Spreading Positivity During the Holidays
The holidays are near. I come from a big family and turned around and had a big family of my own. Some years seem blissful and magical while others wither in stress, debt, sadness or worry. This year has been a challenging one for most everyone it seems in one way or another. I am setting the intention to spread love, light and positivity, even through just a smile, to help brighten the days and lives of those around me, and in turn brightening my own life as well.
The holiday season brings a mix of magic, warmth, and connection but it can also bring stress, expectations, and emotional overwhelm. Thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas is shortly after it's normal to be filled with many different emotions and feelings. It has been shown that stress increases during the holidays. Stress from tight financial situations, family dynamics, or simply S.A.D seasonal affected disorder. Regardless of what holiday you do or don't celebrate you too might be affected by the increased pressure and stress of this time of the year. Instead of letting yourself or loved one succumb to the seasonal stress spread some love and positivity.
Spreading positivity is mindfully choosing to be light and love. Choosing kindness for yourself and others. It is relieving your stress and the stress of others. Reminding everyone what the true meaning of these holidays are.
People reflect on the past year, feel the pressure of gatherings, or manage loneliness, grief, or financial strain. Because of this, small acts of kindness carry even more weight. Spreading positivity helps relieve the momentary stress from loved ones, strangers and yourself. A survey conducted in 2023 states "nearly nine in 10 (89%) say that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year,". Stress, anxiety and depression are often considered normal, maybe they shouldn't be. Our ancestors celebrated these times with mirth, warmth, and feasts.
Spreading positivity
Begin with yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup
- Meditate
- Be mindful. Set intentions for yourself, and your day.
- Ground yourself when stress starts to wear on you.
- Hold space for yourself. Be supportive and understanding of your emotions and feelings. Don't be judgmental with yourself.
- Let yourself feel your feelings, authenticity creates deeper connection. Positivity doesn’t come from forcing cheerfulness. It comes from inner steadiness.
- Protect your peace (positivity has boundaries!) Spreading positivity doesn’t mean: overcommitting, people-pleasing, pretending everything is perfect. You spread far more joy when you’re grounded and balanced. Say no when needed. Rest when needed. Your energy matters.
- Release expectations. Take things as they come and let them go as easily. Most of things you deal with won't matter in 5 years.
With others
- Be observant, whether it is a loved one or stranger, simply by observing you can see stress, anxiety or even sadness. Do something kind for them a hug for a loved one, even just a smile for a stranger. "To be loved is to be seen."
- Hold space for them. Sometimes all people need is for someone be fully present and supportive for them without judgment, without someone trying to fix their problems, or making their experience about them..
- Allow them grace. People are stressed and can become sometimes downright nasty, but you don't have to meet them on that level. As I often tell my children you can't fight fire with fire you'll only make a bigger fire, and make things worse. Show up to unpleasant people and situations with love, kindness, patience, understanding, and forgiveness. The grace like Bob Cracthit has for Mr. Scrooge.
- Be grateful to the people in your life. Share your words of appreciation to those around you.
- Be mindful and present. Put down the devices, turn of the tv. Listen.
- Small acts of kindness. Hold the door. Let someone go ahead in line. Leave a kind note. Check in on a neighbor. Share a homemade treat. Small touches create emotional warmth. A simple smile.
- Be giving
It is time to abandon the idea of perfect holidays, the brainwashed idea that the best gifts are the most expensive ones, having unrealistic expectations of yourself and of the people around you. It is time to embrace each other with love, grace and kindness. Take every moments as it is and to fully live in the moment. To love and appreciate the real gifts of our lives, our loved ones. Our families and or our friends.
Be mindful this holiday season to be positive and spread it through love and kindness to all you meet.
Joy spreads even in the Smallest Moments
One smile.
One kind word.
One warm gesture.
One moment of presence.
This is how positivity spreads, through tiny, intentional choices that make the holiday season feel brighter for everyone around us, including ourselves.
You don’t need to fix anyone’s holiday.
You don’t need to be “perfectly festive.”
You simply need to show up with kindness.
And that is more than enough.
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