With Christmas and Hannukuh right around the corner, I’m guessing your social calendar is starting to fill up. And while there’s no shortage of the magical promise of joy, connection, and celebration, it’s easy to find ourselves caught in the pursuit of holiday perfection – the perfect meal, the perfect gift, the perfect moment. What if we did things differently this year? Consider this your invitation to join me in shifting our focus from seeking perfection to embracing purpose.

Intention Over Perfection

This holiday season, let’s set our sights on what truly matters. Let’s define our intentions for the days ahead and use them as our guiding star. Whether it’s fostering deeper connections with loved ones, offering kindness to those around us, or simply finding moments of peace amidst the hustle, with a little effort, our intentions can light our way.

The Impact of Perfectionism

Research shows that holiday perfectionism can be a significant source of stress: a 2020 study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that nearly 60% of people experience heightened anxiety around the holidays, driven by a need to meet unrealistic expectations, both self-imposed and societal. These pressures can overshadow the joy and connection we seek during this season. But shifting our focus from perfection to purposeful intentions allows us to embrace imperfections, savor meaningful moments, and enjoy a more fulfilling holiday experience.

Activities Aligned with Your Intentions

To help you align your holiday activities with your deepest intentions, here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Connection Over Consumption

Instead of focusing on the quantity of gifts, let’s focus on the quality of our time together. A handwritten letter, a shared experience, or a homemade meal can convey love and appreciation more deeply than any store-bought item. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 75% of consumers believe that experiences make them happier than material goods. This stat really drives home the importance of connection more than the accumulation of stuff. It’s about what we share, not what we have. ← How does it feel to re-read that sentence?

2. Mindful Celebrations

We can infuse mindfulness into our gatherings by taking a moment to express gratitude, share stories that brought us joy, and reflect on the year’s blessings. According to a study in the Journal of Health Psychology, practicing mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and increase overall well-being. (Can you tell I’ve been brushing up on my research lately? 😆) What if you started a mindfulness tradition, like a gratitude circle, to bring a deeper sense of meaning to your festivities?

3. Nourishing Traditions

Let’s choose holiday traditions that nourish our bodies and souls. A walk through the winter woods, a candlelit yoga session, or crafting homemade decorations can be beautiful ways to celebrate the season while honoring our well-being. Attuning to your internal experience during these activities can enhance these traditions.

For example, I love a candle-lit yoga session. After setting up my tea lights, I get a warm feeling in my belly and a lightness in my chest. But my husband prefers to exercise his creativity. Check out these cuties from last year’s holiday craft. Every time I see them, they bring a smile to my face:

4. Giving Back

Giving back is the vibe all year long, but it feels even better during the holidays. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a cause close to your heart, or simply performing random acts of kindness, spread the holiday spirit far and wide. And because I can’t help myself, I’ve got to share that research from the National Philanthropic Trust shows that charitable giving increases during the holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I like to see that as an indicator of the collective desire to make a positive impact on our communities.

Putting Yourself First

Self-care during the holidays ensures you can be your best for the people you love. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish; it’s essential. The scoop from the American Psychological Association is pretty clear: Taking a little me-time can seriously boost your mood and energy, making hanging out with others even better.

Self-Care Tips for the Holidays

1. Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your needs and give yourself plenty of time to decide whether or not to accept an invitation. By giving yourself space to envision what adding that plan to your social calendar feels like, you reduce the likelihood of overcommitting.
2. Schedule Downtime: Plan for moments of relaxation amidst the holiday hustle. Even if it means reading a single page from that book that’s been collecting dust on your nightstand. When designed well, these little moments can help your body perceive safety and effectively complete the stress cycle.
3. Practice Somatics: Incorporating somatic exercises, like allowing yourself to follow your body’s impulse to move without judgment, can also be deeply nourishing because when we experience stress, the body builds up energy to prepare for potential action (like running away from a threat or fighting through it). That’s why you’ll see trauma-informed coaches all over Instagram encouraging you to shake your body – it allows energy to be released, helping the body return to a safe and social state.

Wrapping Up

As your coach, I’m here to support you in navigating this holiday season with intention and purpose. You can absolutely create a holiday experience that is less stressful, more joyful, and deeply fulfilling.

Questions to Consider:

• What intentions do you want to set for yourself this holiday season, and how do you envision these intentions shaping your experiences?
• In what ways can you weave somatic practices into your holiday routines to stay grounded and connected to yourself?
• What specific actions can you commit to for prioritizing self-care this season, and how will you ensure they fit into your holiday schedule?

I encourage you to share your thoughts with me, so we can weave them into your wellness journey and celebrate a season that reflects your heart’s desires.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, peace, and purpose!