The true meaning of Christmas
Finding joy without stress, burnout, or loneliness
Welcome back to another edition of Truth Bombs from Mindset Rebuild.
Can you believe Christmas is just five days away?
While this season is supposed to be about joy, connection, and celebration, if you’re like me, let’s be honest—more often than not, it feels like a pressure cooker.
You’ve got last-minute gifts to buy, family dynamics to navigate, and that endless to-do list that seems to scream, ‘You’re not doing enough!’
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: Christmas doesn’t have to be that way. In this edition, I’m stripping it all down and talking about what really ought to matter this season.
There is no fluff, no sugar-coating, just an honest conversation about how to find joy and meaning without drowning in stress, burnout, or loneliness.
This one’s personal for me, so sit down with a cup of coffee and let’s dive in.
The holiday stress trap
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: holiday stress.
The commercials would have you believe Christmas is all twinkling lights, cozy fires, and perfect family dinners.
But reality?
It’s maxed-out credit cards, awkward family gatherings, and trying to figure out why the turkey’s still raw at 4 p.m.
And here’s the kicker: a lot of—make that, almost all of— this stress is self-imposed. You chase this picture-perfect holiday because you think you’re supposed to.
But let me ask you—who are you really doing it for?
If your answer isn’t yourself or the people who truly matter, it’s time to rethink things.
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to attend every party, buy extravagant gifts, or bake 12 dozen cookies for the office. The stress you feel around Christmas often comes from trying to meet unrealistic expectations—most of which you set yourself.”
Key Takeaway
This year, permit yourself to let go of the ‘shoulds.’
Focus on what matters to you, not what Hallmark tells you it should be.”
Finding the true meaning of Christmas
Let’s talk about what Christmas is really about. And no, I’m not talking about the latest gadget or the ‘perfect’ tree.
At its core, Christmas is about connection—connection with others, with yourself, and, for many, with something bigger than yourself.
Connection with others doesn’t have to mean a packed social calendar.
It can be a simple phone call to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to someone who’s supported you, or even just spending time with the people you love, without distractions.
And let’s not forget about connecting with yourself. When was the last time you slowed down, took a deep breath, and really checked in with how you’re feeling?
Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on what’s truly important to you—not what society says you should care about.
A personal story
I’ll share something with you. A few years ago, my wife and I spent a Christmas alone. My dad had passed away, our daughter had moved away, and our son spent Christmas visiting his girlfriend and her family out of town.
At first, it felt…empty. No big family dinner, no pile of gifts under the tree.
But then, I realized something—it was one of the most meaningful Christmases I’ve ever had. I spent it reflecting, journaling, and appreciating the little things.
It reminded me that the magic of this season isn’t in the external stuff. It’s in the gratitude, the stillness, and the intention we bring to it.