Now Let’s Get to the ENJOYING of the Season!
Reclaiming Joy in Menopause & the Holidays
Most menopausal women spend December in a mode I call “Functional Festivity.” This means you’re doing everything that makes the holidays feel magical for everyone else, while running on fluctuating hormones, inconsistent sleep, and a to-do list that resembles a Shoppers receipt.
But eventually the planning ends.
The gifts get wrapped.
Someone else sets the table for once.
And the moment arrives when you should be able to enjoy the season.
The problem? Many women don’t know how to transition from “doing” to “enjoying.” Especially when their bodies and emotions are shifting.
Here’s how to reclaim joy in a way that feels authentic, grounded, and aligned with who you are now.
1. Challenge the “I Should…” Thoughts
The holidays are full of internalized expectations:
“I should be in a better mood.”
“I should host.”
“I should look happy in every photo.”
“I should keep all the old traditions alive.”
“Shoulds” create guilt, pressure, and frustration. They also block joy. When a “should” shows up,
ask:
Who says I should do this?
Is this expectation helpful or harmful?
Is this something I want—or something I feel obligated to maintain?
Is this a rule I made up?
What would happen if I didn’t do this?
Joy often increases the moment you let go of the invisible rules you’ve been carrying for years.
2. Practice Present-Moment Awareness
Menopause can make your mind race: future worries, physical discomforts, emotional tension. The antidote? Grounding techniques that bring you back to the moment.
Try:
Focusing on your senses at gatherings
Taking small “pauses of pleasure”
Allowing yourself to slow down and actually absorb the good moments
Setting micro-intentions like: “I will notice one thing that feels good today”
The more present you are, the more joy you can access.
3. Celebrate Your Strengths, Growth & Wins
Joy doesn’t come from perfect holidays, it comes from recognizing your own resilience and worth.
You’ve:
Survived an entire year of highs, lows, and hormonal unpredictability
Supported others through their challenges
Grown emotionally and mentally
Adapted to physical changes
Continued showing up with love
These things matter. These things deserve acknowledgement.
Create a simple evening ritual:
Light a candle
Take a breath
Name one strength you used today
Name one moment you appreciated
When you honour your strengths, joy becomes easier to access—because you finally give yourself permission to feel it.
