Some holiday thoughts from John and Kristin. Enjoy!
Here’s an excellent question (we call it a “QBQ”—tutorial here): “What can I do to make the holiday season better?”
So, let’s explore 7 ways to “let” the holidays be filled with more joy and less stress. Would you like that? Okay, then, let’s do it!
1. Let go
Have old hurts and frustrations? Something a family member said years ago still pops into your mind every holiday. The best gift you can give yourself this season is the choice to let it go.
Forgiveness frees us. It helps us move into the holidays with lighter hearts. Want a more peaceful season? QBQ: “How can I let go of what I cannot control?”
In the QBQ! book, this question is called “The Ultimate QBQ.” Good stuff.
2. Let loose
The holidays are full of routines, schedules, and timing—but fun doesn’t always live inside a plan.
Maybe you’re the spontaneous one in the family. Maybe you’re not. This season, try saying “yes” a little more:
“Let’s drive around to see lights.”
“Let’s bake cookies at 9 pm!”
“Let’s go to that holiday event even if it’s cold.”
Sometimes, the most joyful memories come from doing the unexpected. Let loose a little. Surprise your family. Surprise yourself.
3. Let others
True or false: We do not have to do it all alone.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a way to build relationships. It shows respect to those around us and teaches kids what healthy teamwork is all about.
Let someone cook the side dish.
Let someone wrap the gifts.
Let someone take the lead.
If you are the host this year, definitely revisit this one!
4. Let up
For all you high-achievers out there:
We don’t have to do every tradition.
We don’t have to attend every event.
We don’t have to produce a magazine-worthy holiday.
Slow down. Eliminate a commitment. Remove an event from the calendar.
Rest—it is a gift.
Sometimes, the most accountable choice is saying, “I can’t do it all—and that’s okay.”
Let up and breathe. Let’s protect our energy.
5. Let in
This season is a wonderful time to let people in emotionally.
Share a story from your childhood.
Talk about a meaningful memory.
Teach a little family history.
Be authentic, vulnerable, or even tender.
We often rush from one task to another during the holidays, and sometimes we forget to connect with others. Take a moment to slow down and show people you care.
Those are the moments that become memories.
6. Let be
Every family has its controversial topics, and someone might say something that could spark an intense argument.
This year, when we hear that remark, how about we … let it be?
Don’t take the bait. Don’t dive in. Don’t try to convince, correct, or conquer.
Sometimes the most peaceful and most accountable response is … saying nothing.
Let the relationship matter more than scoring a debate point.
7. Let me
If you’re not hosting, be the “let me” person this year:
Let me do the dishes.
Let me run to the store.
Let me play with the kids.
Let me hold the baby.
Let me bring the extra dish.
Let me lighten the load.
Small acts of service are powerful. They speak love, respect, and appreciation louder than words.
———————–
Seven simple choices that can shape our holiday season: Let go. Let loose. Let others. Let up. Let in. Let be. Let me.
Each one is grounded in the same QBQ! mindset: What can I do to make the holidays better—for myself and for others?
We’d love to hear which one or two you’ll focus on this year. Share with us!
Episode 16 of The QBQ! Podcast goes right along with this post! Listen in now–as we always say, repetition is the motor of learning!
