Episode 35: An Intentional Christmas: Traditions, My Bucket List, and My Heart Intentions

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https://rss.com/podcasts/youatyourbest/2375240/

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Description:

In today’s seasonal episode, I open up about what it means to have an intentional Christmas. One that isn’t shaped by comparison, pressure, or trends, but by genuine presence and what truly matters. I share how last year’s shame around my home, décor, and expectations revealed the quiet ways the internet can distort our sense of “normal,” and how this year I’m letting all of that go. I talk through the heart intentions I’m setting, the traditions I’m choosing to keep slow and sacred, and the deeper emotional lessons that are shaping the kind of holiday season I want for myself and my family.

Breakdown of what is discussed & additional thoughts:

I wanted to make this episode to share my real experience with disappointment and perfectionism around the holiday season. I often care so deeply about having the most enjoyable experience, that I end up making my experience the exact opposite. Not because I want to, but because it’s all I know. Letting go of that need for control has been incredibly difficult for me, but this episode shows the result of that self-work for me.

  1. I have been craving a slower, more meaningful Christmas this year. I want to focus on how Christmas feels rather than how it looks. I also want to stray away from consumerism and focus more on using what we already have. For the better of the environment, my mental health, and our bank account.
  2. I start by sharing my Christmas 2025 bucket list. Some things I want to do for the holiday season this year: choosing gifts with intention, baking Christmas cookies, decorating, and visiting a Christmas market.
  1. Last year, I carried a lot of shame around Christmas time. My home didn’t look like the homes I saw on social media. We couldn’t afford trendy Christmas decorations. This year, I’m letting go of that shame. Not only because we are in a different, more comfortable space, but also because I have realized that social media trends are designed to make us feel like we need more and we aren’t good enough if we don’t keep up. The average person can’t keep up with trends, and we aren’t here to have to.
  2. This year, I am letting go of overspending, perfectionism, the need to be “Pinterest perfect,” and guilt/shame for not doing enough.
  3. I want the holiday season to be a time for teaching our daughter about the true meaning of Christmas: love, giving, and kindness

Journal prompt of the week:

What are 3 things you want to let go of this holiday season?