It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year…but many of us aren’t exactly feeling wonderful. Instead, we’re all feeling tired, a little anxious, and dealing with some sort of unidentified existential dread and a desire to just nestle in and remain in a fetal position for the next several weeks. Which is basically the same way many of us have felt all the weeks…for the last couple of years.
“The holidays are hard, but lately, just being a human is even harder,” says Jill Palmquist, vice president of Life Time and author of In This Lifetime. “Packed calendars. Mandatory merriment. Endless invitations. You might be full of dread instead of holiday cheer.”
There are good reasons why our inner party animal has gone into hibernation. Between AI taking thousands of jobs, social media training us to curate every moment of our lives, and lingering pandemic awkwardness, we’ve all forgotten what it means to be human. Add to that the hours we spend glued to our phones, and it’s no wonder our muscle memory for genuine connection is fading. If the thought of putting on your party shoes feels like too much for your soul, you’re definitely not alone.
But the holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with what makes us human, says Palmquist. When the world feels heavy, we need moments that pull us back into our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. We’re made for connection. And even in tough times—especially in tough times—those small moments of presence and warmth remind us we’re still here, still human, still capable of joy.
In This Lifetime is, on the surface, a coffee table book. But look deeper, and it’s a distilled master class in waking up to the magic of simply being alive, with amazing bodies and curious minds that can do so many incredible things. The book is filled with breathtaking photographs, thought-provoking essays, proverbs, parables, conversation starters, and distilled snippets of life wisdom to help you embrace the wonder and be fully present for the holidays…and each day beyond.
Don’t miss out on the sparkle and joy of the season. Here are a few ways to reengage and enjoy.
Just go. “We are inherently lazy, so ‘I have nothing to wear’ is all you need for permission to party-skip,” says Palmquist. “Forget that. Same leggings for three days? Get in there. The pressure to look perfect is exhausting. A solid 6 out of 10 effort is perfect.”
BYOE. (Bring your own enthusiasm.) No “I have to go” energy. You get to go. Arrive alive. Make an entrance. And quit preplanning your Irish Goodbye. Your host went to a lot of trouble and your full, ridiculous pleasure in being there is a gift. Showing up fully is more satisfying than half-assing your way through an evening. Or anything, for that matter.
Head for the food table. Unapologetically. Come starved and work those apps like you’re preparing for January hibernation—because you are. “Seen the price of meat lately?” and “What’s a Devil on Horseback?” are great conversation starters. Communicate immediately your interest in a to-go bag and give yourself bonus points if you slip in a few deviled eggs for breakfast. The time for restraint is not now.
Embrace the mundane. “We’re all out of practice with party talk, but remember that this is not the place for intellectual discourse,” says Palmquist. “We’re starving for real conversation. Snow removal. Varicose veins. The old Swedish performance team or rabid racoon dishwasher-loading debate. The truth is…boring is interesting when it’s honest.”
Turn complaints into connection. Complaining is second nature and also a superpower. Don’t suppress it. Turn grievances into stories that have people saying, “OH MY GOD, YES. I am not alone.” Menopause, misery, and mothers-in-law. This is how we bond.
Embrace medical conditions. Ailments are great icebreakers. Joint replacement? Pure joy. Night sweats? Conversational gold. Throw on an eye patch or grab some crutches. Fragility offers both entertainment and the privilege of budging the bathroom line.
Ask the questions. Impulse control is overrated. “Forget ‘How have you been?’ Want to just skip to the part where we all analyze each other’s life choices?” “What’s the worst thing that happened to you in 2025?” “When did you last cry?” Don’t be afraid to put your foot in your mouth. That’s where the good stuff happens.
Bring out your inner Elf. No wonder we love that darn Buddy so much. All that childlike wonder. Now it’s your turn. Be the one who starts the Love Train, sings the song, drinks the syrup. Sparking and sharing joy is a form of activism. We’re living in a world that doesn’t need more automation or perfection, filters, and feeds. It needs more absurdity. More delight. More laughter.
AI can write your humble brag holiday newsletter, plan the relative-avoiding trip, or suggest wine pairings for a deep-fried goose. But it can’t laugh so hard eggnog comes out its nose or hold a fart during the blessing. A reel or story will never capture what it’s like to lock eyes and smile with a stranger over cocktail weenies as you realize you’re wearing the same ugly holiday house sweater.
“Only we humans can do that,” concludes Palmquist. “Only we in our flawed, awkward, nosy, falling-apart, glorious bodies and squirrel-nervous minds can suddenly hear sleigh bells and get hit by a childhood memory of our father so hard we cry. Only we can eat so many cookies we take the waist extender we brought as a hostess gift out of the bag because we really need it. Only we can get and give the best gift of the season, which is simply remembering we are alive.”
About the Author:
Jill Palmquist is a celebrated author, engaging speaker, and VP/chief storytelling officer at Life Time. Jill’s message isn’t about personal development or leadership in the traditional sense—it’s about living fully, joyfully, and as your true, unique self. She has spent over 20 years helping Life Time evolve into a beloved brand that has redefined the health club industry. Along the way, she’s been inspired by its millions of members and gathered insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate what it means to live a healthy, happy life. Her book, aptly titled In This Lifetime, is a manifesto that will help you notice, appreciate, and enjoy the beauty of being alive, give a gentle nudge to the brevity…and offer simple suggestions for making the most of this whole human experience.
Top Bigstock photo by dolgachov
