Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Request an Appointment
  • Patient Online Services
    • Find
      a Service
    • Find
      a Provider
    • Find
      a Location
    • Visit
      our Blog
    • Contact
      Us
    • Refer
      A Patient
    • Patient Stories
    Before you call: Visit our COVID-19 webpage for vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information.
    • Request an Appointment
    • Patient Online Services
    • Pay Bills Online
    • Refer a Patient
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Donate
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • For Medical Professionals
    • About Us
    • Community Resources
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • CaringBridge
    ERROR!

    Find Classes & Events in Your Area

    Posted By
    Peter Reisner, M.D.

    Peter Reisner, M.D.

    Family Medicine

    Recent Posts

    • Speaking of Health
      Winters don’t have to bring dry skin
      January 04, 2021
    • Speaking of Health
      9 ways to make your holiday season jolly
      December 04, 2019
    • Speaking of Health
      12 tips for keeping children safe during the holidays
      December 17, 2018
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Diabetes
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Speaking of Health
    Friday, November 20, 2020

    5 tips for navigating changing holiday traditions

    Wicker stars with Christmas lights

    Traditions play a big part in our lives during the holidays. However, it can be difficult to maintain the same traditions each year due to family changes, such as a lost loved one, unemployment, a new family member, divorce or separation, or a move. This year's COVID-19 pandemic brings additional challenges and concerns about social distancing and large group gatherings.

    Here are 5 tips to help you navigate changes to your family holiday traditions:

    1. Communicate your expectations.

    Discuss with your family which traditions may change and why. This opens a dialogue and lessens the chance of hurt feelings or misunderstanding.

    2. Aim for what works for this year only.

    Some traditions can be difficult to let go of but aren't practical due to family changes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus on what brings you meaning this year, and give yourself permission to do something different next year. Consider creating a new tradition, such as ice skating or making holiday ornaments in honor or memory of those you're not able to see in person this year.

    3. Focus on people, not on a specific date and time.

    You may need to celebrate a couple days earlier or later than you would have liked. But don't get so locked into your traditions that you lose sight of the most important part: spending time together. With the need for social distancing, look for creative and meaningful ways to connect safely or consider celebrating virtually. Share memories with your family and friends. Memories can bring both laughter and tears. Both are OK.

    4. Recognize the importance of food traditions.

    Favorite foods can remind us of happy memories and are a great way to include a family member who is gone. Serving Grandpa's pie or Aunt Anne's stuffing can nourish your body and soul. Share in the tradition by cooking or baking these favorites together with your close circle of family or friends.

    5. Honor your feelings.

    Give yourself permission to feel sad, tired or anxious at some point during the holidays. You're only human, and that's OK. Take a break if your emotions are too intense. Focus on small things that bring you joy, such as a walk, phone call to a loved one, letter to a friend or favorite hobby.

    Watch a video about dealing with loss through the holidays:

    Get more resources on the COVID-19 pandemic, and read about 5 things to consider before participating in group gatherings.

    Peter Reisner, M.D., is a Family Medicine physician in Chetek, Wisconsin.


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Resiliency
    • COVID-19
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Hot topics
    • Women's Health
    • Men's Health
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Balance your mental and emotional health

    Stay Connected

    • Hometown Health

    Find Out What’s Happening in Your Community

    Stay Informed with the Latest
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    © 2018 - 2020 Mayo Clinic Health System