The holidays are often stressful, but holidays in 2020 take the cake. (Seriously, will we even have a cake?) It will be painful to see fewer loved ones this year, and some of us are mourning unexpected losses. Let's not minimize that. But with the sincerity that comes from acknowledging our shared struggle, there must be some ways we can have a good season after all.

In a year when going with the usual flow is unlikely to happen, maybe we can…slow…down…and…discover…lovely…possibilities. Maybe there's a smaller group of loved ones to focus on and those connections can be all the more special, even if from a distance. Maybe there are simple times and traditions to be had this year—even new traditions—that can be deeply meaningful in their simplicity. Maybe if we're running around less, we'll have more time and energy to care for ourselves and our loved ones in ways that feel genuine. Maybe instead of buying the biggest Tofurkey in the world, we'll be moved to donate or volunteer in some way to address the enormous struggle that our world is having this year.

Sometimes we look back at hard times and feel moved by the beauty and goodness that we were able to share amidst the challenges. Let's see if this year we can make some beautiful memories even though they're probably not the ones we would've planned for.