ST PETERSBURG, Fla. — Clinical psychotherapist Dr. Carleah East with SMILE Psychology has some tips for navigating a COVID-19 socially distant holiday season and how to help process and share the news you won't be gathering with your family this year for the holidays.
How to navigate a Christmas or New Year during COVID-19:
- Be rational with thought process
- Create new traditions
- Get outdoors
- Hold socially-distanced celebration outside
- Get active outdoors
- Be transparent and create opportunities to connect
- Have peace of mind
- Take time for yourself
- Grieve about what upsets you, then show gratitude
How to tell family that you're not joining them for Christmas and/or New Year:
- Decide how you feel
- Household sets the tone
- Be honest
- Offer alternatives
- Life and peace of mind are priceless
