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Writer's pictureLouisa Mastromarino

The Power of Forgiving: Embracing the Spirit of Forgiveness During the Holiday Season

Updated: Jul 23


The holiday season is a time of joy, gratitude, and celebration. It's a time when families and friends come together, exchanging gifts and creating memories. However, amidst the cheerful ambiance, it's important to remember the true essence of the holidays: forgiveness. The act of forgiving is a profound and transformative experience that can bring about healing and restoration in our relationships. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of forgiveness during the holiday season and how it can contribute to a more harmonious and fulfilling celebration.


1. Letting go of resentment:

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves during the holiday season is the act of letting go of resentment. Holding onto grudges and past hurts only serves to weigh us down emotionally, preventing us from fully enjoying the festivities. Forgiveness is not condoning or forgetting the wrong done to us but rather a conscious decision to release the negative emotions associated with it. By choosing forgiveness, we open ourselves up to the possibility of reclaiming our joy and embracing the spirit of the season.


2. Healing broken relationships:

The holiday season serves as a perfect opportunity to mend broken relationships. Offering forgiveness to those who have wronged us can act as a catalyst for healing and reconciliation. It requires us to extend empathy, understanding, and compassion towards others, recognizing their fallibility and our own. By initiating conversations with loved ones and expressing our desire to mend the rifts, we actively engage in the process of healing broken bonds. This act of forgiveness not only benefits the relationship itself but also nurtures personal growth and emotional well-being.


3. Cultivating a sense of unity:

Forgiveness has the power to foster unity within families, communities, and even on a global level. The holiday season often brings people from various walks of life together under one roof, creating unique opportunities for connection and understanding. By choosing forgiveness, we break down barriers and foster an environment of empathy and goodwill. It's through forgiveness that we can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and build stronger, more resilient relationships that extend far beyond the holiday season.


4. Positive impact on health:

Robert Enright, who has been studying forgiveness for nearly four decades and is cofounder of the nonprofit International Forgiveness Institute, said there is plenty of evidence that shows the act has psychological benefits, including reducing anger, anxiety and depression. Forgiveness also has a positive impact on our health, including lower blood pressure, better sleep, lower levels of stress-induced inflammation and a stronger immune system.


5. Creating a positive ripple effect:

The act of forgiving not only has a transformative impact on us but can also inspire others to follow suit. When one person extends forgiveness, it sets a precedent, demonstrating the maturity and strength required to let go of past grievances. This ripple effect can potentially lead to a chain reaction of forgiveness, with each act contributing to a more harmonious and peaceful world, one relationship at a time.





As we immerse ourselves in the celebrations and festivities of the holiday season, let us remember the importance of forgiveness. By letting go of resentment, healing broken relationships, cultivating unity, and creating a positive ripple effect, we can truly embrace the spirit of forgiveness. It is through forgiveness that we pave the way for greater joy, love, and understanding during this special time of year. So, let us make forgiveness an integral part of our holiday traditions and extend it to both ourselves and others.






References:


Kane, Andrea (2023, December, 10). Five tips to help you flex your forgiveness muscle. Retrieved from


Pope, Tara Parker (2023, April, 20). Are you ready to forgive? A new study shows letting go is good for health.We are neighbors. Retrieved from




Louisa Mastromarino is the CEO of Holistic Consortium, LLC, a distant holistic and life coaching practice worldwide. Louisa is a Licensed Spiritual Health Coach, Licensed Ecclesiastical Health Practitioner, and certified counselor educator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, a Master of Science Degree in School Counseling, and a post master’s degree in Supervision and Educational Leadership.  She is also certified in Intuitive Consulting, Reiki, Integrated Energy Therapy, Esoteric Healing, Matrix Energetic and a host of holistic programs. Louisa is the author of Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Washington, D.C., Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to New York City, Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brizzley Bear Loves Poetry and additional publications.  Louisa's work has been highlighted in the noted publications Careers from the Kitchen Table by Raven Blair Davis and Miracles in the Divine by Beverly Pokorski. Louisa is also an intuitive artist and writer with works found at LouisaMastro.com. Please email Louisa at distantholistic@gmail.com to schedule a private holistic or spiritual life coaching session. Thank you.

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