Rewrite Your Holiday story
The holiday season is often associated with words like “joyful,” “heartwarming,” and “magical.” Yet for many, it comes with a different set of feelings: stress, overwhelm, and even dread. These emotions often arise from the expectations—both external and internal—that we carry into the season. We feel obligated to maintain traditions, meet the demands of others, and deliver a picture-perfect holiday experience. But what if the holidays could feel different? What if, instead of obligation, you approached the season with a sense of choice and joy?
Rewriting your holiday story begins with shifting your mindset. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you and embracing what truly matters to you. Here’s how you can start.
Recognizing the Weight of Expectations
Holiday expectations can feel like a heavy weight dragging you down. Some come from external sources, like family traditions, social norms, or marketing messages about what a “perfect” holiday looks like. Others are internal, rooted in your own beliefs about how you “should” show up during this time of year.
For example, you might feel obligated to host elaborate gatherings, spend beyond your means on gifts, or attend every holiday event you’re invited to. These expectations can create pressure and strip away the joy of the season. The first step to rewriting your holiday story is to recognize where these obligations come from. Ask yourself:
Whose expectations am I trying to meet?
Which traditions or tasks feel like a chore rather than a source of joy?
By identifying these pressure points, you can begin to discern what’s truly important to you and what you’re ready to let go of.
Shifting from “Have To” to “Choose To”
A powerful way to change your relationship with the holidays is to reframe your thinking from obligation to choice. Instead of saying, “I have to buy gifts for everyone in the family,” try, “I choose to express my love and appreciation for my family in a way that feels meaningful to me.”
This shift may seem subtle, but it’s transformative. When you approach your holiday activities as choices rather than duties, you regain a sense of control and freedom. You’re no longer acting out of guilt or fear of judgment; instead, you’re aligning your actions with your values and desires.
To practice this, take a moment to reflect on your holiday to-do list. For each item, ask yourself:
Do I want to do this, or do I feel like I have to?
If I choose to do this, how can I make it more enjoyable or meaningful?
If there are tasks that don’t align with your values or bring you joy, consider letting them go or finding an alternative approach.
Creating a New Holiday Vision
Once you’ve identified what you want to release, it’s time to imagine what the holidays could look like if they were fully aligned with your values and joys. This is your opportunity to craft a new holiday story—one that reflects who you are and what matters most to you.
Start by visualizing your ideal holiday season. Close your eyes and picture:
How do you want to feel during the holidays? Peaceful, joyful, connected?
What activities or traditions bring you the most happiness?
Who do you want to spend time with, and how do you want those moments to feel?
Let this vision guide your decisions. For example, if your ideal holiday is about connection, prioritize meaningful time with loved ones over material gifts or elaborate decorations. If it’s about relaxation, create space for rest and quiet reflection.
Embracing Joyful Imperfection
Part of rewriting your holiday story is letting go of perfectionism. The holidays don’t need to look like a scene from a greeting card to be meaningful. In fact, some of the most cherished memories come from imperfect moments—like a messy kitchen while baking cookies or a crooked star on top of your tree.
Remind yourself that it’s okay for things to be “good enough.” Joy isn’t found in flawless execution; it’s found in presence, connection, and authenticity. Give yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t matter and focus on what does.
Finding Joy in the Present Moment
The ultimate gift of rewriting your holiday story is the ability to be fully present. When you release the weight of obligation and embrace choice, you create space to savor the simple, beautiful moments of the season. A shared laugh, a quiet walk, or the warmth of a cup of tea can become sources of profound joy.
This holiday season, give yourself permission to rewrite the script. Choose connection over perfection, joy over obligation, and presence over pressure. In doing so, you’ll not only transform your own experience but also inspire those around you to do the same. Let this be the year you create a holiday story that feels authentically yours.