The holidays can stir up a mix of emotions — joy, nostalgia, and sometimes, ache. Old traditions carry memories that can feel heavier some years than others. This year has felt different for me, too. I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s in July, and as I move through this season, I’m realizing how deeply traditions tie us to the people we love. Some memories bring warmth. Others catch in your throat. Grief has a way of reshaping the holidays, even when we wish it didn’t.
If this season feels different — because of loss, change, or simply the weight of expectation — you’re not alone. Rebalancing means acknowledging that feelings shift, and so can the way we celebrate.
One woman I spoke with recently told me, “I used to keep every tradition because I thought it honored my past. Now I see that adapting them honors my present.” That resonated with me. I’m finding that some traditions feel like comfort — and some feel like pressure. And it’s okay to make space for both truth and tenderness.
Maybe this year you light one less candle, cook one less dish, or start one new tradition that better fits who you are now — and honors who or what you’re missing.
Ask yourself:
• What tradition feels like joy? What feels like pressure?
• How can I honor the past while allowing for something new?
• What small change could make this season lighter?
Rebalancing doesn’t erase the meaning of the season — it helps you make space for it to evolve, even in the midst of loss.
Until next time,
Carol Enneking
Author of The Rebalancing Act: Wisdom from Working Women for Success that Matters