Holiday Magic: From Holidaze to Holy Days
Ah, the holidays—that “special time” of year. Except instead of warm, fuzzy feelings, the season often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, frazzled, and downright exhausted. It’s more Holidaze than holy days.
Between family tensions, bouts of loneliness, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to make it all perfect, it’s no wonder the holiday spirit can feel out of reach.
And for those of us who don’t celebrate, the season can amplify feelings of being left out or disconnected.
But here’s the truth: the magic of the holidays is available to all of us–no matter what we celebrate or don’t celebrate–and even in the holiday frenzy. If we know how to cultivate it.
Holiday spirit doesn’t just happen—it’s something we create. It’s not about the perfect day; it’s about the little moments. When we engage, participate, and stay open to joy, we can transform the frenzy into something nourishing, inspiring, and beautiful.
I’ve learned this the hard way over time. I kept waiting for the holiday spirit to “hit me”, to be uplifted, have that sense of awe, or be wrapped in those warm Hallmark/Norman Rockwell-type feelings. I learned that it was by participating in the preparations of the holiday that I was actually preparing myself to feel those moments. It’s a build, not a happening.
What I’m Doing to Keep the Spirit Alive
Here’s some of the things that I have been doing this season that make it more likely that I’ll experience the spirit of the season, and not just experience the holidays as a long to-do list. It’s about being present to the moments and building momentum throughout the season.
- Holiday Soundtrack: I’ve got holiday music playing everywhere—at home, in the car, while cooking. From classic crooners to quirky acapella tracks, it all brings a little extra magic to the air.
- Books, Books, Books: Santa’s been delivering a Christmas book to me every day (okay, I think Bob ordered them—but still!). Mysteries, classics, romances—if it’s about the season, I’m reading it. Holiday stories always have transformation, goodwill, warm feelings, and inspiration that uplift me and help me feel the season.
- Baking & Movies: Baking cookies from my childhood recipes while “White Christmas” movie playing in the background? That’s my kind of multitasking.
- Sights, Sounds & Smells of the season. Candles, the scent of evergreen and spices, beautiful decorations everywhere I look in our home – even a winter tableau beside my bathtub!
- Lights & Applause: Driving around with my husband, Bob, to admire the lights. Whether tacky, ornate, or simple, we appreciate that people went for it. We applaud and sometimes even leave thank-you notes for displays that really move us. It’s our way of spreading joy back to the people who made the effort.
- Cultural Celebrations: A student of world religions, I love all the ways that people celebrate and have been moved and inspired by all traditions. I especially cherish photos, ornaments, and our nativity scenes from around the world–each one is a reminder of the beauty of different cultures and the shared spirit of the season.
Here are the tips I’ve found to move from holiday overwhelm to holiday wonder. Find what works for you:
Think Bigger: It’s a Season, Not a Day:
The holiday isn’t one solitary day—it’s a season! When we let go of the pressure to make one perfect day, we create space to soak in the magic of all the moments leading up to it.
I like to think of the holiday as a tapestry, woven with tiny threads of joy: twinkling lights, the smell of pine, the laughter of friends. By the time the big day arrives, you’ve already experienced so much goodness that anything extra is just the cherry on top.
Tip: Find simple ways to mark the season daily—whether it’s lighting a candle at dinner, playing holiday music during breakfast, or adding a touch of festive décor to your workspace.
Savor the Small Stuff:
Let’s pause for a second: did you know it takes at least 10-15 seconds for a positive experience to really sink in? (Thanks, neuroscience!)Savoring is an art, and the holidays are the perfect time to practice. The beauty of candlelight, the sound of a child’s laughter, the taste of spiced eggnog in your favorite mug—these are the moments that make the season magical.
Try This: When something warms your heart, pause. Really pause. Let yourself feel the joy, the gratitude, the delight. Give it time to soak in.
Be Curious: Learn from Other Traditions:
One of the most beautiful parts of this season is its diversity. From Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, from Solstice to Christmas, every tradition has its own story, symbols, and beauty.When we open ourselves up to learning about others’ celebrations, we expand our understanding—and our capacity for joy. It’s not about replacing your own traditions; it’s about letting inspiration and meaning flow in from all directions.
Idea: Attend a cultural celebration, ask a friend about their traditions, or simply research a holiday you’re curious about. You might be surprised by what resonates
Give Yourself a Do-Over:
Not every holiday moment goes as planned, and that’s okay. Here’s your permission to hit the reset button. Who says you only get one shot at a celebration?Pick another day (or several!) and make it yours. Redefine what the holidays mean for you and how you want to spend them. Sometimes the best celebrations are the ones we create from scratch.
Tip: Reach out to friends or family members who might need a fresh start, too. A shared “Do-Over Day” can be just the thing to bring everyone together.
Your Turn: Find Your Holiday Magic
And remember: the holiday spirit isn’t something you find. It’s something you make, moment by moment.
Wishing you warmth, wonder, and all the joy your heart can hold. |
Happy Holidays, Dr. Judith & Dr. Bob & the LiveWright Team |