Simple Ways to Make the Holidays Feel Special with Little Moments of Joy

December! (aaah, deep breath with me here…)

I’m grateful for all the challenges, changes, and awakenings this year has brought.

As we know, going through hard times makes the good ones that much better. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our priorities, to grow in new ways, make room for the good to enter, and find new opportunities to practice resiliency.

For example, if I asked you to think of things you’re grateful for this past year, they’re likely small little things, such as the sun shining on your walk, a to-die-for banana bread recipe, more family time all together, a check-in text from an old friend, getting to work from home in your PJs (as least on the bottom, right?!), the nostalgia of an old childhood favorite board game, or the pleasant surprise of finding the specific kind of toilet paper you like on store shelves!

 …And it’s these small things that ARE the big things, this year more than ever.  Many of these are moments and experiences and “back to basics” versus material things, which is an eye-opener of how little we actually need. Enjoying the small things allows us to enjoy it all.

We can do small things to make the holidays and last days of 2020 special.

Though the grandiose holidays that most of us are used to look very different this year, I think they have their own unique set of joys, too.

We can let go of the usual holiday pressure and instead embrace this moment in time, no matter how different it looks than a "normal" year.  Because after all, the holidays are a reminder of the important things: people we love, simple moments of joy, time spent unplugged, and reflecting on the year behind us.

So, as many of us are anxiously awaiting a fresh start and new beginning, I invite you to ask yourself: what if we took right now, today to reset and do small things to make the holidays and the last days of 2020 the best they can be?

Keep reading on how to gently and intentionally create a holiday season that leaves us feeling refreshed and motivated, with pockets of joy and simple pleasures.

Make New Memories

The holiday season is always hustle-bustle, but in a year like 2020, we can choose to see it as a gift that we’re almost being forced to slow down and do less.  This time can be used to create new memories with new activities and trying new things that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

I think it’s a powerful way to show up with little ones even more during this special time of year. There are so many small things we can do that equal big, exciting, special memories for kids. We can honor our fondest memories from our childhood and build on them or change them up as much as we want.  Build a snowman, make hot chocolate, write letters to Santa, share stories of our childhood holidays, or create a new seasonal craft together! The time spent together creating these new memories is the most important part.

Support a Larger Mission

It’s easy to get wrapped up in ourselves and our families and what we have going on, especially with things being so heavy lately. However, if we can try to reach beyond ourselves to gain perspective and help someone else, the effects are ten-fold. 

Try cleaning out a closet and donating items you no longer use, volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food distribution center (needed now more than ever), sponsor a child or young adult for the holidays, or even simply raise awareness from your own home for a charity or organization that is dear to your heart.  You’ll feel better, get out of your own head, and make someone else’s day/life brighter, promised!

Creating New Rituals at Home

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, to add to your routine, or change up? You know I’m your biggest promotor of self care, and with all of this time at home we can create or adjust our rituals to fill us up during this time and beyond.  New rituals can be so empowering!

Try a new dinner routine that makes you feel better and less stressed, start reading a few pages of a book at night that you otherwise wouldn’t find time for, commit to writing in a journal (even just a few bullet points), light an extra special candle at night, begin a new morning ritual by picking a Self Care Card as your intention for the day or week, or anything else that lights you up right now!

Food for Thought

Even with the holidays looking different this year, it doesn’t mean we can’t make our meals special and filled with love, all in the comfort of home.  Make a beloved recipe from your Mother or Grandmother, take the time to try something new for a slow-paced Sunday morning breakfast, or pour some heart into a classic dinner dish.  Whatever it may be, we can make it thoughtful and make mealtime a cherished memory for us and our families!

Break up with Social Media (even temporarily)

Intentional time away from social media and our phones/electronics is always beneficial. Just tucking your phone away for a day or two and being more in the moment can be a really healing break. We underestimate how draining and overwhelming social media can be on our minds, spirits, and physical health (hello blue light, tech neck, and slouched posture).  Positive effects on our mental health occur when we take time to be present without the constant dings, buzzes, and notifications, to instead check in, recenter, and get back in tune with ourselves and what we need to feel our best. Facebook and Instagram will still be there when you want to get back together.

Gift with Intention

Give gifts that are intentional and meaningful. The point here is to bring the focus towards quality over quantity. Supporting small businesses for quality, unique gifts is more important than ever this year.  Our Holiday Gift Guide has lots of ideas for how to give thoughtful gifts to celebrate small businesses that need our support.

And, the thought that goes into gifts is even more important than the gift itself. Sometimes the best way to gift people you love is with a heartfelt letter, an experience, something homemade, or even just quality time together if possible.  The idea here is to find small ways to give with love and thoughtfulness rather than feeling pressure to always find that perfect, extravagant gift for everyone on your list!

Take it Outside

Getting some fresh air, sunshine, change of scenery, and nature is good for our minds and bodies in so many ways.  Find as much time as you can to get outside this holiday season, even if you have to drive 30 minutes away and bundle up in layers and snow boots.  Go sledding, have a snowball fight, forage for pieces of brush, sticks, flowers, berries, etc., (tip: trim from the back side of your Christmas tree, if you have one) for centerpieces or things you can put in a vase to decorate, make snow angels, go on a hike, or just a quick walk.  Remember, 5 minutes is better than nothing! I know for me, taking (almost) daily walks is one of the most restorative things to clear my head, work through tough emotions and feel refreshed.  And, the best part is its free, easy, safe, and accessible!

With these ideas, I hope you can make your own small intentions, inspirations and tiny pockets of joy! When we open ourselves up to them and let the light in, we’re better able to care for ourselves and those around us. So, let’s all remember to be gentle with ourselves, take a deep breath, be present, and make space for all the good that is still around us and the new joys that we can create this season.

>>> I’d love to hear, what will you do to help make your holidays special this year?