(Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy, connection, and celebration. But the truth is — for many of us, this time of year can feel heavy. Grief, stress, change, financial pressure, family dynamics, or simply exhaustion can make it hard to tap into the magic we’re “supposed” to feel.

You may be carrying the weight of the world with all of the news, fear, and division - or it may be on a personal level and life isn’t looking like you thought it should…or a combination of the both.

If this season doesn’t feel light or easy, you’re not alone. And more importantly — you’re not doing it wrong.

Joy doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it shows up quietly, in small, intentional moments we create for ourselves and the people we love. Here’s how to gently prepare for a holiday season that feels more present, meaningful, and supportive — even when life feels complicated.

1. Redefine What Joy Looks Like This Year

Joy doesn’t have to mean big gatherings, perfectly wrapped gifts, or nonstop cheer. Some seasons call for something softer.

Ask yourself:

What feels nourishing right now?
What would make this season feel lighter, not busier?
What am I allowed to release this year?

Maybe joy looks like slower mornings, fewer commitments, or choosing rest without guilt. Let yourself redefine it.

2. Lower the Bar (and That’s a Good Thing)

Perfection is exhausting — and unnecessary.

You don’t need to:

Attend every event
Bake everything from scratch
Buy the perfect gift
Be “on” all the time

Choose enough. Enough is beautiful. Enough is peaceful.

3. Create Small Anchors of Presence

Instead of trying to feel joyful all day long, focus on tiny moments of presence.

Some ideas:

Lighting a candle in the morning or evening
Drinking your coffee slowly
Taking a short walk outside
Playing calming music while you cook or clean
Sitting quietly for a few deep breaths

These small rituals help your nervous system settle — and presence is where joy lives.

4. Honor What You’re Carrying

If this season includes grief, change, or loss, make space for it. Ignoring it won’t make it go away — but honoring it can soften it.

You might:

Talk about who or what you’re missing
Create a quiet tradition to honor them
Write it out in a journal
Allow yourself moments of sadness without judgment

Holding space for hard feelings doesn’t cancel joy — it makes it more honest.

5. Protect Your Time and Energy

You are allowed to say:

“Not this year”
“That doesn’t work for me”
“I need rest”

Choose a few things that matter most and let the rest go. Protecting your energy allows you to show up more fully where it truly counts.

6. Shift the Focus to Connection, Not Consumption

The moments we remember most aren’t about how much we spent — they’re about how we felt.

Focus on:

Shared meals
Meaningful conversations
Simple traditions
Giving back
Time with friends and family

Connection creates lasting joy — not stuff.

7. Let Joy Be Gentle

Joy doesn’t have to be big or constant. It can be:

A quiet laugh
A warm hug
A moment of peace
A sense of gratitude
Feeling supported

Let joy be soft. Let it come and go. Let it meet you where you are.

A Gentle Reminder

If the holidays feel different this year, that’s okay. Every season looks different — and every season has its own kind of beauty.

Your only job is to be present, kind to yourself, and open to the small moments that remind you that joy still exists — even here, even now. Where your focus goes, your energy flows - what we focus on grows. It takes effort and intention, but the more you practice gratitude and what is going well, the more you will see it show up in your life.

Notice the little things. Romanticize the little things. Celebrate the little things.

However this season meets you, I hope it brings you moments of peace, connection, and light — exactly as you are. 🤍