This will undoubtedly be an atypical Christmas due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As we grow older, many adults are losing the illusion for Christmas and it is possible that this year especially the mood is not in the mood for many celebrations, neither for the little ones who may lack some of the human warmth of other years. However, it is rare to find a child who does not enjoy this special time of the year and, not only the most important days, but all the preparations and rituals that announce the arrival of these holidays since November.
Unfortunately, this year, some of the Christmas activities in the street will be restricted, such as visits to Christmas markets, strolls through shopping areas, the Three Kings parades and Christmas decorations organized by the City Councils in streets and squares.
Children adapt well to the novelties, as they have already shown us in these months, but the pandemic also affects them and logically they are noticing the general atmosphere of tension that this situation is generating in us. They miss the fun plans they used to make and now cannot, they miss the physical contact with their friends and family and they perceive the psychological wear and tear on their parents. For these reasons Christmas is a very good opportunity to put a little light in this year so complicated, to make them live it as the magical time of illusion to which they are accustomed and, why not, to infect us also of that illusion through them.
Let’s not give up on Christmas
There is no doubt that this year will be different and there will be some things that we are used to that we will not be able to do, such as traveling or getting together with the whole family. However, there is no reason not to soak up the Christmas spirit through decorations, carols, advent calendars or the letter to the Three Wise Men, which are activities that we can enjoy without putting our health at risk.
It is now more important than ever to reinforce routines and replace plans on the street with activities and games at home, as well as the face-to-face contact via videoconferencing, to which we have become so accustomed.
In the face of uncertainty, a sincere and understanding explanation
It is possible that many parents are affected by the uncertainty that surrounds this Christmas or the sadness of not being able to meet as usual, but it is important not to transfer this anxiety to the children. It is necessary to be sincere with them, to answer their doubts calmly and with affection and to explain to them in advance what is going to happen and why (adapting the information to their ages). It will also be important to convey to them the temporality of this year’s changes. That is to say, just because this Christmas will not be like previous years does not mean that from now on it will always be like that. This is an exceptional situation and while it lasts we can focus on what we can do.
Connecting with values and family spirit
It would also be good to take advantage of this year to get in touch with the true values of Christmas and ask everyone what they feel like doing and what is important to them at this time of year (family, generosity, religion, shared illusion and joy, etc.) and from there look for opportunities and alternatives to live these values. For example, we can’t get together with everyone at home, but those of us who live together can encourage that family and community spirit by doing activities together (Christmas cards, sweets, movies…); giving objects that make it easier for them to spend time with their cousins and friends outdoors (bicycles, scooters…), participating in solidarity activities, etc.
For more information about how to manage the situation caused by the coronavirus at Christmas, do not hesitate to contact a specialist in Psychology.