Not everyone looks forward to the holiday season. For some, the holidays can bring about feelings of loneliness. Still, you can help yourself or others overcome those feelings by being intentional about finding ways to connect with others.

Here are five pandemic-friendly ways to make meaningful connections with others who may be feeling blue this holiday season, or to cheer yourself up!

       1. Give a DIY Craft 

“It is always better to give than to receive” is possibly one of the most famous sayings that we hear during the holidays. That’s why on these dates we bring a couple of Do It Yourself crafts that you can make in the company of your family or on your own and give in this Christmas a special gift made by your hands.

  • Photo Calendar:

Check this beautiful and easy-to-make photo calendar, the perfect gift to remind that person how much you care about them; all you need is paper, scissors, a hole punch, some wire, and a little creativity to make this unique and special gift.

  • Bath Tea:

If the best things in life are those little moments that make it more enjoyable, this Bath Tea is a great option that will delight all those who receive one this holiday season.

  • Snowman Spoons:

Who doesn’t like hot chocolate? Especially at this time of the year, you can share a delicious cup of hot chocolate with someone, even outdoors! Here’s a handy recipe to try out.

       2. Homemade Cookies

Even if you’re a beginner baker, try this easy-to-follow cookie recipe. Whether as a gift or as part of a trade, anyone will be delighted and who knows, maybe this can be your new holiday tradition?

       3. Match Outfits with your Pet

Matching outfits with someone in your family or a friend is undoubtedly a fun thing to do during the holidays, but what if you can give it a twist and try something different for this year!

Our pets are also part of our family. This year can be the perfect opportunity to share something with these little ones that bring so much happiness to our lives. You can create your own outfits, or costumes to match with basic craft supplies too.

       4. Volunteer and Give Back to your Community

The true meaning of this season is to celebrate and be thankful for what we have and to give back by helping those who need it most.

If you are looking to make a difference, you can research an area that is meaningful to you, and either volunteer or donate to a noble cause. If you don’t know where to start, most areas have a volunteer action centre which helps match your interests and availability with a local need.

       5. Participate in a Toy Drive

Perhaps one of the most awaited moments for every child during the holidays is opening their gifts. Every community has families and individuals who are struggling, and you can find a local toy drive which play an essential role for the community, bringing happiness to the children and as a way to bring families together.

Whether it’s making a gift, baking some cookies, helping your community, or just having a pleasant time with your pet, you can build connections that will not only help you not feel alone but also help you feel part of a community of people you can share and create good memories with. Many communities also have programs for older adults who are isolated, where you can provide a gift, card, or stocking. Contact your local seniors organization like Community Support Connections in Waterloo Region to see how you can get involved.