Happy holidays! Thank you so much for joining me today. No matter what you’re celebrating this season, it’s safe to say this time of year can feel complicated. For many, it’s a time filled with fond memories of family, music, and messages of peace and light. For others, though, it can be stressful or even painful.
If you’re dreading this season because of turbulent family relationships or difficult memories, I just want to say that I’m sorry. You’re not alone in feeling this way. I hope some of the tips I share can ease your load and make this season a little brighter—whether you’re looking forward to it or just trying to get through it.
While we can’t always control life’s circumstances, we can control our actions. By adding small, meaningful habits or starting new traditions, we can create moments of joy—even if they’re nestled between less-than-jolly ones.
Today, I’d like to share three tips to help spark ideas for finding joy during the holidays. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. Be a Helper and a Giver
The holidays are often a hectic time for families and caregivers, with meals to prepare and plans to organize. Look for ways to lend a hand! Maybe there’s a sink full of dishes that needs washing, a table that needs setting, or your own chores—like cleaning your room or feeding a pet—that you can take care of to lighten someone else’s load. If you’re not sure how to help, just ask!
The key here is to give without expecting anything in return. Don’t do it for recognition or a pat on the back—do it because you want to make someone’s day a little easier. And if you don’t feel like helping? Fake it till you make it! You’ll find that when you lift others up, you rise alongside them.
2. Be Kinder and Friendlier
This time of year can stir up all kinds of emotions—good and bad. We’ve all had moments of tension with family during the holidays or found ourselves feeling grumpy after a late night. (I know I’m a grouch without my eight hours!)
This year, do your part to bring compassion and understanding to every situation. When mistakes happen—and they will—apologize, forgive, and move forward. Smile more, give compliments, offer hugs (if you’re comfortable), and look for opportunities to add an extra sparkle to someone’s day.
Here’s a mindset shift: Instead of focusing on being valued by others, focus on being valuable to others. When you embrace this perspective, you’ll find yourself building stronger relationships and spreading more light.
3. Have Fun
What holiday traditions do you and your loved ones share? Do you drive around looking at lights, play board games, or read special stories together? In my family, we read a book every year called The Christmas Orange while snacking on chocolate oranges. Simple traditions like that are honestly what I look forward to the most.
If your loved ones don’t have traditions, create some! Write a letter to Santa while watching your favorite holiday movie, or light the Kinara or Menorah each night with a fun activity to go with it. If you’re invited to join in on something, say yes! Resist the urge to isolate, even when the early darkness makes it tempting. Show up, bring your energy, and decide to be the life of the party!
If family relationships are tough, consider starting traditions with friends instead. Build gingerbread houses, organize a Secret Santa, or learn a song together. These small, shared moments often end up becoming cherished memories.
You can also use this season as a chance to reflect and reset. If New Year’s resolutions are your thing, try making a vision board! Gather with friends, browse Pinterest for inspiration, and create a collage—either physical or digital—to guide your goals. You can even turn it into a tradition: vision boards and cookies, anyone?
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the break from school! Sleep in, relax, and spend time with those who mean the most to you.
Remember:
Wishing you a joyful and meaningful holiday season!
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