7 timely ways to celebrate with intention
With “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Holly, Jolly Christmas” ringing through homes and stores everywhere, the holiday season brings cheer and celebration throughout December! Hence, what better time to talk about finding joy? This idea is central to Savor Lining – you may have noticed that the name is a wordplay on silver linings, with a focus on taking in the daily moments and practices that bring fulfillment and richness to life. We’ll discuss the relationship between happiness and joy, unique things about the festive season, and timely ways to find joy during the holidays.
How does joy differ from happiness?
Happiness and joy are synonymous, but not necessarily identical. Very Well Mind posits that the emotion of happiness can be fleeting and potentially change with factors such as achievement or material satisfaction. Joy is more deeply rooted, intentional, and not dependent upon present circumstances. Furthermore, joy arises when we are living in alignment with our personal ethics, or being committed to a higher purpose – such as tutoring underserved youth or helping at the local animal shelter. As Daniel Boscaljon, PhD, puts it:
“Joy is the ability to affirm the goodness of life even in the midst of sorrow.”
In short, joy is more of an attitude or posture than an emotion like happiness.
Unique things about the holidays that bring joy
Isn’t it interesting how the world collectively seems to slow down and enjoy – or one might even say savor – this time of year? Is it because we’re surrounded by people we care about, or going someplace that means something to us? Here are some special factors that make the holidays particularly joyful.
Let’s start with a fun one – seasonal foods and drinks! From Santa’s cookies to honey-baked ham, the last months on the calendar may be a rare instance when we give ourselves permission to eat that slice of cake or make a toast to the year’s accomplishments. A couple examples from the Savor Lining team:
Ashlei Lien (Curriculum & Instruction) and her family prepare tamales together, both a labor of love and celebration of cultural heritage.
Ylenia Martinez’s (Clinical Instructor) family has a mix of Dominican and Spanish food at Christmas, with favorites like Dominican pernil and Spanish tortilla.
Ryan Komori (CEO) and his family have a spread of traditional Japanese dishes called “Osechi” for New Year’s.
Evelyn Kwong (Marketing & Growth) has an auntie who always prepares a succulent prime rib for family parties.
Yazmin Aviles (Clinical Instructor) is based out of Mexico City, with so many foods to choose from: pierna enchilada (roast pork leg in adobo sauce), bacalao (Vizcaina-style salted cod), ponche (Christmas fruit punch).
Quality time is another joyful aspect of the holidays, and one of the five love languages (we covered the work adaptation, the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace). People often request time off, travel to their childhood homes, and make special efforts to be present with those they love. For many of us, this could be one of the few or maybe the only time each year that we see certain family members or long-distance friends. Being surrounded by good company fills our cups!
Something festive and unique about winter is the colorful light and inflatable displays dotting lawns, with some entire neighborhoods coordinating entire themes and sometimes even shows. These are not just beautiful, but they also transform familiar or ordinary spaces into spectacular ones. In fact, growing up, Evelyn’s family made it a tradition to walk around the Hastings Ranch area (greater Los Angeles) every year after Christmas dinner.
7 timely ways to find joy during the holidays
With so many activities and special events taking place, it’s easy to go through the motions – but what are some guidelines for truly savoring each experience? How are you choosing to be intentional with your time, finances, and efforts? Although this may sound very conceptual, it doesn’t have to be! Here are several suggestions.
1 – Participate in something seasonal
Depending on what hobbies you prefer or what the kids are looking forward to, there are so many options: taking a weekend trip to the mountains for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing; driving to see Christmas lights; or hosting a gingerbread decorating or ugly sweater contest.
2 – Put on some Christmas music and movies
There’s something nostalgic about hearing Bing Cosby or Frank Sinatra played on the radio, or cuddling up on the couch for a replay of A Christmas Story! Listen to and watch your favorite Christmas tunes and movies (yes, Die Hard totally counts since it’s set during Christmas!). Our team shares their favorites:
Ashlei – Definitely Home Alone!
Yazmin – The Grinch and Elf
Evelyn – Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and anything Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald. Watches entire Lord of Rings trilogy (side note: J.R.R. Tolkien actually intended the fellowship to set out around Christmastime).
Ian Roy (Partnerships & Production) – Also Guaraldi, on vinyl; plus Klaus, Muppet Christmas Carol, and Ernest Saves Christmas
Ylenia – Christmas Vacation and Elf
Ryan – The Family Man (which might be his favorite movie of all time)
3 – Give and receive presents
Another love language, gifts are a meaningful way to express your appreciation and care for family, friends, and colleagues. They don’t have to be extravagant or complex, but it does usually help to have some idea of what the recipient prefers. For example, the writer (Evelyn) usually coordinates family gifts around a theme (this year’s is natural skincare products and gourmet coffee that supports rescue dogs). Another fun idea if budget allows is to agree to some limit (say, $250), and gift something experiential like a glass blowing class or wine tasting.
4 – Order or cook something special, mmm!
Whether you have a recipe passed down through the generations or there’s a local restaurant you like, treat yourself and loved ones to a special meal. Sitting down and breaking bread with others highlights both the love languages of quality time and acts of service. Potlucks are also a fun way to try different foods and engage with friends or coworkers.
5 – Attend a candlelight or special service
This is an especially significant time of year in Catholic, orthodox, and evangelical traditions which celebrates the birth of Jesus. Although not everyone was raised in church or practicing a religion, there’s something sacred and meaningful about attending a Christmas mass or service. Many families will go together, with kids often putting on a pageant or performance (fun fact: Evelyn played the role of Mary in first grade!). Yazmin shares that December 12th is the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, when approximately 12 to 14 million pilgrims go to Mexico City to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. Posadas, celebrations reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, start on the 16th of December and end on Christmas Eve. Consider visiting your loved ones’ or a local church or celebration – you’ll leave feeling blessed!
6 – Volunteer or donate to those in need
Whether it’s the cheerful bell-ringer at your local post office or the fire department hosting a toy drive, there are countless charities, food banks, and animal shelters that could use some assistance throughout the season. If you’re able, offer your time in volunteering or donation to an organization you trust. For instance, the HOA at Evelyn’s residence is spearheading a citywide initiative with Salvation Army’s Angel Tree campaign to provide clothes, games, and supplies to local children. Other reputable organizations in Southern California include Hope for Paws (animal rescue) and Dream Center Los Angeles (addresses homelessness, hunger, and addiction).
7 – Take time to simply rest
As the year winds down, use the opportunity when you can to rest. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished personally or professionally and set goals and intentions for the upcoming year. It’s not an oxymoron to take the time to mentally reset and recognize all you are grateful for. Try to carve out the time and space in the midst of any travel arrangements and gatherings to process your emotions, appreciation, and maybe even affirmations for others.
How are you finding joy this holiday season? Do you or your family have any special traditions or memories that spark happiness when you think about them? We love to hear your feedback, so be sure to connect with Savor Lining on LinkedIn and continue the conversation there.