The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect, connect, and embrace the joy around us.
But here’s the thing: It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. With busy schedules and occasional stress, it’s easy to lose sight of the small blessings in life.
Don’t stress though; I’ve been there and I’ve got your back. In this article, I’m going to share with you eight straightforward strategies that have helped me cultivate more gratitude and positivity during the holiday season.
You ready? Let’s sled right in:
1) Start a gratitude journal
Ever heard the saying, “What you focus on expands”?
It’s a simple truth, but it can do wonders for your mood.
A gratitude journal is all about focusing on the good stuff—it’s about documenting those little moments of joy that you might otherwise miss in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Every day, take a few minutes to jot down something that made you smile, something you’re thankful for, or something that just made you feel good inside.
It could be as simple as a warm cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s day, or as profound as a heartfelt conversation with a loved one.
The more you practice gratitude, the more positivity you’ll cultivate.
You’ll start noticing the good in every situation, and over time, your overall outlook will shift to something brighter.
2) Practice daily affirmations
I’ll be honest with you: I used to think affirmations were a bit cheesy.
The idea of standing in front of a mirror, telling myself “I am happy, I am grateful” seemed a little out there.
But one holiday season, things were particularly tough.
I was struggling with personal issues and the festive cheer just seemed to amplify my problems, so I decided to give affirmations a shot.
Every morning, I’d stand in front of my mirror and repeat “I am capable of finding joy in each day.”
It felt a bit silly at first, but I stuck with it.
And you know what? Something shifted—those words started to sink in, and I began to really believe them.
Despite my circumstances, I found myself genuinely looking for moments of joy and gratitude each day.
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it; affirmations can be incredibly powerful tools for cultivating positivity and gratitude, even when times are tough.
3) Engage in acts of kindness
Did you know that when we do something kind for someone else, our brains release oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone’? This feel-good hormone can significantly reduce stress and increase our sense of self-worth and happiness.
During the holiday season, there’s no shortage of opportunities for acts of kindness.
You could volunteer at a local charity, help a neighbor with their holiday decorations, or cook a meal for someone who could use a break.
Not only will these acts bring a smile to someone else’s face, but they’ll also give your own mood a significant boost.
4) Take time for self-care
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days—although those are pretty great, too—as it’s also about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.
The holiday season can often be a whirlwind of activities, leaving little time for yourself, but it’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Schedule some ‘me’ time every day—it could be as simple as meditating for 10 minutes, reading a chapter of your favorite book, or even just sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
By ensuring your own well-being, you’ll be in a better position to appreciate the good around you and embrace positivity.
After all, a healthy mind is a grateful mind.
5) Surround yourself with positivity
Here’s something I’ve learned over the years: positivity is contagious.
If you’re around people who radiate good vibes, it’s hard not to catch them.
I try to surround myself with upbeat, grateful individuals, especially during the holiday season. Their positive energy rubs off on me and helps me see the world through a more optimistic lens.
Similarly, I limit my time with chronic complainers or negative folks.
It’s not always possible, but I’ve found that it makes a huge difference in my outlook.
Take a look at who you’re spending your time with: Are they helping you cultivate gratitude and positivity?
If not, then it might be time to make some changes.
6) Embrace the negatives
This might sound a bit odd, but hear me out: Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, not even during the holiday season—and that’s okay!
Instead of brushing off negative emotions or pretending they don’t exist, allow yourself to feel them, so it’s okay to be sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
By acknowledging these feelings, you’re not only being honest with yourself but also learning to appreciate the good times even more.
In a sense, it’s a bit like how we appreciate the warmth of spring so much more after a long, harsh winter.
The next time you’re feeling down, remember it’s part of being human—embrace it, learn from it, and then let it go.
You’ll find that there’s a certain strength in vulnerability that breeds positivity and gratitude.
7) Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about living in the present moment—focusing on the here and now—rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
During the hectic holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and forget to enjoy the moment, but practicing mindfulness can help combat this.
Whether it’s truly savoring a delicious holiday meal, appreciating the beauty of a snowflake, or simply enjoying the sound of laughter around you, mindfulness helps you fully experience these moments.
By staying present, you’re more likely to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, leading to increased gratitude and positivity.
8) Express your gratitude openly
Gratitude is a feeling, but it’s also an action—it’s not enough to simply feel grateful, you have to express it too.
Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them, say thank you to the cashier who bags your groceries, or write a letter of appreciation to someone who has influenced your life.
When you openly express your gratitude, you not only spread positivity but also reinforce your own feelings of gratitude.
It’s a powerful way to cultivate more gratitude and positivity this holiday season, and beyond.
Final thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you feel more ready to navigate the holiday season with gratitude and positivity.
Cultivating these doesn’t mean ignoring hardships or pretending all is perfect—it’s about finding the good amidst the chaos, embracing life’s ups and downs, and focusing on the silver linings.
As the famous author Melody Beattie once said, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of gratitude and positivity—it’s a gift that will keep on giving, long after the decorations have been packed away.
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