Make Your Own Holiday Traditions

There is something about the holidays that bring out our perfectionist side. From the ideal tree to picture-worthy cookies, flawlessly wrapped gifts to lights decorating your home, it seems there is only one vision of the holidays... And it is a very detailed, expensive, and time-consuming vision. It might be a magical season, but that magic is created by us!

That also means you get to decide what makes the holidays special!

Think of this blog as your permission slip to celebrate the season in a way that feels good to you… not just look good! We grow up with all kinds of traditions of what we’re “supposed” to do to celebrate, but the truth is, there is no wrong way to celebrate the season!

Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Decorate when and how you want. If twinkle lights hung in November makes you feel joyful and cozy, put them up! If it stresses you out to decorate right now, you can wait or only pull out only a few decorations when you feel like it.
• Have a potluck with your chosen family. Often the friends we make can be strong bonds of community when our blood family isn’t in the picture or if it is triggering to be with family members.
• Relish your time alone. Maybe you want to spend time by yourself processing or celebrating in your own way. There can be a lot of pressure to spend time with family, friends, and coworkers this time of year, but if that’s not helpful to you, don’t do it (or limit your time with others).
• Put a DIY pizza bar on the menu (or something else that comes together easy!). You may have grown up with turkey, four side dishes, and three dessert options, but you don’t have to stress yourself out for that tradition. Find new and fun ways that cause you less stress but still bring a sense of joy.
• Order items from your local bakery instead of spending hours planning and making cookies and other desserts. They will still be delicious and you won’t have to spend the time cleaning up. Some places even do kits that that give you the option to decorate gingerbread if that’s your style!
• Make gift giving less intense. We tend to be encouraged to spend beyond our means at this time of year, but money is a huge stressor (and can lead to emotional eating). You can suggest only exchanging stockings with family or set a maximum amount with your partner on gifts for each other. This can be a fun challenge to get creative!

At the end of the day, you get to choose what matters to you at this time of year. Finding ways to tap into the season’s magic without the stress can be liberating, calming, and helpful in managing your emotional eating.

💛 Your peace awaits.