Five Ways to Elevate Your Holidays

The Holidays can be fun. They can also be overwhelming, emotional, loud, and a little exhausting. Even if you love this time of year, it can still feel like a lot. Expectations, schedules, people, memories. All of it stacks up quickly.

This year can be different in small but meaningful ways. No matter who you are with or where you are, you can be the person who shifts the energy just a bit. You do not need a plan or a Pinterest board. You just need intention, kindness, and a willingness to shake things up.

Here are five simple ways to elevate your Holidays.

Say something absurd

Yes, really. Say something completely ridiculous. Not for attention, but to break tension, change the topic, or spark laughter. Try something like, “Do you think a loaf of French bread or Italian bread would survive longer in the water?” Or maybe, “Has everyone brought their blankies for our required nap time?” Someone will laugh. Someone will give you that look. A conversation will start. Absurdity has a funny way of reminding people to relax.

Say thank you

This seems obvious, but this is different. Of course you say thank you when someone passes the mashed potatoes or gives you a gift. This is about finding a quiet moment with one person and saying thank you on purpose. Thank them for checking in on you this year. For sending a meme that made you laugh. For being steady when things were not. It does not have to be big. It just has to be sincere. Feeling seen can make a chaotic season feel lighter.

Shake things up

This might sound intimidating, but it can be simple. Gather your cousins, friends, kids, or pets and do one of those silly things we all scroll past online. Lip sync. Do a ridiculous dance. Add a voiceover to your pet. Or turn dessert into a judging table inspired by a baking competition. You do not have to record or post anything. Just do something unexpected that breaks the routine and invites laughter.

Hold an elimination tournament

If you are surrounded by competitive people, or just want everyone off the couch, use what you already have. After gifts are opened, there is always wrapping paper, bows, and boxes headed for the trash. Turn it into a game. Let everyone build their best wrapping paper trash ball. Take turns shooting it into the trash bag or can. If you miss, you are out. If you make it, the trash stays in. It is simple, active, and surprisingly entertaining.

Talk to people

I know this sounds obvious, but this is about talking with intention and curiosity. Come up with one question. Something like, “What do the Holidays mean to you?” Then work the room and ask everyone the same thing. You will hear different answers every time. You might laugh, tear up, or learn something new about someone you thought you knew well. In a world full of screens and soundbites, real conversation feels refreshing.

This is really about creating something new and maybe even unexpected. Traditions and gatherings can feel heavy and stressful. If you are feeling that way, chances are someone else is too. Be the one who shifts the mood. Be the reason someone leaves saying they had fun or felt seen. It is okay to break the unspoken holiday rules and try something different, especially when it comes from kindness.

If nothing else, pick one small thing from this list and try it. One moment of absurdity, gratitude, play, or connection can change the entire tone of a gathering.

No matter where you are or who you are with, I hope you find a way to make this holiday season a little lighter and a little brighter.

Be kind. Do more good. We got this.