Letting Go During the Holidays: A Gift to Yourself

Letting Go During the Holidays: A Gift to Yourself

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, love, and celebration, but for many, they can bring stress, high expectations, and the resurfacing of past hurts. If you're feeling the weight of these challenges, it might be time to embrace the power of letting go.  Marshie Morgan, author and speaker of 13 Interactive Challenges to Self-Discovery, explains, “Letting go is not about giving up—it’s about releasing control over things you cannot change and choosing to focus on what brings you happiness.” Her challenge-based approach encourages individuals to actively work through personal barriers, a method that can be especially helpful during the holiday season when emotions tend to run high.

Why Letting Go Matters

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means making a conscious choice to release what no longer serves you—whether that's emotional baggage, stress, or the pressure to meet others' expectations. When you let go, you make space for joy, peace, and new possibilities.

Embrace the Power of Self-Care

Taking care of yourself should be your top priority, especially during a time when it’s easy to get lost in holiday obligations. You don't have to spend the holidays alone, but it's okay if you need space to recharge. Here are some ideas to help you let go and find joy this season:

• Volunteer: Give back to your community by helping at a local soup kitchen or food pantry. The act of helping others can fill your heart and remind you of the true meaning of the season.
• Start New Traditions: If old holiday traditions no longer bring you happiness, start your own. This could be something as simple as a cozy movie night, baking cookies, or planning a holiday getaway.
• Join a Meetup: Find people who share your interests by starting or joining a group on Meetup.com. It’s a great way to connect with others and build a sense of community.

Let Go of Past Hurts and Expectations

This holiday season, give yourself permission to let go of the past. You don't need to carry the weight of old memories, grudges, or disappointments into the new year. Reflect on what truly matters to you—whether it’s peace of mind, personal growth, or simply spending time with loved ones—and let go of the things that pull you down.

Marshie Morgan’s self-discovery challenges offer a structured way to tackle emotional obstacles head-on. In her Let Go challenge, she encourages you to release old habits, grudges, and feelings of inadequacy. “Letting go opens the door to endless opportunities for joy and personal growth,” she says.

Use the Holidays for Reflection

While the holidays are a busy time, they are also the perfect opportunity to reflect. Think about what went well this year and what didn’t. Use this time to set goals for the new year, and establish a framework for the things that will bring you peace and happiness. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, focusing on your health, or strengthening relationships, this is your chance to reset.

A Final Thought

Letting go is an act of self-care and self-love. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of peace by releasing the things that no longer serve you. Embrace new traditions, help others, and focus on what brings you joy. As Marshie Morgan says, “The only way to grow is to let go.”

Make this season one of renewal and joy. You deserve it.