How to Make the Holidays Supportive and Joyful
Okay, so this week, I have some tips on how to manage the holidays.
How to set yourself up so that the holidays can be resourcing for you, supportive for you—whether you’re single or in a relationship.
This post is here to support you in letting this season be as resourcing as it possibly can.
Tip 1: Think About What Brings You Joy
Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever holidays you celebrate, take a moment to think about what would genuinely bring you joy.
This could be activities that feel inspiring, quality time with loved ones, or even creating a meaningful ritual to release the past year.
Maybe it’s something as simple as making a delicious soup, crafting something beautiful, taking a long nap, or visiting a hot spring.
Pick at least one (or several!) joy-giving things to sprinkle throughout your holidays.
If you’re in the northern hemisphere, this season is also the perfect time to get cozy and rest. Take care of your nervous system, stock up on vitamins, and give yourself permission to be more.
Winter is also a great time to dream. Choose activities that feel supportive and bring light into your life.
If you’re in a partnership, communicate these plans with your partner. Let them know what you’d love to do together and why it excites you. This helps them see it as something special, not just another task.
Tip 2: Make Space for Grief
The holidays can bring up a lot of emotions, and grief might be one of them.
Maybe things don’t go the way you hoped. Maybe you miss loved ones who have passed, or you’re reminded of those you can’t see this year.
Grief might also come from the state of the world or even the history of certain holidays, like Thanksgiving.
I encourage you to think about ways to honor grief and take care of yourself when it arises.
Grief can be an opening—an invitation to connect with what you love and value most. It’s a way to realign with your priorities and find meaning.
The holidays are often portrayed as purely joyful, but joy and grief are two sides of the same coin. Let both have space.
If grief feels overwhelming, think about what helps you process heartbreak. Whether it’s journaling, reaching out to a friend, or creating a small ritual, allow yourself to feel and heal.
Tip 3: Practice Secure Attachment
You know me—I could go on and on about secure attachment. But here’s why it’s especially important during the holidays.
If you’re in a relationship, prioritize being your partner’s best ally.
Think about how you can support each other around family dynamics. Maybe you create a signal for when you’re ready to leave a party or decide to stay in an Airbnb instead of a family member’s house to protect your bubble.
The goal is to be a team. Your relationship comes first; everyone else is extra.
If you’re single, focus on being your own partner.
What does it look like to truly support yourself during the holidays?
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nourishing food, and honoring your own boundaries.
Listen to your inner voice and prioritize your needs—even in the midst of family or social obligations.
Tip 4: Make Time to Dream
One of the most magical parts of the holidays is the opportunity to dream.
What do you want to create in your life?
This is a time to reflect on what you want to birth—whether it’s in business, art, relationships, or adventures.
Winter is a liminal season, a cozy time to explore possibilities.
If you’re upset about current events or political outcomes, dreaming can also be a way to envision the world you want to help create.
Give your heart permission to feel into what’s possible—whether that’s a dream of owning a place in Europe, writing a book, starting a family, or creating a garden.
Whatever it is, let yourself dream into the spaciousness of possibility.
I hope these tips help you navigate the holidays in a way that feels supportive and joy-filled.
If you have other tips or traditions that help you through this season, let me know!
And as always, if you found this helpful, please share it, like it, or drop me a note about what you’d like tips on next.
Take care of yourself—you deserve it.
