Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah!

Whatever you celebrate, I hope this season brings warmth and joy to your heart.

It’s that time of year again—when lights sparkle, sweet smells fill the air, and holiday songs dance through your mind.

But let’s be honest: this time of year often sneaks up on us.

One minute, it’s summer, and then suddenly, we’re surrounded by decorations, gift lists, and the feeling that we’re running out of time.

It’s easy to look back on the year and think, “I didn’t get enough done.”

Maybe you had big plans: learn a new skill, finish a big project, or save more money.

Maybe you had a list of goals that seemed so important back in January, but now they’re still unchecked.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

But before you feel bad or call this year a failure, take a moment to breathe.

I have an idea that might change how you see this holiday season.

Instead of focusing on what you didn’t finish, what if you celebrated all the things you did do?

Even small steps matter, and they often add up to more than you think.

The Holiday Rush

It feels like we blinked, and now the year is almost over.

We’re busy buying gifts, planning meals, visiting family, and trying to fit everything in.

This rush can make us feel like we’re running a race that never ends.

With so much to do, it’s no wonder many of us feel a bit overwhelmed.

But here’s a reminder—the holidays aren’t a contest.

They’re not about how many cookies you baked or how perfect your decorations look.

Deep down, the holidays are about moments of happiness, comfort, and caring for the people around us.

When we get stuck in the busy rush, we lose sight of what matters.

The Trap of Focusing on What’s Not Done

It’s common at the end of the year to think about what we didn’t finish.

Maybe you wanted to take a class or learn a language.

Maybe you planned to keep a diary, run a marathon, or clean out that messy closet.

When those things stay undone, it’s easy to feel disappointed in yourself.

This feeling can hit especially hard during the holidays.

We look around and think everyone else has it all together.

But guess what? Many people feel the same way as you do.

You’re not alone in feeling like you didn’t accomplish enough.

The problem is that when we focus only on what we didn’t do, we ignore all the progress we made.

It’s like looking at a garden and only seeing the weeds, not the flowers.

The truth is, you did grow and learn this year, even if it didn’t look exactly like you planned.

The Magic of Counting Small Wins

Imagine looking back on the year and, instead of counting the things you didn’t finish, you count your small victories.

They might not seem like much at first, but together, they can be powerful.

A “small win” could be anything.

Maybe you learned how to cook a new dish.

Or you spent time reading a book that inspired you.

Did you help a friend when they were sad?

What about making time each week for a short walk or exercise?

Maybe you managed your money a little better than last year.

Or you improved a skill at work or school, even if just a tiny bit.

These small steps all add up.

Each one shows that you grew, learned, or helped someone else.

Recognizing these small wins can make you feel proud instead of down about what didn’t get done.

How to Make a “What I Did” List

This year, try making a list of all the good things you did.

It doesn’t have to be big.

Just take a piece of paper or open a notes app and start writing.

Think of moments when you helped someone.

Remember times when you learned something new, even if it was small.

Write down any goals you did reach—maybe you saved a little money, learned a few words in another language, or kept a plant alive.

Don’t forget the times you showed kindness, patience, or courage.

As you write, you might be surprised that you did more than you thought.

And even if you didn’t reach your biggest goals, these small wins still matter a lot.

Letting Go of Perfection

The holidays often come with a feeling that everything should be perfect—perfect meals, perfect gifts, perfect plans.

But perfection is a tricky trap.

It sets you up to feel bad because reality is never perfect.

This year, try letting go of the idea that your holiday has to look like a picture in a magazine.

Maybe the gifts weren’t wrapped neatly, or the cookies didn’t turn out right.

Maybe you spent more time resting on the couch than making crafts.

Guess what? That’s okay.

Focus on what feels good and real, not on what’s perfect.

Life isn’t a contest to see who can get the most done.

It’s about enjoying what you have, who you are, and the people you love.

Carrying This Mindset into the New Year

One of the best gifts you can give yourself is the gift of a balanced mindset.

When January comes around, many people make big promises to themselves.

They set huge goals and expect immediate results.

But if you remember what you learned during the holidays—about celebrating small wins and letting go of perfection—you can start the new year feeling calm and ready.

You can plan goals that feel right, not goals that make you feel bad about yourself.

Instead of thinking, “I have to do everything right on January 1,” think about continuing the small steps you started in December.

Keep building on what you’ve learned about being kind to yourself.

When you do this, your goals become more reachable, and you won’t get as stressed out.

Finding True Joy in the Season

At the heart of it, the holidays are not about how much you accomplish.

They’re about love, friendship, caring, and warmth.

They’re about small acts of kindness and moments of comfort.

When you spend less energy feeling upset about what you didn’t do, you have more space to enjoy these moments.

You might find joy in a simple cup of hot cocoa, sharing a laugh with a friend, or watching holiday lights twinkle in the night sky.

These are the things you’ll remember, not whether you baked a hundred cookies or wrapped each present perfectly.

Remember—You Did More Than You Think

As the holidays swirl around you, remember this: You did more than you think this year.

You tried new things, helped people, learned lessons, and made it through tough times.

Those are not small accomplishments—they’re signs that you’re growing and becoming stronger.

So, when you feel the pull of negative thoughts, pause and say, “Wait, I did plenty. I moved forward. I learned, I cared, and I grew.”

Because that’s what really matters, not the items left unchecked on a to-do list.

As the year ends, give yourself the gift of a kinder look at your life.

Focus on what you did rather than what you didn’t.

Celebrate the small wins, the tiny steps, and the gentle changes that added up to a year of growth.

And as we step into a fresh start when January arrives, carry this gentle mindset with you.

It will help you face new goals and new challenges with more peace and less worry.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah—however you celebrate, may it be filled with warmth, understanding, and a deep appreciation for all you have done.