Finding the Beauty Between Religion and Spirituality This Holiday Season

Image by Chad Madden

The holiday season is among us! From football and family on Thanksgiving to merry spirits and mistletoe on Christmas day, the holiday cheer is here. And while this season often elicits feelings of joy and nostalgia, it can also be an incredibly anxiety-inducing time for many others. This time of year is steeped in cherished traditions — decorating trees, lighting candles, preparing festive meals, and attending religious services. However, there are people who don’t get to partake in this excitement and that can come with a world of blue feelings.

We’ve all heard of seasonal depression. For many of us, the holidays can be a reminder of things we’d much rather forget. If you’re feeling down this holiday season, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder is affecting about 5% of adults in the US, and lasting about 40% of the year for people on average. As the weather cools down and the loneliness creeps in, this disorder can feel crippling to some.

While the holidays offer a season of connection, it also invites a deeper, often solitary reflection. This duality offers an opportunity to explore the intricate balance between religion and spirituality in our lives.

“It’s common to feel run down and overwhelmed during the holiday season. Practicing spiritual wellness during this time can help you stay centered, healthy and energized – either through traditional religious practices or in quiet, personal moments. Recognizing the balance between spirituality and religion helps us honor both our shared traditions and the unique ways we find meaning and joy in this season.,” says Jaya Jaya Myra. 

The Role of Religion in Holiday Traditions

Religion provides the framework for many holiday practices, shaping how communities come together and express gratitude. From the quiet beauty of midnight Mass to the vibrant joy of Christmas celebrations, these rituals give structure to the season. Religion anchors us, connecting generations with a shared understanding of purpose and identity.

However, for some, the rigidity of religious tradition can feel at odds with the personal nature of spirituality. While religion often emphasizes community and adherence to established norms, spirituality can be more individualistic, encouraging personal growth and introspection.

Spirituality as a Compass in Introspective Times

The shorter days and longer nights of winter naturally draw us inward. For many, this is a time to reflect on life’s big questions. Who am I? What do I value? How can I grow? Spirituality, with its focus on inner exploration and connection to the divine or the universe, provides a path for those seeking meaning beyond the walls of organized religion.

Jaya Jaya Myra reminds us that “Religion and spirituality are not mutually exclusive.”

Spirituality offers an opportunity for us to look beyond the tightness that sometimes accompanies religion. But, when combined together, these two can provide a sense of comfort and balance that many of us seek, especially during the holidays.

Jaya Jaya Myra contends that: “When working together, they can offer a harmonious, constructive balanced path to help navigate life’s complexities. While religion can offer a wonderful framework, spirituality is the ultimate journey within. Spirituality empowers us to connect with our true purpose, while ultimately finding peace and fulfillment in our own unique way.”

Finding this balance can also aid in cultivating a sense of character within yourself. Jaya Jaya Myra’s 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, Gita for the Masses, focuses on helping individuals examine personal beliefs and self-awareness for intentional growth. This is known as “conscious character development,” where an individual evaluates themselves, their experiences, and – in this case – their relationship with religion and spirituality to better themselves and the way they present to others.

The holiday season is a time of togetherness and transformation, a season where the external world of celebration meets the internal world of contemplation. By blending the structured beauty of religion with the expansive nature of spirituality, you can create a holiday experience that feels both grounded and deeply personal.