Gentle Gratitude for Complicated Seasons

Because gratitude shouldn't require you to pretend.

The week before Christmas can be beautiful.

It can also be complicated.

More gatherings; more memories; more expectations; more sensory input; more pressure to be cheerful on command.

So if you're feeling tender, tired, or emotionally layered right now, I want to say this clearly:

You're not doing it wrong.

Gratitude isn't a requirement to feel good

Sometimes gratitude gets used like a moral test: If you were really grateful, you'd be happier.

But gratitude isn't meant to erase grief. It isn't meant to override stress. It isn't meant to force forgiveness, closeness, or celebration.

In the year ahead, I'm practicing Attitude of Gratitude as something much more grounded:

• A way to come back into the body
• A way to soften the nervous system
• A way to notice support without pretending everything is easy

A gentler definition (especially for this week)

Here's what 'gratitude' can look like when life is messy:

• 'I'm grateful for one quiet moment' (even if the day is hard)
• 'I'm grateful for one person who feels safe' (even if some relationships don't)
• 'I'm grateful I can choose my pace' (even if the world is loud)

You don't have to be grateful for what hurts.

But you can be grateful within your life as it is.

The pre-Christmas practice: Boundaries + one soft yes

If you want a simple way to practice this week, try this:

1. Name one boundary that protects your peace. Examples: leaving early; declining a conversation; taking a walk; turning your phone off for an hour.
2. Choose one soft yes. Something that nourishes you without requiring performance. A warm drink; a slow morning; music; a candle; a nap; ten minutes of quiet.
3. Take one long exhale. Let your body feel the permission.

That's it.

If this season is tender, let your gratitude be tender too

You're allowed to be honest.

You're allowed to be quiet.

You're allowed to take up less space in rooms that ask you to perform.

And you're allowed to enter 2026 without hustle.

Your turn (if you want to share)

If you're willing, email me two quick lines:

• One boundary you're holding this week
• One soft yes you're giving yourself

Email me my boundary + soft yes

I read every message.

P.S. If you don't know what to write, copy/paste: "My boundary is ___; my soft yes is ___."

In January, I'll be opening the year with Beginner's Grace - small daily prompts that help you begin gently. This week, let it be enough to protect your peace and choose one nourishing thing.