We had a lot of traditions pre-pandemic that created joy and happiness. At school, children made solar ovens and then cooked s'mores. I loved seeing their chocolaty smiles as they tasted the results of their solar oven cooked treats.
At home, we created joy and happiness time and again with large gatherings--parties complete with decorations, tasty food, story telling, music, games, and more. It was only a year ago that my house was filled with women celebrating an upcoming wedding.
Yet, in pandemic days, we've had to be more creative when it comes to creating joy and happiness. Also, during the past four years of an errant, hateful, bigoted President Trump, we had to work harder to recover the joy and happiness as a nation. Nevertheless we haven't left joy and happiness behind, but instead continually think about how we can recreate that in new, safe, and healthy ways during the pandemic.
So today, I'm thinking about a number of related ideas and actions.
The vaccine outfit
Soon I'm taking my 90-year-old mom to get her vaccine. She hasn't been out of her house for a very long time, so to take a drive along the cold, snowy roads will be a bit alarming for her. To make the trip more comfortable, I bought her a jazzy, comfortable outfit. I can't wait to help her get dressed up for this important appointment--one that celebrates her good fortune and persistence with regard to avoiding COVID-19 so far. While the first dose won't signal a return to normal, it will take the edge of with regard to the fear and isolation that has been part of her days since the pandemic started. There will be joy and happiness at this occassion even though there is a bit of trepidation since the reality is that none of us ever know what our last day will be and why it will happen.
Birthday boxes
With my dad's birthday around the corner, I'm playing with the idea of sending birthday boxes to all who will attend the ZOOM party. My husband's work has done that a couple of times--they've sent him a box of treats, and the whole family has enjoyed those tasty surprises. I may do the same for the upcoming birthday--we'll see.
Valentine's Day Hike
I'm planning a fun outdoor excursion for Valentine's Day. With loved ones we'll explore one of the many, beautiful conservation trails that exist in Massachusetts. We're fortunate to have a state filled with wonderful, natural spaces to explore and we'll take advantage of that.
Cookies-by-mail
One distant son has requested some homemade cookies by mail--that's another way to spread happiness and joy.
Good shows
My husband and I continue to search for and find shows that we enjoy together. We tend to enjoy watching well-done thrillers and mysteries. Recently we started watching Masterpiece Theater's Unforgotten. It's a well done crime mystery that keeps you guessing.
There are many ways to create joy and happiness, and though it may not be as simple as during pre-pandemic days, it's worth the creativity, planning, and activity to make this happen.