Authentic Joy

Redefining the Holidays on Your Terms

How are you doing with the ‘energy adjustments’ we’re experiencing?

As we adapt to a more extreme quality of energy than ever before, it’s not all chaos. This season, I’ve noticed a greater ability to bounce back from the heavy energies that often accompany this time of year. This is progress! While dense, challenging energies remain a near constant, so does LIGHT—imaginative, intuitive, expansive, and beautifully warm energy.

Yes, it’s a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Add Mercury retrograde and (til 12/15), Mars (til 2/23/25), the Gemini Full Moon (12/15) and you’ve got a potent mix. What I find personally interesting about this full moon is a trine aspect between the Sun and Hygeia, Goddess of Health and Prevention.

What this means: You’d be wise to heed any health information that comes to light now, as an extremely helpful Hygeia trine supports all actions taken to prevent disease, and stay well. This lovely asteroid plays a starring role in my own birth chart (I sport a natal grand trine amongst Saturn in Gemini, Hygeia in Aquarius, and Libra Pallas) which likely owes to the sheer amount of wellness information I share with you. It’s literally behind everything I write.

So. Let’s explore ways to feel good as the year comes to a close.🥰😜

Why The Holidays Can Feel Hard

This time of year often brings a heightened sense of energetic dis-resonance, which can leave you feeling stressed without fully understanding why.

Think about the holiday “cheer”—endless Christmas songs, Hallmark movies, and an overemphasis on joy—juxtaposed with rampant materialism, and many who struggle emotionally during this season. Energy is cumulative: the more people experience a particular emotion, the stronger that energy becomes.

This creates a disconnect. Have you ever sensed that someone who says they’re “fine” is actually not fine at all? The gap between appearances and feelings creates “dis-resonant energy,” which can feel unsettling. For instance, you arrive at a gathering and, for no clear reason, feel anxious and want to leave. Or, you suddenly experience heavy, sticky feelings like sadness or anger. These are the ways that we register this type of energy.

And, thanks to historical family dynamics, unwanted social obligations, traditions, and resurfacing memories, the holidays amplify this effect.

Have Yourself An Authentic Little Christmas

For years, I’ve observed this holiday phenomenon. Over time, I’ve found that the best way to protect myself from feeling overwhelmed—and to actually enjoy the season—is to make the holidays more my own.

For a long while, I wanted to opt out of Christmas entirely. Often, it feels forced and mandatory, kind of like saying the pledge of allegiance in grade school was. Plus, I’ve had my share of hard Christmases.

Early in my marriage, I suggested a minimalist approach: one gift for each person. I thought this would alleviate some financial pressure. But with a Leo husband and three stepdaughters, that plan didn’t fly! So, I tried a new tack, being more selfish, I only thought of myself. I began reclaiming Christmas by adding elements that truly reflected my own desires and joys.

I started by asking myself: What did I love about this season as a child? Immediately, it was baking coffee cake on Christmas morning. Then I included making gluten-free biscotti with a friend. This year, I am inviting over a German friend to teach me how to make springerle cookies, which remind me of my grandfather. My inner child, it turns out, loves to bake.

When we first moved to Hawaii, I reveled in the warm weather and sported a Christmas tree in my convertible. As we began a new tradition of visiting Shaka Santa, I discovered a creative wreath-making contest in Honolulu. While I’ve yet to enter the contest, it inspired me to make my own. I’ve done this every year since (next year’s theme is already planned: vintage cats).

Strong boundaries also play a big role for me. I say “No” to things I don’t want to do and “Yes” only to activities that align with my desires. These simple yet intentional steps have slowly transformed the holidays for me.

I’ve noticed that my friends who seem genuinely content this season have taken similar measures to authenticate their experience. One friend, a fashion savvy Leo, has a pink Christmas tree. Another opts out of Christmas entirely and skips gift-giving—a choice that works beautifully for her.

How Your Authentic Self Protects You

The more you infuse your true self into the holidays, the better you’ll feel. Here’s why: honoring your desires, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care all strengthen your energy field, making you more resilient.

On the other hand, ignoring your needs, people-pleasing, or deferring to others creates vulnerabilities—holes in your energy field where dis-resonance can seep in. Prioritize authenticity and you’re less likely to absorb negative energy. And if you do encounter it, you’ll shake it off more easily.

In Practice:

• Release traditions that don’t resonate with you. Create new ones that do.

• Identify what brings you joy this season—even if unrelated to Christmas.

• Revisit what you loved about the holidays as a child.

• Add your unique preferences, style, and creativity to the mix.

• Be stubbornly artful, and think outside the box. You’re worth it!

Friends, how will you authenticate your holiday experience this year? I’ve found a direct connection between how much of “YOU” you bring, and the amount of joy and peace you feel. Let me know if this resonates with you.

More Stress Relief for the Holidays:

• Check out my guided meditations on Insight Timer to help you de-stress.

• Visit my Instagram for a quick technique to work through holiday triggers.

• Visit my podcast for calming energy practices.

Wishing you a season filled with authenticity and light!

photo credit: Hermiome Flavia, and her sweet boy Grimoire

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Resisting Rest