Connecting to Your Intentions: Finding Meaning During the Holidays and Beyond

The holiday season is a time of joy for many, but for others, it can feel like an overwhelming, high-pressure time filled with expectations. Whether it’s the stress of family gatherings, financial pressures, or the constant barrage of “holiday perfection” messages from social media, it’s easy to lose sight of why the season matters in the first place. But what if you could approach the holidays—and any event in your life—with a sense of clarity and intention, focusing on what truly matters to you rather than getting lost in the chaos?

The truth is, the holiday season doesn’t have to be about checking off a list of obligations or creating the “perfect” experience. By reconnecting with your intentions, you can turn the holidays (or any significant life event) into an opportunity to focus on what really makes you feel fulfilled. Here’s how you can use intention-setting to reduce stress, overcome overwhelm, and enjoy the moment, no matter the occasion.

1. Clarifying Your Intentions: What Do You Want to Feel?

Before diving into the hustle of the holidays, take a moment to reflect on what you actually want to feel during this time. Often, we’re conditioned to associate the holidays with a laundry list of activities, gift exchanges, or family expectations. But what do you really want to experience?

Feelings Over To-Do Lists: Instead of focusing on tasks, ask yourself what emotions you want to cultivate. Do you want to feel connected, peaceful, joyful, or nostalgic? Maybe you crave stillness or a chance to slow down and reflect. By identifying the feelings that resonate with you, you can begin to make decisions that align with those emotional goals.
The Power of Reflection: If you're facing a big event or milestone like a wedding, a birthday, or a significant life transition, think about how you want to feel in the midst of all the expectations. Is it a sense of calm, accomplishment, or love? When you center your actions around how you want to feel, it helps create a sense of purpose that can cut through the noise of external pressures.

2. Identifying What is Important to You

With the rush of the holidays, it’s easy to get swept up in what you think should be important—like buying extravagant gifts, hosting a picture-perfect dinner, or maintaining an exhausting social calendar. But when you take a step back, what really matters to you? What brings you true joy and meaning?

Reevaluate Traditions: What traditions are essential to your happiness? Whether it’s cozying up with a favorite holiday movie, volunteering, or simply having a quiet meal with loved ones, focusing on the activities that bring you joy can shift the focus away from what’s expected of you and toward what truly nurtures your spirit.
Let Go of Comparison: In today’s world of curated holiday photos and highlight reels on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But comparing your experience to someone else’s idealized version can drain your energy and take you further from your own intentions. Focus on your values and what feels right for you.
Create New Meaning: If old traditions or celebrations no longer resonate with you, it’s okay to create new ones. Whether that’s redefining how you celebrate a milestone or simply shifting your expectations, you have the freedom to honor your values in a way that feels authentic to you.

3. Using Your Intentions as a Driving Force

Once you’ve connected with your intentions and identified what’s important to you, use those insights as a driving force throughout the holiday season (or any significant event in your life). This will help you stay focused and aligned with your emotional goals, even when the pressure builds.

Stay Mindful: Throughout the holidays, make a conscious effort to check in with yourself. Ask, “Is this activity, interaction, or choice aligning with the feelings I want to cultivate?” If you find yourself veering off course—whether it’s by overcommitting or getting caught up in stress—take a step back and realign with your intention. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or journaling, can help ground you in the present moment.
Set Boundaries: When your intentions are clear, it becomes easier to say no to things that don’t serve your emotional well-being. Whether it’s a family event that you’re dreading or a social gathering that feels more like a chore than a celebration, boundaries protect your peace and allow you to engage with the season in a way that feels authentic. It’s okay to say no without guilt—your intention is to create a holiday experience that supports your mental health, not one that depletes it.
Simplify and Focus: The holidays (and other milestones) are often filled with distractions, from gifts to parties to endless shopping lists. With your intentions in mind, simplify. Focus on one or two things that will bring you the most fulfillment and let go of everything else. Fewer tasks don’t mean less meaning; it means more space for what matters most.

4. Enjoying the Moment, Free From Overwhelm

When you operate with intention, you free yourself from the burden of unrealistic expectations. Instead of pushing yourself to meet the “perfect holiday” or “perfect event” ideal, you can savor the present and feel more at peace with the experience as it unfolds.

Embrace Imperfection: Perfectionism can add unnecessary pressure. Instead of trying to make everything flawless, embrace the imperfections of the season or event. Let go of the idea that everything has to be just so. It’s the small, authentic moments that often create the deepest connections and lasting memories.
Be Present: When you’re intentional about what matters, it’s easier to be fully present. Focus on the people you’re with, the sensations around you, and the emotions you’re experiencing. Put away your phone, take deep breaths, and soak in the moments that align with your intentions.
Reflect and Express Gratitude: At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on how you felt and what you’re grateful for. This will help you stay connected to your intention and make the holiday season or milestone event feel more meaningful.

5. Applying This Beyond the Holidays

The concept of setting intentions and staying true to what matters isn’t limited to the holidays. Whether you're preparing for a wedding, a big career change, a family gathering, or any major life milestone, these principles can help you navigate the pressures and expectations that come with these events.

In Wedding Planning: Weddings are often seen as one of the most stressful milestones. By focusing on your intentions—what kind of atmosphere you want to create, how you want to feel on your big day, and what matters most—you can steer away from the external pressures to meet others’ expectations. You don’t have to do things just because "it's tradition" or "it’s what everyone expects."
During Major Life Transitions: Whether it’s moving, starting a new job, or welcoming a new addition to the family, big changes can bring both excitement and anxiety. Returning to your core intentions—whether it’s peace, joy, connection, or growth—can help guide your choices and make the transition smoother.

Embracing Your Intentions for a Fuller, More Meaningful Experience

The holidays (or any significant event) don’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. By taking the time to connect with your deeper intentions, clarify what truly matters to you, and focus on how you want to feel, you can turn these occasions into an opportunity for connection, peace, and authenticity.

Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, dealing with financial pressures, or simply feeling the weight of societal expectations, your intentions can be your guiding light. When you focus on what truly aligns with your values, you can enjoy the experience for what it truly is—a chance to create meaningful memories and moments of joy.

Connecting to Your Intentions: Finding Meaning During the Holidays and Beyond