A Simple December Reflection: What Are You Looking Forward To—and What Are You Dreading?
The holiday season can stir up a lot at once—joy, stress, anticipation, nostalgia, even a little dread. It’s a time filled with expectations, traditions, and busyness, and those mixed emotions are completely normal.
One simple reflection can help you move through this season with more clarity and care:
What am I most looking forward to this season, and what am I dreading?
This question might seem small, but it opens a door to deeper emotional awareness. Here’s how it can support you:
Why This Reflection Matters
Pausing to check in with yourself helps you tune into your emotional landscape. It highlights what feels nourishing and what feels draining—before you’re swept up in the pace of the month. It’s a gentle way to honor your needs instead of operating on autopilot.
Make Space for What Brings Joy
When you name what you’re excited about, something shifts.
You can protect it.
You can plan for it.
You can truly savor it.
Maybe it’s cooking a favorite recipe, visiting a friend, wrapping gifts, or simply having a quiet morning during a busy week. Identifying these moments allows you to build your season around what actually matters to you—not what you feel obligated to do.
Acknowledge and Soften the Dread
On the other side, acknowledging what feels heavy or overwhelming gives you a chance to navigate it with intention.
Once you name it, you can explore options:
Can I set a boundary here?
Would it help to ask for support?
Do I need to adjust my expectations?
Is this something I can let go of entirely?
You don’t have to carry everything you’ve carried in past years. And you don’t have to participate in traditions, conversations, or commitments that leave you feeling depleted.
A Gentle Invitation
You don’t have to do everything.
You get to choose what truly matters to you this season.
Let your preferences and limits be part of the conversation—not an afterthought.
Try This Today
Take a quiet moment and ask yourself:
What am I most looking forward to?
What am I dreading?
Write your answers down, talk them out, or simply reflect on them. Let what you discover guide your next steps as December unfolds.
If you’d like more support navigating the holidays—whether emotionally, relationally, or with tools for reducing stress—our team at Grace Therapy Collective is here to walk alongside you.
About Grace Therapy Collective
Located in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Grace Therapy Collective provides compassionate mental health and speech therapy services for children, teens, and adults. Our team is dedicated to fostering resilience and growth in every stage of life through a warm, nonjudgmental environment.
Ready to take the next step? [Visit our contact page] to learn more or schedule an appointment today.
