The holidays can bring pressure to feel a certain way or show up a certain way.


What would a “gentler” version of the holidays look like for you this year — even in one small moment?

  • Letting myself keep things small. Fewer plans, fewer expectations, and reminding myself that quiet can still be meaningful.

    — Anonymous

  • Giving myself permission to rest more. Saying no to a few events and spending some evenings at home with music and low lights instead.

    — Ashley

  • Not forcing myself to attend everything. I’m trying to remember that it’s okay to choose where I go — and where I don’t.

    — Recovering People Pleaser

  • Allowing space for mixed emotions. Letting the holidays be both comforting and hard without trying to make one cancel out the other.

    — Anonymous

  • Focusing less on doing things “right” and more on doing what actually feels supportive to me, even if it looks different than past years.

    — Anonymous

  • Creating one moment I look forward to — even something small like a favorite meal or quiet morning — and letting that be enough.

    — Todd