Reclaiming the Joy of the Holidays: Celebrate, Connect, Reflect

Photo of Sarah and her dad on Christmas Eve 2009

In light of the holiday spirit, I have been spending a lot of time with friends and family walking down memory lane and thinking about our favourite holiday moments. Fun traditions, silly stories, and moments of celebration. 

As a younger kid, I experienced the holidays as the most magical moment of the year! When all my friends and family are together eating great food and enjoying traditions—who could not be filled with joy and gratitude?

However, recently I've been noticing some holiday-related stress. It feels like the rush to get assignments done, buy all the gifts, decorate all the cookies, and make everything as perfect as it can possibly be. I understand the desire to have the “perfect holiday,” because doesn’t everyone just want to make the most of these special days? 

Ironically, I think that this holiday stress felt by so many every year actually does the opposite of what we hope for. Instead of creating this so-called “perfect” time, we end up taking away from the joy. Joy created by togetherness, connection, and celebration. 

In order to combat this stress, we should be focusing on what actually matters during the holidays! 

Celebration 

To begin, let’s remember why we are here, celebrating the holidays! The task of celebration often gets overlooked during this season. We are given time off from school and work to simply seek joy, gratitude, revelry, and remembrance. Leaning into this might just be exactly what you need to help quench the urgency of other holiday to-do’s.

Connection 

Arguably, the most special memories during the holidays are created when loved ones take time off from busy schedules and duties to spend quality time together. Looking at this time not just as a burden for buying gifts and making food, but as the best possible gift that can be given—genuine connection. 

Reflection

The great thing about the holidays coming near the end of the calendar year is that it is naturally a time of reflection. Taking a moment to think back to your favourite moments and your not-so-favourite ones allows for the appreciation of everything that has happened over the past year. What brought you joy? What was a learning opportunity? Setting new goals as well as celebrating all that has happened is a way to ground yourself in the present and to savour the season.

I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!