesick

Or Not...

If it hurts to do that thing without that person or those people, then don't do it. Switch it up. Try something different and you may just discover and start a new tradition. That's okay. 

Go Virtual

If your people are earth side but not near, then technology is your friend. Rather than send a generic text, spring for a phone call or FaceTime. 

Speaking of traditions, why not arrange to do the same thing at the same time. Get on a conference call or zoom meeting. Make the same recipe, read the same book or watch the same movie at a designated time.

I love these Slumberkins connection hearts as something physical to to send to your "heart family." You send one heart with and keep the other. Children in particular love something tangible to hold onto. 

Just because things might look differently doesn't mean they have to be less enjoyable or fulfilling.
holiday homesick Slumberkins connection hearts

Pay Homage 

How can you incorporate home in your holidays? Maybe a store or restaurant from home can ship food items. Buy or make ornaments of the people and places you love. Support a hometown cause or charity.

Support a cause that was important to your loved ones who have passed on. Make a donation in their memory. This can be as much or as little as you can comfortably afford. Donate food or clothing, or volunteer time if you're short on cash. 
holiday homesick deceased loved ones

Summary

The holiday season can be tough if you're homesick. Be gentle with you. Design your holidays based on what feels good. 

Pick and choose the old and new traditions in which you will participate. Get creative with your resources to incorporate the things and people of home. 



What's your favorite holiday tradition?


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