Finding Joy and Hope During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls around, it often brings a mix of emotions—joy, excitement, and, for many of us, a tinge of sorrow. This year has been challenging for many, me included. Perhaps you've lost someone dear, experienced a significant change, or simply feel the weight of the world’s uncertainties. The holidays, while magical in many ways, can also amplify feelings of loss and longing. Yet, amid the challenges, there is space for healing, hope, and creating a brighter future.

Honoring the Ones We Miss

Grief during the holidays can feel like a heavy blanket, and there are meaningful ways to honor those we miss while still embracing the season’s spirit:

1. Create a Tribute Tradition: Light a candle, hang an ornament, or prepare their favorite dish. These small acts can keep their memory alive in a way that feels warm and comforting.
2. Share Stories: Gather with loved ones to share favorite memories. Laughter and reminiscing can often bring a sense of closeness and healing.
3. Give Back: Volunteering or donating in their name can be a beautiful way to honor their legacy.

Finding Comfort and Joy

 Even in tough times, there are ways to find pockets of joy and peace. Here are some strategies to help navigate the season:

1. Set Boundaries: If big gatherings feel overwhelming, it’s okay to say no. Choose activities that nourish your soul (this is a good boundary to set for yourself throughout the year too!)
2. Practice Gratitude: Take a few moments daily to list three things you’re grateful for. This simple act can shift your perspective and uplift your spirit. To keep this going all year, keep a journal beside your bed and jot down grateful moments at the end of each day.
3. Engage in Self-Care: Whether it’s a cozy night with a favorite book or a brisk walk in nature, prioritize activities that bring you calm and happiness. Schedule it in your calendar to make it a priority.

Looking Forward: Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect and set intentions for the year ahead. Here’s how you can set the stage for a thriving 2025:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Break your big dreams into actionable steps. Celebrate each milestone along the way.
2. Build Connections: Strengthen relationships with people who uplift and inspire you. Community is a cornerstone of resilience and happiness. Schedule “catch-up” calls with people to simply check in.
3. Prioritize Growth: Invest in yourself through learning, exploring new hobbies, or embracing opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. Success comes when you step outside of that zone.
4. Cultivate Positivity: Surround yourself with people that bring you joy. Hang out with people who celebrate you and lift you up every day, not simply on your birthday or when something challenging is happening.
5. Take Small Steps Daily: Each day is an opportunity to move closer to your goals. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

A Season of Hope

Whether this year was wonderful or held challenges, the holiday season offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what truly matters and to plant seeds of hope for the future. Remember, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Joy and sorrow can coexist, and it’s in embracing both that we often find the deepest sense of connection and peace.

Here’s to honoring the past, cherishing the present, and stepping boldly into a bright and hopeful 2025. Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, comfort, and the promise of new beginnings.