Navigate the Holidays with Presence and Peace...

The holidays are here—the most wonderful time of the year. Pumpkin spice lattes have already made their debut, and soon the Christmas Blend will be brewing. Black Friday ads are saturating our social media feeds. We get excited to put on our sweaters and settle in for some Netflix Christmas flicks. White twinkling lights and festive décor are dazzling all around. Holiday parties are being planned, and gift lists are being written. Yet for many, the holidays can bring grief front and center. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a difficult season in life, this time of year can stir feelings of sadness or even seasonal depression. It has been a uniquely trying time in our society—from food insecurity and rising healthcare costs to inflation and travel disruptions. Families are separated by distance. Life can feel uncertain. So what can we do? Do we hide under the covers and sleep until the New Year? Or do we try to pull out some joy and meaning from the season in spite of it all? Having weathered my own storms of grief and loss, I’ve found that keeping small traditions and sparks of cheer alive can make a difference.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Decorate, even just a little. Holiday lights and décor can lift your mood. Maybe a smaller, bedazzled tree this year.

• Give from the heart. Homemade gifts or handwritten certificates for acts of service can be just as meaningful as store-bought presents.

• Keep it simple. Curl up with a Christmas movie and a cup of tea.

• Rekindle your faith. Spend time in your spiritual community or place of worship with like-minded people.

• Gather the old-fashioned way. Invite friends for a potluck dinner and enjoy one another’s company.

• Be of service. Food pantries are busier than ever. Volunteer or offer random acts of kindness to someone in need.

• Be intentional. Get out your calendar and make plans—small things count. Even a drive to look at Christmas lights can brighten your spirit.

• Practice gratitude. Write daily gratitude lists. Gratitude shifts perspective and has proven benefits for mental health.

• Take care of yourself. Keep your medical and therapy appointments. Practice good self-care to stay balanced in body, mind, and spirit.

• Reach out with care. A simple holiday call to someone who might be alone can mean more than you know. Sometimes, connection is the best gift we can give.

Stay serene this season. You don’t have to reinvent yourself for the New Year—just keep nurturing yourself, one peaceful day at a time. The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. You don’t need to create magic — sometimes, just being present is enough. Choose peace over pressure, grace over guilt, and connection over chaos.

Jennifer Snyder | Life Coach

Guiding people through life’s transitions toward new beginnings with clarity and grace.

📩 Jennifer_Snyder@outlook.com