I find beauty in strange places.
Today, as I write on a foggy gray afternoon, the view outside my window is… less than inspiring. But then my eyes land on the Kleenex box on my desk — cheerful snowy houses, bright evergreens, and tiny wreaths perched above the doors — and suddenly, I feel a flicker of delight.
This ridiculous fondness for cute tissue boxes has become a bit of a running joke in my family. Still, I’m genuinely grateful that something so ordinary can lift my mood and remind me that beauty doesn’t have to be grand or obvious to matter.
Of course, I’m also moved by the more traditional kinds of beauty — like the music from my daughters’ Christmas concert last week. The handbells, orchestra, and choir really kindled my holiday spirit, along with the joy of seeing my girls perform.
And it’s not just a nice feeling. Research suggests that appreciating beauty activates parts of the brain linked to pleasure, calm, and connection. It can lower stress hormones, steady our heart rate, and even boost resilience by helping us focus on what’s good and meaningful.
In other words, taking in a bit of beauty — whether it’s art, nature, or a well-designed Kleenex box — can help restore both our mood and our sense of balance during a busy season.
This week’s tool in the Peace & Positivity for the Holidays series is appreciating and creating beauty in the world around us.
7 Ways to Find Beauty During the Holiday Season
- Take a Beauty Walk (or Drive)
Be intentional about noticing the beauty of nature- look at the snowflakes if you’re in a place with snow or the colored leaves on the trees (like here in Texas.) Admire the beauty created by humans through holiday decorations.
- Capture Moments of Light
Take photos of small, lovely things — morning frost, a reflection on the window, string lights at dusk. Noticing through a lens helps train your eyes toward appreciation. This could even be a part of your Beauty Walk.
- Appreciate Musical Excellence
Attend a musical performance or listen deeply to a song you love. Notice the lyrics, rhythm, harmonies, or instrumental skill.
- Revisit Holiday Memories
Flip through old photos, ornaments, or cards that recall meaningful moments. A friend of mine loves watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special every year. Emotional beauty can be just as powerful as what you see outside.
- Share Beauty with Others
Send a short message, poem, or image to someone who could use a lift. Spreading beauty amplifies its impact on both giver and receiver.
- Find Beauty in Meaningful Rituals
Whether it’s lighting a candle at dusk, saying a familiar prayer, singing sacred music, or observing a cherished practice that connects you with something larger than yourself, rituals offer rich opportunities to experience beauty.
- Pause for Stillness
Sometimes beauty reveals itself when we stop rushing. Give yourself a quiet minute — maybe with a cup of tea — to simply look around.
This Week’s Challenge
I’d love to hear from you!
Where are you finding beauty during this holiday season? How can you create a little if it’s not readily available?
Leave me a comment and join the conversation!
Need Support?
If you’d like personalized strategies for peace and positivity this holiday season, email me at dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.
Dianna Collier 
Today I found beauty in the wind. I was sitting at a traffic light and the wind is really gusty today. The trees were swaying, the grass was swaying, my truck was swaying :-). Made me smile.
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Ooh…that’s really inspiring me to notice the beauty in the wind!
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