Holiday Help Guide: Redefining Holiday Joy on Your Own Terms, Part 7 of 7
Holiday Help Guide: Your Tools for a Stress-Free Season, Part 7 of 7
Redefining Holiday Joy on Your Own Terms
The holidays are often wrapped in glossy narratives of constant cheer, bustling togetherness, and magical moments. From movies to advertisements, we’re bombarded with images of perfect families, flawless dinners, and endless joy. While these cultural ideals may inspire some, they can also leave many of us feeling like we’re falling short.
When life doesn’t align with these expectations, it’s easy to feel guilt or shame—why aren’t we as happy as we’re “supposed” to be? The truth is, these narratives don’t reflect the complexities of real life. Joy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, and the holidays don’t have to look the same for everyone.
This season, you have permission to define holiday joy on your own terms, free from societal expectations.
The Problem with Unrealistic Cultural Narratives
Cultural narratives around the holidays often:
Ignore Reality: They present a narrow view of happiness, overlooking grief, loneliness, or personal struggles many experience.
Fuel Comparison: They create pressure to meet unattainable standards, making us feel inadequate when our lives don’t look like the idealized version.
Dismiss Authenticity: They push an external version of joy, instead of encouraging us to find meaning in what truly matters to us.
This disconnect can lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or even resentment. But you don’t have to live by someone else’s script.
The Authentic Joy Practice
Redefining holiday joy starts with reconnecting to what feels true and meaningful for you. Try this simple daily practice to center yourself:
1. Start Your Morning with Intention
Ask yourself:
• “What would bring me joy today?”
Let your answer come from within, without worrying about what others might think. Maybe it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea in silence, taking a walk in nature, or calling a friend. Joy doesn’t have to be grand—it can be found in small, meaningful moments.
2. Take Action
Once you identify what would bring you joy, commit to it. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, prioritize that moment for yourself.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
At the end of the day, reflect on the moments that brought you happiness. This reinforces the idea that joy is personal and comes from living authentically.
Reframing Holiday Happiness
Instead of focusing on what the holidays “should” look like, consider these reframes:
• From Perfection to Presence: Shift your focus from creating a picture-perfect holiday to being present in the moments that matter.
• From Comparison to Gratitude: Stop comparing your experience to others and focus on what you’re grateful for in your own life.
• From Obligation to Choice: Let go of traditions or expectations that don’t resonate with you, and embrace the ones that do.
A New Narrative: Joy on Your Terms
This season, give yourself permission to write your own holiday story. Maybe that means:
Spending a quiet evening reading instead of attending a party.
Starting a new tradition that reflects your values.
Choosing rest and self-care over a packed calendar.
Ask yourself:
What does joy feel like for me?
What traditions or practices align with my authentic self?
How can I let go of external expectations and embrace my own path?
This Holiday Season, Be True to You
Joy isn’t about meeting societal expectations—it’s about connecting with what makes you feel alive, loved, and whole. By tuning out the noise of unrealistic narratives and focusing on your authentic experience, you can create a holiday season that feels true to you.
If you’re ready to redefine your relationship with the holidays, BreakBox Coaching can help. Together, we’ll uncover what truly matters to you and create a path to celebrate this season with clarity, confidence, and joy.
You deserve a holiday that reflects the real you. Let’s make it happen. Click here to book your assessment now.
Zac