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Turning the Holidays
into Holy Days
| | As we enter December — the season of light, family, and reflection — many of us find ourselves holding both joy and heaviness at once. The air carries the scent of evergreen and the hum of carols, yet beneath the glitter and gatherings, there can be weariness, and as one of my friends called it, true anguish. The world has known immense change in recent years. Many are walking through loss, uncertainty, and a lingering fatigue that no amount of shopping or eggnog seems to cure. Vast portions of this heaviness have been suppressed, depressed, disowned, and denied for most of our lives. | | And yet, these very conditions — the tiredness, the longing, the reaching for something deeper — are the perfect soil for the true meaning of this season to take root. | | The word "holiday" comes from holy day. Somewhere between the alluring marketing for sales and intense “over” scheduling, the holiness can fade. But holiness isn’t about perfection, piety, or pretending to be merry when we’re not. Holiness is presence. It’s a reverence for what is. It’s remembering that every breath, every relationship, and every heartbeat is actually sacred. | | To live this December as a holy day season is to slow down and open our eyes to what’s already shimmering in plain sight — the miracle of being alive, the grace of connection, and the quiet invitation to rest in the presence of the Divine. | |
Kindness is a spiritual practice. It’s not limited to smiling at strangers, giving a generous tip, or writing a holiday card. I love writing cards, remembering the treasured times I’ve shared with friends and family, and being a part of their hearts with the presence of a card. I love receiving cards, too, and relish the sweet sentiments in the heartfelt writings. For example, I got two funny cards already that said, “wanting you to know I was thinking of you” and “you write the nicest things about me.”
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"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."
— Dalai Lama
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True kindness begins with the self — with a willingness to be gentle with our own hearts. Especially in challenging times, kindness becomes a lifeline. It steadies us when the world feels wobbly. I have spent significant immersive time this whole year in “Self-compassion.” Although I can see real progress, it is ever more clear that it is a direction to go in AND not a destination.
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As we approach the holidays, it’s common to feel pressure to “be festive,” to show up for everyone, to take responsibility for the needs of others, and/or to make everything perfect. Perhaps this year, the call is to make it holy instead of perfect. Connection instead of perfection. To make it real, tender, and honest.
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Let’s acknowledge what many people won’t say aloud: this time of year can be hard. Memories rise — some warm, some painful. We miss those who are no longer here. We may be navigating financial uncertainty, loneliness, or health concerns. The cultural message of “be joyful” can feel hollow when our hearts are heavy.
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"If we do not transform our pain, we will most assuredly transmit it."
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This season invites us to transform, not transmit. To pause long enough to feel what we feel, to offer our grief or fear to the Presence within, and to allow love to soften the edges of our own suffering. This is the sacred alchemy of Advent, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa — the miracle of light returning, not outside us, but through us.
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"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
— Edith Wharton
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Connection: The Antidote to Isolation
| | In a time when division and disconnection seem to echo through the headlines, it is an act of spiritual courage to stay connected—to self, to God, and to one another. | |
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Connection to Self means taking time to listen within. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, honor it. Instead of ignoring your emotions, bless them. Sit quietly each morning with your hand on your heart, whispering, “I am here. I am enough. I am loved.”
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Connection to God means remembering that we are not alone. However you name the Holy Spirit — Source, Christ, Love — it is here, closer than breath.
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Connection to Each Other means daring to reach out. Call a friend. Send a message of gratitude. Light a candle for those in need. Serve a meal, or simply listen without judgment. Connection doesn’t have to be grand — it just has to be real.
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Dr. Kristen Neff, author of Self-Compassion, teaches that shared humanity is one of the core components of compassion. We suffer, we struggle, we stumble — and that connects us. When we let ourselves be seen and loved anyway, healing happens.
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"When we are connected in love, even the darkest night becomes a holy night."
— Anonymous
| Here are a few spiritual practices to help transform your holidays into holy days: | |
1. Light a Candle Each Morning. (During Thanksgiving season, Hadi visited me, and I lit a candle at the table where we were doing our holiday projects. She said, I like that candle, it smells like Christmas.”
As you do, whisper a prayer for peace — peace in your heart, your home, your community, and the world. OR simply enjoy the fragrance.
2. Simplify Your Schedule.
Instead of saying “yes” to every event, say “yes” to what truly nourishes your soul. Honest nos are gifts to you and ultimately gifts to others.
3. Practice “Radical Presence.”
Wherever you are, be there fully. Whether washing dishes, wrapping gifts, or visiting family — slow down enough to notice the sacred in the ordinary.
4. Offer Gratitude Aloud.
Name one thing daily that brings you light. Gratitude has the power to shift even the heaviest heart. OR practice the 3-minute gratitude rampage.
5. Create Sacred Space.
Establish a corner of your home with a candle, a favorite photo, a small symbol of faith — return there often. Let it remind you that you are never alone.
6. Reach Out to Someone Alone. Text, call, or write.
A simple message like “I’m thinking of you” can be the difference between despair and hope for someone this season.
7. Breathe and Rest.
Remember, even God rested. You don’t have to earn your worth through busyness. MARTHA – THIS IS KEY for you!
| Before we rush to the next feast, celebration, attempt to please others, or unquestioned resolution, let’s pause! Take a deep breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Let the noise settle. Listen for that still, small voice that whispers, “Peace, be still.” Your worth is not dependent on your busyness. | The true light of holidays, December and beyond, isn’t found in store windows or city streets; it’s born within us. Every time we choose presence over distraction, kindness over criticism, gratitude over gripping, and love over lack, the holy is made visible on earth. | As we close this year and prepare to begin anew, may you remember: | You are part of the divine story unfolding. You are light in a world that needs it. And even in your weariness, you are whole, you are worthy, and you are loved. AND, by me! | | Happy holy days beloved souls. I am here. | | Follow me on social media and like, follow, share, and subscribe. | |
My December 2025 Special Gift for You!
And here is my special gift to you this month. Click on the box to open your gift.
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...and there's more!
(Special Gifts for You)
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The Divine Guidance Cards are a sacred tool designed to awaken insight, deepen spiritual connection, and guide individuals toward inner clarity. Each card features a divinely inspired photograph taken by me, Martha Creek, capturing the profound beauty, stillness, and wisdom of the world around us.
Through these 52 divinely inspired images, infused with energy and intention, users are invited to pause, reflect, and receive the messages that their soul is ready to hear. The deck serves as both a mirror to the inner self and a bridge to the Divine, offering guidance, healing, and transformation in every draw.
$26 USD (includes domestic shipping).
Click here to order your personal copy.
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Daily Practices in Self-Compassion for 2025
Each day brings a gift to you that you can give yourSELF! What would be Self-Compassion for you? Thrive in 2025!!!
Please “share, like, follow, and “subscribe” to my channels, and you’ll get the daily video. You never know who may make a guest appearance.
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| | If you choose to send a check, please send it payable to Martha Creek and send it to PO Box 65, Gamaliel, KY 42140 | | | | |
