As a child, I passionately awaited the arrival of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each year, my mom would gift my brother and me an Advent Calendar. Every day of December, we would eagerly open a new door, revealing a cool surprise and a new treat. I fondly remember the smells of mom cooking cookies, the songs we’d sing, and the traditions we would continue. But as I got older, that changed somewhat. Sometimes I feel pressure to buy the right gifts, create the perfect atmosphere, or be cheerful even when I’m not.
I don’t think I’m unique. People often have a love–hate relationship with holidays because they amplify everything, the good and the hard. They heighten joy, nostalgia, closeness, and meaning… but they also magnify stress, grief, expectations, and unresolved tensions.
Holidays are emotional magnifiers. If your life is full of joy, that joy feels stronger. If your life has pain, the pain feels sharper. If you’re connected, you feel closer. If you’re lonely, you feel lonelier.
How can we navigate holidays more effectively? It requires intentionality, perspective, and grace for both ourselves and others. Lower the pressure and focus on being present with people, not perfection. Make the goal of the season peace, connection, and presence.
Remember, “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” Proverbs 17:1