Holly jolly … but is that all? An OT perspective on the holidays.

The holiday season is often characterized by the “holly jolly” aesthetic of decorations and social gatherings, but for occupational therapists and students, these periods represent a profound intersection of human “doing” and “being”. From an occupational perspective, holidays are far more than mere breaks in the calendar; they are specialized periods set aside from our daily routines to celebrate culture, religion, and rituals. While they are a societal norm, they function as a vital component of an individual’s identity, providing a sense of order and helping us understand our place within the universe.

At the heart of the holiday experience is the concept of the “sacred”. This period allows individuals to step away from the relentless demands and stressors of daily life to connect with something larger than themselves. Occupational therapy literature, specifically the work of Luboshitzky and Gaber (2001), posits that holidays and celebrations are, in themselves, a spiritual occupation. This spirituality is not necessarily confined to organized religion; rather, we find the sacred in ourselves, our relationships, natural or holy places, and the broader universe.

When we engage in occupations that carry this spiritual weight, we often experience a profound shift in our internal state. Amirav, Larsen, and Taylor (2021) emphasize that imbuing occupations with spiritual significance fosters experiences of hope. During the holidays, these occupations offer a unique chance to connect across time and space, connecting us with our present community, the history of our families, and even those who came before us.

Perhaps the most tangible holiday occupation is the preparation and consumption of food. Food acts as a symbolic bridge between “yesterday” and “today,” weaving together the threads of memory and current experience. Research conducted by Clair et al. (2005, 2013) explores how food-related activities serve as a recipe for identity formation, particularly among older women.

In many cultures, women take on the role of “matriarchs” during these festivals. Far from being a mere domestic burden, this role is often one of power and preservation, where women act as the keepers of tradition. Simple tasks like peeling vegetables or baking bread take on deep personal and spiritual meaning when placed in a holiday context. The skill and love poured into holiday cooking are viewed as a form of self-gift, where the individual offers a part of their own identity to their loved ones.

As (future) OTs, it is essential to reflect on our position during these times. We are not just observers of tradition; we are facilitators of meaningful participation. This starts with a commitment to learning from our clients and respecting their unique community traditions, roles, and spiritual beliefs. We must approach each client with the understanding that their holiday needs are as individual as their fingerprints.

Part of our clinical responsibility involves the environment. We work to shape clinical or home settings so that they align with a client’s specific physical, sensory, and emotional needs. For some, this might mean creating a quiet space to avoid sensory overload during a loud family gathering; for others, it might mean adapting a kitchen so they can continue the vital occupation of cooking a traditional meal. Our goal is to promote participation in a way that ensures every person feels safe and valued.

It is also vital to recognize that the holidays are not a time of universal joy. “Holiday Blues” are a real and significant phenomenon, and as OTs, we must support our clients holistically. This means validating sadness and grief without forcing “obligatory” happiness. Whether a client is celebrating with vigor, resting in quiet contemplation, or navigating deep sorrow, every human experience is understood and valid within our practice.

We support the individual’s journey through the four pillars of occupational science: doing, being, becoming, and belonging.

Doing: The active participation in rituals and tasks.

Being: The ability to exist in the moment and find peace.

Becoming: The growth and transformation that occurs through tradition.

Belonging: The deep connection to a community and a shared history.

Meaning is a universal experience, yet it is expressed in billions of unique ways. The holidays serve as a magnifying glass for this meaning, highlighting our need for connection, identity, and the sacred. As we move through these periods, the message from the occupational therapy community is one of radical acceptance: we hope you experience this holiday exactly as you truly want and need.

Reference List

Amirav, D. R., Larsen, D., & Taylor, E. (2021). Imbuing Occupations with Spiritual Significance Fosters Experiences of Hope. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 41(3), 163-168.

Clair, V. W., Hocking, C., Bunrayong, W., Vittayakorn, S., & Rattakorn, P. (2005). Older New Zealand women doing the work of Christmas: a recipe for identity formation. The Sociological Review, 53(2), 332-350.

Clair, V. a. W., Pierce, D., Bunrayong, W., Rattakorn, P., Vittayakorn, S., Shordike, A., & Hocking, C. (2013). Cross-Cultural understandings of Festival Food-Related activities for older women in Chiang Mai, Thailand, eastern Kentucky, USA and Auckland, New Zealand. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 28(2), 103-119.

Luboshitzky, D., & Gaber, L. B. (2001). Holidays and celebrations as a spiritual occupation. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 48(2), 66-74