It is the holiday season, and for some, it is the best time of the year. For others, it takes everything they have to get through it. And for many, it is a mix of both. Life is beautiful and messy, and this time of year brings that truth to the forefront in a very real way.
My family was not religious, but we celebrated Christmas as a time to gather with people we loved. My mom made it special from childhood until she could no longer. She passed away on December 14, 2018, so there is a bittersweetness to this time of year for me. My nieces and nephews, ages three to eleven, remind me of the magic of it all, and most of my memories of my mom feel warm and comforting. And yet there is the missing. I miss her and other loved ones who are no longer in my life, whether they are deceased or simply no longer part of my world. It reminds me that I can love what is happening and also miss what is not. We live in a this-and-that world rather than a this-or-that world.
For the most part, I am a happy person even when struggle visits. I feel what I need to feel, and I come back to gratitude. I also have a couple of go tos that might seem simple, but they genuinely brighten my world. Twinkle lights and bubbles. I cannot help but smile at both. I keep twinkle lights up all year and add a few extra during the holidays.
What are some of the go-to things that help you reconnect to a happier time? I encourage you to notice them and find small ways to bring them into your day as you move through the holiday season, whether you find yourself in a time of celebration, struggle, or sorrow.
Moving forward, I invite you to face the holidays by:
Checking in with yourself.
Take a moment each day to pause and notice what you are feeling. Naming your emotions, whether it is joy, sadness, or a mix, gives you clarity and prevents overwhelm from quietly building. When you understand your feelings, you can respond to yourself with kindness instead of judgment.
Adding one small thing you love into your day.
Bring intentional joy into your life, even in a tiny way. It could be twinkle lights, bubbles, a favorite scent, or a favorite drink. These small moments are anchors that ground you and remind you that even in the middle of busy or heavy days, you can create spaces of delight.
Reaching out when someone comes to mind.
A simple message to a friend or loved one can mean more than you realize. Let them know you are thinking of them. Connection, even a brief one, reminds both people that they matter and can soften feelings of loneliness or stress. It can be as simple as a text, a call, or sharing a memory that makes you smile.
Taking the season moment by moment.
Instead of trying to hold everything together or meet expectations, focus on what is in front of you right now—one bite at a holiday meal, one conversation, one task at a time. Paying attention to the present moment helps you find ease and appreciate the good without getting lost in what is missing or overwhelming.
Wherever you find yourself this season, whether you are celebrating, struggling, or somewhere in between, you do not have to move through it alone. If you want support as you navigate your own mix of feelings, you are welcome to book a discovery call with me. I am here to help you find steadiness in the middle of it all.
Affirmation
I embrace this moment.
Sounds for Your Soul