A Capsule Holiday

Find Joy in a Small Collection of Holiday Traditions

Many of us are familiar with a “Capsule Wardrobe”, but this time of year I like to create a “Capsule Holiday” of my favorite traditions. The holidays can involve so much stress, grief, and compromise, so let’s be intentional in choosing joy. Let joy be the criterion to choose your traditions consciously. Here are five steps to helping you embrace what you love about the holidays and leave the rest.

1. Write down all the things you associate with the holidays.

Take 5-10 minutes to create this list without judgement. Add in everything - the good, the frustrating, and all of the events and traditions in between. Give yourself time to make this list, whether with pen and paper or on your phone while you’re waiting for your favorite holiday beverage at Starbucks. Create space to be reflective.

2. Select what brings you joy.

What brings you joy may be very different from your spouse, parents, friends or kids. Be specific on what you like about the holidays and unapologetic about prioritizing what brings you joy. Star (*) those items on your list and add any additional details that make those traditions extra special, for example:

• Is it taking family pictures?

• Quality time with family?

• Sending holiday cards?

• Giving fewer gifts that matter more?

• Connecting over a homemade meal?

3. Ask others close to you what they love about the holidays.

Many times we assume others feels the same way about the holidays that we do. If you want to keep everyone in your household or family happy (or at least make an attempt!), ask your loved ones what they appreciate most about the holidays. What are their favorite memories, childhood or recent? Their answers give insight and may surprise you.

4. Set an intention to bring at least 3 of those experiences to life this year.

We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can control what we let in. If you had a blank slate and could create your own holiday traditions starting this year, what would they be? Giving special pajamas to your kids on Christmas Eve? Heading out to a movie on Christmas Day? If you’re not sure, select three as a starter and invest your time in hitting those out of the park. Get other people around you excited too. Research shows anticipating an experience makes it far more enjoyable.

5. Give thanks and presence.

At a time when giving “stuff” is at an all-time high, find ways to give thanks and presence as part of those experiences and traditions you’ve selected. This can mean giving quality time to others, but also yourself. Give yourself permission to take time do to what you love with the people you love most. Going to that movie? Why not find an opportunity to be generous and purchase popcorn and drinks for everyone? Instead of writing a simple “to/from” tag, add a card with a heartfelt note expressing what someone means to you.

Let This Season Be the Best Yet

Once you have your intentions and short list of holiday traditions that you love, let go of expectations. Enjoy and be “in joy” as you celebrate and honor what and who is most important in your life. May your holidays be happy and this season be your best yet.