How to Show Love to Ourselves and Others During the Holidays

How to practice Self-Love and Showing Love to Others during the Holidays

23.12.24 – Maria Plexida

The Holiday Season, with its glittering lights, cheerful carols, and festive gatherings, is a time that encourages love, generosity, and connection. Yet, amidst the flurry of activities and expectations, it’s easy to overlook the most fundamental forms of Love—the Love we show to ourselves and to others. Here’s how we can embrace both during this special time of year:

1. Practicing Self-Love

The busyness of the holidays can often lead to stress and exhaustion. To truly enjoy this season, prioritize self-care and self-compassion.

Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to events or obligations that feel overwhelming. Respecting your own limits is a vital act of self-love. For example, if you’re invited to multiple gatherings on the same day, choose the one that brings you the most joy and politely decline the rest.
Carve Out “Me Time”: Dedicate moments to recharge—whether it’s sipping hot cocoa by the fire, enjoying a walk in nature, or practicing meditation. Even 15 minutes a day to read a favorite book or journal can make a big difference.
Reflect and Celebrate Yourself: Take time to acknowledge your achievements and growth over the past year. Journaling or creating a gratitude list can help focus on your personal journey. Consider writing down at least one thing you’re proud of each day during the holiday season.

2. Sharing Love with Others

While self-love is essential, the holidays also remind us of the joy in giving and connecting with others. Here are some of the ways to spread Love and Kindness:

Give Thoughtful Gifts: Instead of expensive or flashy presents, consider heartfelt gestures like a handwritten note, homemade treats, or a meaningful book. Personalization shows that you’ve put thought and care into your gift.
Be Present: Genuine presence often means more than physical gifts. Listen deeply, engage in meaningful conversations, and share your time with loved ones. Turn off your phone during family gatherings to ensure you’re fully engaged.
Acts of Kindness: Small gestures like helping a neighbor with decorations, donating to a local charity, or volunteering at a food bank can make a big difference. You could also surprise a friend with a home-cooked meal or leave a kind note for a coworker.

3. Balancing Both

To strike a balance between self-love and loving others, remember the concept of balance itself. The holidays aren’t about perfection but about presence. Honor your needs while remaining open to the needs of those around you.

Communicate Openly: Let your friends and family know how you’re feeling and what you’re capable of during this season. For instance, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, suggest a simpler way to celebrate, such as a cozy movie night instead of an elaborate dinner.
Create New Traditions: If traditional celebrations feel draining, consider starting new ones that resonate with your values and energy. You might enjoy a quiet evening of baking cookies with a close friend or organizing a book exchange.
Practice Gratitude Together: Sharing what you’re grateful for with loved ones can foster deeper connections and mutual appreciation. You could make this a part of a family dinner or a group text with friends.

4. Embracing Imperfection

The perfect holiday doesn’t exist. Instead of striving for an ideal, embrace the imperfections—the burnt cookies, the delayed packages, the moments of chaos. These quirks often become the cherished memories of tomorrow.

Laugh at Mishaps: When something doesn’t go as planned, find the humor in it. A spilled drink or a forgotten side dish can become a funny story to share in the future.
Focus on the Moment: Instead of fixating on what went wrong, concentrate on the joy of being with loved ones. These moments are what truly matter.

5. Sustaining Love Beyond the Holidays

The spirit of self-love and love for others doesn’t need to fade once the decorations come down. Consider integrating these practices into your daily life:

Weekly Check-Ins: Dedicate time each week to reflect on your self-care routines and how you’re nurturing relationships. This can be as simple as setting aside an hour on Sunday to plan for the week ahead.
Celebrate Small Moments: Find joy in ordinary days by sharing a kind word or treating yourself to something special. For example, treat yourself to a favorite dessert after a long day or send a quick text to check in on a friend.
Cultivate Community: Continue building and maintaining connections with those who uplift and inspire you. Join local clubs, attend community events, or start a group centered around a shared interest, like a book club or fitness class.

By showing love to ourselves and others, we honor the true essence of the holiday season. Whether through quiet moments of reflection or shared laughter with loved ones, this season offers countless opportunities to give and receive love in its many forms.