To Inspire:

It’s mid-December and holiday festivities are well underway. At lunch with a teammate yesterday, celebrations were everywhere, with groups at many of the tables in the very busy restaurant exchanging gifts and celebrating together. This is a time of love and joy, but there are some things you can do to make your holiday season the best it can be.

Have Realistic Expectations

Especially in this time of social media you may have a picture in mind of what the “perfect Christmas” looks like. Family members getting along, the perfect meal, perfect gifts all around. But we’re not perfect. No family is perfect. Realize no one has the perfect holiday season but instead think about how to take meaning out of your holiday experiences. Prioritize your values and beliefs, and your connections with those you love.

Express Gratitude for What – and Who – You Have

As we’ve talked about many times, gratitude brings joy and helps you feel more satisfied in life. Share gratitude this holiday season to help forge more connected relationships. Whether or not the gift is perfect, appreciate the person who gave it and the thoughtfulness behind it. Thank the delivery drivers working 24/7 to deliver those gifts. And tell your loved ones how grateful you are for them.

Support Someone Who is Grieving

The season can be fraught for people living with grief. While there is great joy in this season, the smallest thing – an ornament, a Christmas song, a family tradition – might trigger sadness. Show you care by talking about the person who has died and ask the person grieving what they need in the moment – a distraction, to talk about their loved one, or maybe just a quiet space and a cup of tea.

Learn to Say No

Author Anne Lamott says, “No is a complete sentence.” Remember during this very busy time it’s okay to say no to party invitations, brunch plans, unexpected family events, or anything that doesn’t give you energy or bring you joy.

Small Shifts Can Make a Big Difference

If you were at our Wealth Summit in the spring of 2023, you saw a wonderful presentation by brain expert and author Dr. Marc Milstein. He sends a monthly email with tips on maximizing brain health, and here’s what he had to say for December: “Research shows that the habits we tend to stick with are the ones that are simple and repeatable. The brain notices patterns, not perfection. That means small and consistent steps have a much greater impact than big or dramatic changes: A short walk. A moment of morning light. A quiet wind-down cue at night. A brief pause before switching tasks. These small habits can help the brain settle and stay steady, especially in busy months like December when routines are often disrupted.”

The holiday season really is yours. It’s what you make of it. We receive a lot of messages about what it should look like and how it should go, and I encourage you to ignore those. Focus instead on what a meaningful holiday season is for you, and make it happen. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications