The holiday season often brings with it an unspoken expectation to feel constant joy—a sense that we “should” be happy, cheerful, and grateful at every moment. But here’s the thing: joy doesn’t have to look one way, and it certainly doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s expectations. Rather than forcing ourselves to meet these external standards, let’s explore what truly makes us happy.

This season, take some time to redefine holiday joy on your terms, giving yourself permission to embrace it without pressure.

Redefine Joy in Your Own Words

Start by asking yourself: What does joy mean to me?

Forget the holiday movies, the social media images, and the ads telling us what joy “should” look like. Instead, take a few moments to write down what joy truly feels like in your life.

It might look like quiet moments with a loved one, solo time with a good book, walking in nature, or even creating something meaningful. Defining joy in your own words allows you to approach the season with authenticity, free from the pressure of fitting anyone else’s mold.

Let Go of the “Shoulds”

We’re surrounded by messages that paint a picture of what a “perfect” holiday should look like. These expectations can create guilt or shame when our own experiences don’t match up. Journaling is a powerful way to let go of these “shoulds.”

Write about any holiday expectations you feel burdened by. Ask yourself where they come from—are they from family traditions, social pressures, or self-imposed ideals? Once you identify them, give yourself permission to release them.

Remember, you are allowed to define what the holidays mean to you. There’s no requirement to meet anyone else’s vision of a joyful season. Let your journal be a space for your unique experience, honoring what genuinely makes you happy.

Focus on Simple Gratitudes

Sometimes, the simplest moments bring us the most peace. Use your journal to note small things that make you feel content during the holidays. Is it a quiet cup of tea in the morning, watching the snow fall, or laughing with a close friend? Write these down and revisit them when you need a reminder that joy isn’t about grand gestures or elaborate events.

Gratitude for these simple joys can be a grounding anchor that keeps you focused on what truly matters.

Find Balance with The Daily BeMo Balance Notepad

As much as I love the holidays, it’s no secret they can get busy! Hosting parties, wrapping gifts, seeing holiday lights, and spending time with family all bring me immense joy, but I’ve learned that staying grounded requires a little extra support.

That’s where the Daily BeMo Balance Notepad comes in. During the holiday rush, I use it to stay mindful of my “need for” amidst all the “need to do” moments. This practice has been a game-changer for me. The notepad’s simplicity makes it easy to jot down my core needs for the day, especially when I feel myself getting swept up in holiday activity.

Why focus on “need for” instead of “need to”? Well, many of us grew up with attachment styles and coping mechanisms that taught us to focus on “doing” rather than feeling. This means we’re often busy telling ourselves what we “need to do” in order to feel happy, calm, or even just okay. But true well-being comes from connecting to our core needs—those foundational, “need for” elements like peace, connection, and space to recharge.

When you use The Daily BeMo Balance Notepad, it’s not about changing how you feel; it’s about acknowledging a variety of feelings, allowing yourself to be with them, and ensuring you interact rather than react as life inevitably throws surprises your way. And during the holiday season, when stress and joy alike can feel heightened, this notepad helps keep my joy centered and purposeful.

Handle Holiday Triggers with Compassion

Even the most joyful season can bring up old dynamics and stressors. Common holiday triggers often stem from family dynamics, old patterns, or societal pressures around what the holidays “should” be. Journaling can help us identify these triggers and approach them with compassion.

Here are a few common holiday triggers to look out for:

• Family gatherings that bring up old, unresolved emotions
• Financial stress from gift-giving or travel
• Pressure to meet certain social expectations
• Feeling isolated or left out if your holiday doesn’t look like others’

Take a moment to journal about any specific holiday triggers that you’ve experienced in the past or expect to encounter this year. By acknowledging these potential triggers ahead of time, you’re better equipped to face them with self-compassion and clarity.

Embrace Holiday Joy Without Pressure

This holiday season, let go of the need to perform joy and instead, give yourself permission to find it in your way. This isn’t about meeting a standard; it’s about letting yourself feel joy without conditions.

Let your BeMo Journal be a guide to uncovering your version of happiness and peace—whatever that looks like for you. As you explore, remember: joy is personal. There’s no wrong way to feel during the holidays. Whether you’re surrounded by family or spending quiet time alone, you can choose what joy means for you.

This season, let’s embrace the freedom to define and experience holiday joy in ways that feel genuine and unpressured.