Celebrating New Year’s Eve During the Pandemic
First and foremost, thank you to all our loyal followers during this past year. We have tried to bring as much joy and inspiration as possible into your lives, and those lives of your family and friends.
We find ourselves fast approaching 2021 and all of us Boomers and seniors are unquestionably ready to kiss 2020 goodbye, wondering what the New Year will bring in its place with the pandemic still hanging around, and with all of that as a backdrop, what we can do to celebrate ringing in the New Year to offset this terrible feeling of dismay and lack of normalcy.
It’s not enough to say that we simply turn off the news, stop reading all the reports coming our way, or disregarding all the prompts on our smart phone. For one thing we just can’t do that—it’s not in our DNA. Even though we might try to bury our heads to avoid the gloom and doom, we have this innate characteristic inside all of us that wants to know the latest, even though it might be disheartening or in some cases downright tragic. There are certainly enough of those stories floating around, but equally, there are the same number of highly positive and inspirational versions that keep us moving forward. Not only do we get them from the media, but probably the single most valuable source is from our family, whether immediate or extended. Following that would be our base of friends and even neighbors, so don’t be shy, reach out and share your thoughts and ideas.
“There is no failure on this journey. Happy people cry, grieve, and get stressed out, too. Even the strongest of us fall down. The difference is that we get back up and try again, we won’t lose sight of the fact that there will be joy waiting around the next corner for us if we choose to chase it.”
Wellness Pursuits, Michelle Hawk, Editor
And, here we are on the cusp of a new year wondering what the future holds and wondering how we can charge into the new realm feeling good about ourselves. There is no magic formula, but I do believe there are a few things we can do to usher in the second year of this decade by putting some fun into our celebration, whether it be small or large. Afterall, we’re all in this together, and it probably best if we continue to shelter and stay away from the maddening crowds. This afternoon and this evening, follow these ideas to interject some joy and frivolity into your celebration…
GET OUT OF THE CASUAL CLOTHES AND PUT ON YOUR FINEST. We’ve been slouching around the house for months now wearing our t-shirts and exercise clothes. Not tonight. Put on your finest and dress up—you’ll be amazed at how good you feel about yourself.
MAKE A SPECIAL COCKTAIL. Hey, it doesn’t need to be alcoholic, as there are many choices. Mine is Perrier adorned with lemon or lime, an Italian flavored soda, or Martinelli. My BoomerGuy likes something a little stronger and will finish the evening with a glass of Bailey’s. In any case, put your drink in a special glass that you haven’t used for a while. And for all you traditionalists and those of you who can stay awake until midnight, there’s always the glass of the champagne bubbly.
DRESS UP YOUR DINING TABLE WITH YOUR FINEST. Inasmuch as we have to isolate during this time, it’s no reason why your favorite china, silverware, glassware, and accessories have to remain in the cupboard or storage. Bring them out and display them with grace on your dining table or your nook. Don’t forget the candles to add a touch of ambience.
MAKE A SPECIAL APPETIZER AND MEAL It doesn’t matter how many people are with you this evening, what matters is that you’re expressing the creative side of your personality. If there are enough of you, then make it into a contest to see who wins and carries the crown until next year.
IT’S ALWAYS DESERT TIME. Once you’ve created your dining masterpiece, top it off by making an ‘ooey-gooey’ desert fit for the ages. Be sure to wear an apron!
TURN UP THE MUSIC. If you’re like me, I enjoy a blend of soft jazz and oldies, and sometimes good ol’ hard rock and roll from our generation. Turn on your favorite and use it as a background for cooking up a storm.
ZOOM WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. You might want to share your culinary skills from above, or simply reach out and ‘teleparty’ with loved ones from around the country.
DUST OFF YOUR FAVORITE BOARDGAME. Bet you haven’t done that for a while. Who doesn’t have a good time challenging your brain and laughing-out-loud. You can also play a large assortment of games online and pit yourself against family members or others who you might meet online. Oh, and don’t forget about the proverbial crossword puzzle—there isn’t a Boomer I know that doesn’t enjoy that challenge. And if you’re really daring, order in a pizza to enjoy with your board game.
FIND YOUR FAVORITE, OR AT LEAST ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES. There are so many options, and perhaps you’ve even recorded several using your DVR. Fast forward through any commercials and sit back and be mesmerized with a good plot and fine acting, and don’t forget the snacks and popcorn and that delicious glass of wine.
JOURNAL ABOUT 2020 AND SET NEW RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021. This past year has been filled with tumult and angst. You can set aside a few hours and write about your experiences and reflect on them as time goes by. Then spend some time reviewing your resolutions for 2020 and having a good laugh, and at the same time set down your resolutions for 2021 and remember to be flexible in not knowing what more this pandemic will throw at us.
HEAD OUTSIDE AND LOOK UP. There is still the tail of a full moon which is quite visible in North America and of course all the bright stars in the sky. This moon is called the ‘cold moon’ and Native Americans called it the ‘wolf moon’ after a pack of wolves could be heard howling amid the cold and deep snows of winter. You can even add an APP to your smart phone called “NightSky” and take a tour of the Milky Way right from your phone. While you’re doing all that, take in the fresh, crisp air and marvel at all the visual treats from Mother Nature.
You know, everything I just mentioned doesn’t have a price of admission. You don’t need to get on the road and be exposed to people who could be at risk. That fact alone should bring some comfort to celebrating at home and enjoying a different, yet special, way of bringing in the New Year. Take comfort that you’re not left out of any big party plans this year, and you’re certainly not the only one left celebrating at home.
Never has a country and our world been so happy to put a year behind us, and here’s wishing a fond farewell to 2020, along with renewed hope and optimism for the new year.
“The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”
George Washington Burnap
Let’s continue to be positive despite all of the restrictions and negativism. While all of us in one way or another are missing someone or something, it is our new normal and for most of us, we have adjusted pretty well. If you have a family member or friend who has befallen, take a few precious moments to think about their lives and how they touched you and those around you. Feel fortunate we made it into the new year and make the commitment to preparing a plan filled with health, safety, and inspiration for 2021.
“We each hit turning points throughout our lives, some planned and some unexpected, but we get to determine which way at each turn. Even when the choices are limited, they are choices. Remember that hose choices will lead to other choices–better ones. There is far more beyond the horizon that what you’re able to see.”
Wellness Pursuits, Michelle Hawk, Editor
From everyone at BoomerGal, here’s wishing you a very Happy New Year.