1. Start your own holiday tradition with your family of choice. You don’t have to have brisket or turkey just because that’s customary. Enjoy a meal that is meaningful to your tribe. Host a potluck and have everybody bring a favorite dish or treat and then explain why it is meaningful for them. You’ll learn something new about your friends while trying new foods.

2. Learn about a holiday tradition that is different from the one in which you grew up. Many African Americans celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa, which teaches unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Hanukkah is the eight-day festival of lights celebrated by Jews around the world. Learning about the celebrations of groups different than our own can be fascinating and remind us that deeply, we are one.

3. Find a new reason to celebrate. Did you know Dec. 16 is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day? We think that’s a great reason to celebrate. Dec. 18 is Bake Cookies Day. If you don’t like either of these, you may enjoy Dec. 21 – National Humbug Day, which is described by its founders as a day for everyone preparing for the holidays to vent their frustrations. What national holiday would you create?

4. Write down everything you are grateful for this year. Roll up the paper and put it in a clear glass ornament with the year marked on the outside. These are great fun to review year after year.

5. Keep this affirmation on your bathroom mirror: I honor myself during this holiday season and follow my inner guidance to create an experience that feels safe, fulfilling and appropriate to me right now.