Many of us carry memories of the holidays from childhood, remembering the joy and wonder we felt when we were young. You may recall a large extended family gathered around a table, with children free to play on their own nearby. If you close your eyes, you can probably conjure up the sights, sounds and aromas that made the holiday season special for you.

But if adult responsibilities have changed how you feel about the holidays and the main thing you now feel is stress, there are ways to rekindle the wonder of the season.

For starters, think about your holiday and how you want to experience it; then make your plans around that. What makes you feel grateful, happy and in the holiday spirit? Do you enjoy new experiences, a lot of activities and large, boisterous parties, or do you prefer quieter, more domestic joys, like getting cozy and watching a holiday movie with a loved one or going on a walk with family to take in the holiday lights?

Then, let go of the perfectionism that can ruin any event. The holiday spirit is really about finding time to reconnect with loved ones and being in the moment, more than it is about a perfectly set table or curated photos for social media. Indulge in some self-care by making sure you have enough time to recharge between events. And take time to notice the beauty that’s around us this season.

Even though we may pride ourselves as New Yorkers on how quickly and efficiently we can accomplish everything on our to-do list, try the opposite. On your next errand, slow down and notice the flowers still blooming, the brilliantly colored leaves still holding on to the trees, the birds soaring by and the phases of the moon.

There is real joy and magic to be found in nature and in being present in the moment; making time for that is a practice that can shift your emotions on any day of the year, not just during the holiday season.

Create your own holiday traditions

• Get outdoors! Nature has been shown to regulate your nervous system, lower stress, lighten your mood and provide a needed reset for the coming year.
• Take in some free holiday markets, light shows, concerts and events. Do a little research and find new ways to experience the season.
• Create rather than consume. Cooking meals, creating artwork, writing, crafting or designing can feed your soul in a way that purchasing things never can. Challenge yourself to try something new — even if you don’t think you can cook, paint or write poetry, try it! You just might surprise yourself.
• Find ways to give back to others. If there are children in your life, focus on making the holidays meaningful for them. Consider volunteering at charitable organizations and taking part in a holiday toy drive.

The magic is out there, just waiting for you to find it!

“A holiday gives one a chance to look backward and forward, to reset oneself by an inner compass.” 
— May Sarton