The Holiday Season: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
Balancing out the Hustle & Bustle
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are caught up in the whirlwind of gift shopping, social gatherings, and family obligations. I personally love the holiday season, but I know it can be really challenging for most people especially if you’re a parent! You want to enjoy the season but we can often put extra pressure on ourselves to make it “picture perfect.”
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, the holidays present a unique opportunity for something more—an invitation to slow down, reflect, and renew. You may be thinking: how on earth can I do that?!
While it's easy to get swept away by external demands, there is immense power in taking a moment to pause and focus inward. In fact, this time of year can be one of the most transformative if we allow it to be. One of the reasons I truly look forward to this time of the year is that I learned so many lessons from my mistakes. I now always start with intentional reflection time.
The Power of Reflection
Reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have for cultivating mental clarity, emotional resilience, and personal growth. When we take the time to look back on the past year—our triumphs, our challenges, and everything in between—we can gain valuable insights about ourselves. Reflection helps us identify patterns in our behavior, uncover our values, and notice areas of life where we may want to make changes. It allows us to acknowledge both the light and dark moments and understand how they've shaped who we are today.
It also helps to reflect and look at your current life season with realistic lenses. For example, last year, I had major surgery at the beginning of November. I knew that it was going to be a full 6 weeks of intensive recovery (e.g., no driving or lifting heavy things).
Given that reality, my husband and I decided to have a quiet, restful Thanksgiving at home–just the two of us. Sure, it was a little lonely. We love to host or spend the holidays visiting family. But rather than feel sorry for myself, I rested and basked in the unique opportunity to stay home– which meant avoiding travel and all the potential headaches and exhaustion that can come with that. My husband had a relaxed weekend watching sports and hanging out, which he rarely does.
Sometimes we need to pause and reflect so we can change course and do things differently than what we may “typically” do. And even if we don’t change a thing, taking some time to reflect helps ground us in the present moment, allowing us to fully savor the holiday experiences.
As we approach the close of one year and the beginning of another, reflecting on the past is like hitting the "reset" button for our emotional and mental well-being. It's an opportunity to assess what’s working, what’s not, and where we want to direct our energy moving forward.
Practicing Gratitude: A Key Element of Reflection
Gratitude is often hailed as one of the simplest yet most effective practices for improving emotional well-being. According to research in positive psychology, regularly practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of overall life satisfaction. And isn’t that the whole focus of Thanksgiving?!
During the holiday season, this practice can be especially potent. By taking a moment each day (or throughout your day) to reflect on the things you’re thankful for, you can shift your mindset from one of scarcity or stress to one of abundance and appreciation.
Gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures; it can be as simple as appreciating a warm cup of coffee in the morning or reflecting on a meaningful conversation with a friend.
If you’re the kind of person who likes more structure, I recommend sitting down at the end of the day to write down 3 things you’re grateful for.
You may be someone who would rather do it in a more “free-flowing” way, which is more my style. If that’s the case, just take little moments throughout your day to notice things you’re grateful for –the big and the small.
Double points if you express it out loud!
When we express gratitude for the small moments, we begin to create space for joy and contentment to fill our hearts.
How to Use the Holiday Season for Mental Renewal
While reflection helps us gain clarity, renewal is what recharges us for the future. The holiday season presents an ideal opportunity to engage in mental and emotional renewal—taking intentional steps to reset our minds and hearts for the year ahead.
Here are a few ways to do so:
Let Go of the Old: The holidays are a natural time for letting go of what no longer serves us. Whether it’s old habits, grudges, or outdated beliefs about ourselves, holding on to the past can weigh us down. Take some time during this season to reflect on what you’re ready to release. What emotional baggage or unhelpful thought patterns have you been carrying around? How can you leave them behind as you move forward into the new year?
Create Space for Self-Care: In the midst of holiday commitments, it's easy to overlook our own well-being. But self-care is essential for emotional and mental health. Consider taking a mental health day, engaging in a mindfulness practice, or even scheduling a quiet evening to yourself (my personal fav!). It might feel impossible but what it really requires is a commitment to setting healthy boundaries. Just keep in mind: when we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to show up for others and face challenges with a renewed sense of strength and perspective. Plus we regain the energy to fully ENJOY ourselves during the holidays!
Reconnect with Your Purpose: The holidays are an excellent time to check in with your bigger “why.” What brings you joy and fulfillment? What are your core values, and how do they align with your daily actions? Use this time to reconnect with your purpose, whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in quiet reflection. Renewing your sense of purpose can help you set meaningful intentions for the new year and remind you of what matters most.
Practice Mindful Presence: The holidays often pull us in many directions, and it’s easy to become mentally scattered. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment, can be a powerful tool for renewal. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones, enjoying a holiday meal, or simply taking a walk in nature, try to be fully present in the experience. This will help you reconnect with the present moment and reduce stress about the past or future.
Actionable Steps for Reflection and Renewal
As you navigate the holidays, here are a few simple steps you can incorporate into your daily routine to foster reflection and renewal:
Start a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate just five minutes each morning or evening to jot down a few things you’re thankful for. This can help shift your mindset and bring you back to a place of appreciation.
Set Intentions for the New Year: Instead of focusing on resolutions, set meaningful intentions that align with your values.
What is one area of your life you’d like to focus on for the coming year? It could be your relationships, personal growth, or career.
Writing down your intentions gives them clarity and purpose. Don’t just write them down; put them somewhere you’ll see regularly see them.
Schedule Time for Self-Reflection: Dedicate 15–30 minutes each week for reflection. You might ask yourself questions like:
What were my proudest moments this year?
What challenges did I face, and what did I learn from them?
How do I want to show up in the world in the coming year?
Engage in Mindfulness or Meditation: Even a few minutes a day of mindful breathing or meditation can have profound effects on your emotional and mental well-being. Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through short mindfulness sessions.
Release and Let Go: Consider writing down things you want to release or let go of—whether it’s limiting beliefs, past hurts, or unhealthy habits. You could even have a small ritual to symbolically let go, such as burning the paper in a safe place or tossing it into a body of water.
Conclusion: Embrace the Season of Renewal
The holiday season is often seen as a time to give to others, but it can also be a time to give to yourself. By taking time to reflect, practice gratitude, and engage in self-renewal, you can enter the new year with a clear, open heart and a mind ready to embrace new opportunities. So, as you prepare for the upcoming celebrations, remember to pause, reflect, and renew your own mental and emotional well-being. In doing so, you’ll not only be able to experience a more peaceful, fulfilling holiday season, but you’ll also set the stage for a brighter, more intentional new year ahead.
Happy Flourishing this Holiday Season!
-Dr. Andrea
