The holiday season is all about taking time to feel joy and peace - but I believe there are so many different ways to experience that!
The holiday celebrations we so often see are with large groups of family and friends coming together, with music, laughter, and lots of food and gifts. That might sound amazing to some - and I’m sure so many people will have similarly wonderful celebrations this year.
However, I think it’s important to remember that, for others, joy will look a lot different. Maybe you would prefer to have a restful, peaceful celebration with just a couple of people or by yourself to recharge after a stressful year.
Christmas and the holiday season are wonderful opportunities to reset and assess how you’re feeling. Give yourself permission to indulge in what you really want to do, not just what you think you should do.
At this time of year, it can be easy to forget what you’re actually craving and just do things out of tradition or to please others. I’m here to remind you to step back and think about what you really need.
With that in mind…here are 12 fun and festive ways that you can find some joy over the holiday season. Even moving forward into the New Year, you can adapt many of these all year round - because who doesn’t need a little extra joy in their lives!
Unplug from technology. If you’re taking time off work or spending time with family this Christmas, why not restrict your time with technology at the same time? That doesn’t mean going cold turkey. You could check your phone around lunchtime, reply to any messages that you want to, and then step away from the rest of the day. Staying in contact with others isn’t a bad thing, but stepping away from technology can help you stay in the present more joyfully.
Move your body. Step out into the crisp winter air and go for a walk, or practice a sport with friends and family. Feeling in tune with your body can go a long way towards feeling more mentally and emotionally content.
Eat well. There are so many delicious foods to try at this time of year - and many that we only really eat at this time of year. Stay in the moment while eating and mindfully enjoy your food, so that eating and sharing food becomes an experience rather than a necessity.
Practice self-care. In the hustle and bustle of festivities, it can be easy to fall out of a routine. Make sure you continue to set aside 15-30 minutes a day to do something just for yourself.
Focus on yourself. At the same time, check-in with yourself regularly. Is what you’re doing still serving you? There’s no shame in stepping back and taking some time to prioritize what you need. This blog will help you reset priorities.
Avoid other people’s expectations. Especially if you’re celebrating as part of a big group, it can be easy to start following what other people want - but don’t let that push what you value to one side.
Reflect on what’s good. As we come to the end of the year, look back and be thankful for all that’s been good in the past year. Sometimes, we can lose sight of the positives once they’re in the rearview mirror, but this is the perfect time to remind ourselves of all the great things that happened in the last 12 months.
Surround yourself with positive people. It’ll be so much easier to feel joyful if you’re surrounded by joyful people! Choose the right group to spend time with this holiday season.
Share the love. When was the last time you told your loved ones you love them? Of course, they probably know, but saying it out loud is a surefire way to invite joy into your home this Christmas.
Plan happiness for the future. Looking ahead to the coming year, make plans that will bring you joy down the line, as a gift to your future self.
Give back. This time of year is the perfect time for giving - why not donate some time or money to a charity close to your heart?
Do one act of kindness each day. Even for the people close to you, giving back to them can bring you real joy. Try to do one kind action every day over the holiday period - and even afterwards, this could be a great New Year’s goal - to help yourself and others feel good.
I hope you enjoyed this list of 12 joyful suggestions! If you enjoy inspiring content like this, you’ll want to take a look at my free guide, “5 Steps to Clarity During Life Transitions.” Have a wonderful holiday season!