Easter and Passover in Quarantine
We know that this is a hard time for everyone, in more ways than one. But I think trying to grapple with the idea of celebrating holidays while physically separate from your communities is a particularly tough situation.
Whether you are religious or not, these springtime holidays typically are a time for family to come together so this may feel like a particularly isolating moment in time. We know that and while nothing can make any of this feel normal, we’ve rounded up some suggestions that will help you find a way to celebrate.
1. Attend a Digital Worship Service
Many temples and churches are offering virtual worship services right now. If this is part of your faith and practices, joining one of these services may be a nice way to feel connected to your spiritual community.
Even though you may not be worshiping in person, we love the idea of still wearing your “Sunday Best” for whatever service you attend. This may help things feel a little more normal and we truly believe in the power a pretty printed dress has to improve your mood!
2. Attend or Host a Virtual Easter Dinner
If you can’t be with your friends and family in person at this time then you can try to host a virtual Easter dinner or brunch. Have everyone dial in together at the same time and chat while eating dinner or brunch or even while just munching on some Easter candy! There is no right or wrong way to do this as long as you feel connected. It doesn’t have to be a big production. You can chat with people individually as a sort of progression dinner or dial in your entire extended family. Do what feels right to you and your people. Stay in your pjs or put on a pretty floral dress. What you wear really does affect your mood, so dressing up can really make you feel more peppy.
3. Make it a Craft Day
Take this opportunity to make holiday themed crafts. These can be edible or decorative or totally useless. Making time to do something creative can be a nice release of tension and engage different parts of your brain. And don’t feel pressure that you have to produce something from this time. It’s enough just to do it. This may be a really nice way to spend the day, especially if you have kids at home.
4. Spend Some Time Outside
If this is possible in your location, try to spend a little time outdoors. Whether in your backyard, on your balcony, or a walk around the neighborhood (where permitted); a little sunshine and fresh air may do you good.
5. Do Absolutely Nothing
This is all overwhelming. We get it. And if you feel like doing absolutely nothing, that is ok. If you would rather absolutely pretend that it’s not a holiday at all, that’s fine. You do you. Your only responsibility right now is to take care of yourself. The pressure to take every interpersonal interaction and make it digital is extreme right now. If this doesn’t feel authentic to you or your relationships, then there is no need to jump on this bandwagon. Do what you need to do to feel ok. Sleep, take a bubble bath, read, exercise, watch something funny, journal, color, puzzle. Do whatever will make you feel a little more ok right now.
We are thinking of you. We are all in this together.
