As the holidays approach, I find myself humming those familiar carols, especially the line, “’Tis the season to be jolly.” Lately, however, I have been reflecting on what that really means. Between work, parenting, and the ever-present buzz of technology, I sometimes wonder if we’ve forgotten how to experience joy truly. This year, I want to slow down. I want to step away from the screens that dominate my daily life and reconnect with the moments that truly matter—the ones that don’t need to be posted, liked, or shared.

Finding joy in simplicity

For me, joy has always been tied to simple pleasures. I remember my childhood in Greece, where the holiday season was less about grandeur and more about connection. Families gathered around tables laden with homemade dishes, the aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. There was laughter, storytelling, and the quiet comfort of being together. This year, I want to bring that simplicity back into focus. It is not about buying the most impressive gifts or crafting picture-perfect moments. It’s about the heartfelt note tucked into a card, the spontaneous laughter of my children as we bake cookies, or the warmth of a walk with my husband under the winter stars.

A break from the noise

Technology has made life easier in many ways but has also added a layer of noise. The constant notifications, the endless scrolling, and the pressure to document every experience can sometimes drown out the beauty of the moment itself. This holiday season, I am choosing to unplug. No laptops at the dinner table, no emails during family time, and no phones when I’m with the kids. I want to experience the joy of unfiltered, uninterrupted moments that do not need a Wi-Fi connection.

One tradition I am especially looking forward to is writing letters. Not emails or texts, but real, handwritten letters to my friends and family. There is something special about putting pen to paper, knowing the recipient will hold it in their hands and feel the thought behind every word.

Giving the gift of presence

Beyond the festive cheer, this season is a chance to give back materially and emotionally. As a mother, I see how much my children value my undivided attention. They don’t need extravagant gifts; they need me to be present. I have also been thinking about ways to extend that presence to others. Whether volunteering at a local shelter, supporting a neighbour in need, or simply checking in on a friend, these acts of kindness remind us that joy is contagious.

Carrying the spirit forward

As the decorations come down and the new year begins, I hope to carry the lessons of this season with me. Joy doesn’t need a specific date on the calendar, and it isn’t tied to the trappings of a holiday. It’s in the everyday moments—the quiet cup of coffee in the morning, the hug that lingers a little longer, the time spent with loved ones without distractions.

This season, I invite you to join me in stepping away from the noise and finding joy in simplicity. Let’s pause, breathe, and savour the moments that matter most. After all, the season to be jolly is less about what we do and more about how we feel—and who we share it with.

Here’s to a holiday filled with presence, peace, and the kind of joy that lingers well into the new year.