It has been a difficult year businesses lost, homes lost, loved ones lost. And, not just in the local area. It is global. Worse, the virus is surging around the world. Countries are once again shutting down. Here, many cities and even states are nearing shut down.

The timing couldn’t be worse, though to be fair, there is no good timing for a pandemic. It is the holiday season. That time of year when families gather to celebrate not just their beliefs (though that is central), but their belonging with each other. But, not this year. It is too dangerous. Too many people are adversely affected through transmission of the virus. As a result, many families will not travel. They will be alone, because to be otherwise might cost the life of a loved one.

There in lies the challenge. Many are alone this year, as much from fear for loved ones as for themselves. The pandemic seems to be in control.

But, is it?

Certainly it doesn’t have to be. Some people are rebelling against restrictions and are trying to be “normal”. They see the restrictions as attacks on their rights. But they are wrong. Those restrictions allow us to keep and maintain our rights by protecting others from our own ills. Life is not going to be “normal” for at least another year, if ever.

But, this is not the dark ages. We have technology and tools that can help us connect in positive ways. For example, my siblings are contemplating a Skype call or a Zoom session to bring us together. OK, the hugs will be virtual. But, we can see and hear and share. And, for now, that is enough. Yes, the hugs would be better, but by maintaining the distance, we help to keep each other alive an. d vital. We can wait for the hugs till life is safer.

And there is more. We can reach out to those around us, say hello and share a moment of encouragement. Do som.ething nice for a neighbor, like shoveling the snow or posting a positive message on their door. You don’t even have to say who it is from. Simply doing it is enough to ensure that we don’t feel so alone this season.

In fact, focusing on others is the best way to share the holiday season. So, if you are alone, unable to visit family or friends, find a way to help someone else, close or stranger. It won’t be the same as past holidays, but it will help you to feel like life is worth the sacrifices and people are worth sharing and saving,