3 Christmas Truths to Remember for Getting Through the Day
Christmas used to feel different. As a kid, it was magical—the lights, the excitement, the pure joy of waking up to a day that felt bigger than life. But somewhere along the way, that magic faded for many of us.
These days, it feels like Christmas is less about connection and more about stuff. And every year, it seems a little more painful.
The pressure to meet expectations, the unspoken tension, the overwhelming sense that the day is supposed to mean something more—it’s all exhausting.
It’s not that I don’t care about Christmas. It’s just that somewhere in the chaos of food and presents, it feels like we’ve lost what really matters.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For anyone feeling weighed down by the holidays, there are a few truths that can help.
They won’t change the gifts or the food, but they might change how you feel about the day. They just might help you get through the day.
You Can’t Sit This One Out
Here’s the truth––the day is here, and you can’t just press pause on Christmas. Whether you love it, hate it, or feel indifferent, you’re in it.
Doing nothing might seem like an easy way out, but it is still a decision, and every decision comes with consequences. Choosing to disengage might give you a moment of relief––a quiet escape from the chaos––but it can also leave you feeling disconnected, guilty, or even more frustrated by the end of the day.
Christmas, like most things in life, is what you make of it. Taking small, deliberate actions can help you feel more in control and create moments that matter, even if the day isn’t perfect.
Instead of avoiding the day or going through the motions on autopilot, take a moment to be intentional. Grab a journal, find a quiet corner, and ask yourself: How do I want to show up today? Maybe your intention is to simply get through the day with a calm mindset. Maybe it’s to focus on making one person’s day brighter. Or maybe it’s to be present, even if the day feels overwhelming. Whatever it is, writing it down helps you own your decision and approach the day with purpose.
People Will Always Remember the Way You Made Them Feel
The decorations will be taken down. The gifts will be forgotten. Even the food—no matter how perfectly seasoned—will fade from memory.
But the one thing people will hold onto long after the day is over is how you made them feel.
That’s because our brains are wired to prioritize emotions over details. Feelings stick. They shape our memories and color the way we see the people in our lives.
Think about it—do you remember every gift you got last Christmas? Probably not. But you might remember the warmth of a hug, the laughter around the table, or even the sting of an offhand comment.
Those moments leave a mark far deeper than the surface-level stuff. And the truth is, you have the power to decide what kind of mark you leave today.
Focus on connection. Instead of worrying about saying the right thing or doing everything perfectly, prioritize being kind, patient, and present. It doesn’t take much—a smile, a compliment, a genuine thank you.
These small gestures create emotional resonance, the kind that lasts far longer than any holiday feast or gift exchange. Today, let your legacy be a feeling that people will remember fondly.
Even Christmas Needs a Timeout
Christmas comes with its own energy—a whirlwind of activity, emotion, and expectations that can feel overwhelming. But even Christmas benefits from a pause.
The day doesn’t need to be packed from start to finish with back-to-back moments of magic. Sometimes, stepping back and letting the day breathe is the best thing you can do—for yourself and everyone else.
When you take a timeout, you give yourself space to reset, and that’s just as important as making the holiday happen. Maybe the dinner table stays messy for a little longer, or the conversation pauses while you catch your breath. Maybe you repeat some Christmas affirmations to set your intention. Those moments of quiet can bring clarity and peace, making the day feel less like a race and more like something to savor.
Self-care still matters, even on Christmas. It’s what keeps you grounded and present for the parts of the day that truly count. Just once today, I want you to sneak away for a few minutes and do something for you.
Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.
