A Heartfelt Holiday: Ways to Share, Give Back, and Stay Sane
Hello, my beautiful friends,
Can you believe it? Christmas is just around the corner. For many of us, the holiday season feels like a mix of joy, nostalgia, and yes, a little chaos too. I’m right there with you. As the days grow shorter and my to-do list gets longer, I’ve had to remind myself that this season isn’t about doing it all, it's about embracing the little moments that fill our hearts with love, gratitude, and connection.
Before I share my thoughts on making this season more meaningful, let me tell you about what’s been happening in my world.
What’s Happening in My World
This past week, I caught myself juggling holiday plans, family commitments, and work deadlines like I was auditioning for a circus act! The calendar seemed relentless, and the festive season though magical had me feeling stretched thin.
But then something small, yet profound, brought me back to center. I was in my kitchen, baking a batch of cookies remembering times with my granddaughter Alle, when she turned to me, her hands covered in flour, and said, “Moré, I’m so glad we get to do this together.” Just like that, everything paused. The mess, the stress, the to-do list none of it mattered. It reminded me what this season is truly about: connection.
So today, I want to talk about some simple yet powerful ways to share, give back, stay sane, and honor those we miss during this beautiful, bittersweet time of year.
- Ways to Share the Season
The holidays offer so many opportunities to share love and joy, and you don’t need grand gestures to make a big impact. Here are a few ways I’ve been focusing on sharing:
- Share your time: This season, instead of fussing over gifts, I’ve been sharing my time with people who matter. And focused on meeting new friends. A coffee date with an old friend, a family movie night, or a call to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can mean the world.
- Share small joys: My neighbor and I have started leaving little surprises for each other: a plate of cookies, a homemade candle. These tiny gestures light up our days.
- Share laughter: A good belly laugh is the perfect antidote to holiday stress. Whether it’s watching a funny Christmas movie, reminiscing over old stories, or dancing in the living room like no one’s watching, lean into joy.
Personal Share: I’ve been challenging myself to put my phone down when I’m with loved ones. Being fully present is the best gift we can give.
- Ways to Give Back
There’s a special kind of magic that comes with giving back. This year, I’ve been reflecting on how fortunate I am and how important it is to help others feel seen, supported, and cared for. Here are some ideas:
- Volunteer locally: Whether it’s at a food bank, a shelter, or even helping your neighbor shovel their walkway, small acts of kindness go a long way.
- Pay it forward: Next time you’re grabbing a coffee, surprise someone by covering their order. Kindness spreads.
- Donate with intention: Clean out your closet and give warm clothes to those in need. Or, if you’re able, donate to a cause close to your heart.
My Personal Focus: I’ve been spending a few hours making Christmas cards to share with elders at nursing homes and baking cookies to share with firemen. Seeing the smiles of gratitude on people’s faces is more rewarding than any gift under the tree.
- Ways to Stay Sane
We all know the holidays can get overwhelming. Between expectations, busyness, and all the emotions that come up, it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle. Here’s what’s been helping me stay centered:
- Create a daily ritual: Each morning, I carve out five minutes for myself. I sip my tea, journal a gratitude list, and set one intention for the day. Starting calm helps me stay calm.
- Let go of perfection: If the cookies burn or the wrapping looks wonky, let it go. It’s not about perfection, it's about memories.
- Take breathers: Whenever I feel tension creeping in, I pause. A few deep breaths, a walk around the block, or even blasting my favorite song and dancing it out does wonders.
Affirmation for Staying Sane: “I release stress and embrace peace. I don’t have to do it all, I just have to be present.”
- Ways to Appreciate All We Have
The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on the abundance in our lives. No matter how big or small, there is always something to be grateful for.
- Start a gratitude jar: Each night, I jot down one thing I’m thankful for and slip it into a jar. By Christmas, I have a collection of beautiful little reminders.
- Celebrate simple pleasures: The smell of a fresh pine tree, the twinkle of lights, the warmth of a hug are the treasures of the season.
- Focus on the present moment: When we slow down and notice what’s around us, we realize how much we already have.
- Ways to Honor Those Who Aren’t With Us
The holidays can be bittersweet when we’re missing someone we love. For me, it’s my mom and my mother in law. They adored Christmas and filled our home with music and laughter. I miss them. terribly, but I’ve found ways to honor her memory.
- Light a candle: Each year, I light a special candle in her honor. It’s a small gesture, but it brings her spirit into the room.
- Share a story: Remembering the ones we love keeps them alive in our hearts. I tell my grandkids stories about my mom and mother-in-laws so they can feel her love, too.
- Create a tradition in their memory: Maybe it’s making their favorite recipe, playing their favorite song, or simply pausing to remember them.
If you’re missing someone this Christmas, know that you’re not alone. Their love is still with you in the laughter of family, in the sparkle of lights, and in the quiet moments of peace.
Closing Thoughts: This Season Is a Gift
This Christmas, let’s give ourselves permission to slow down. Let’s focus on connection over perfection, presence over presents, and gratitude over stress. Let’s honor the season in a way that nourishes our souls.
Remember, it’s okay to feel all the feelings. Joy, sadness, excitement, nostalgia they all have a place at the table this time of year. Lean into the love around you and give yourself grace. The holidays are a patchwork of emotions, memories, and experiences, and that’s what makes them so beautiful. The laughter shared with friends, the quiet moments spent reflecting, and the memories of loved ones we hold close all of it is part of this gift we call the season.
Take time to create moments that feel special for you. It’s easy to get swept up in what everyone else expects, but remember that your experience matters, too. Whether that means cozying up with a favorite book, saying no to an obligation that drains you, or simply staring at the Christmas tree lights with a cup of tea, honor what brings you joy.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much we do, but how deeply we love ourselves, each other, and the life we’re building, one precious moment at a time.
Here’s an affirmation for you: “I honor this season with love, gratitude, and peace. I am enough, and I am surrounded by blessings.”
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I’m so grateful for each of you and the light you bring into the world.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, connection, and a little bit of magic.
With gratitude and hope
Your Zesty Friend & Mentor,
Sharon North Pohl 🌸🌟
P.S. If this email touched your heart, feel free to hit “reply” and share how you’re honoring the season this year. I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s make this Christmas a celebration of what truly matters.
