This is the season of hope, no matter which holiday you celebrate. Christians celebrate the coming of Christ, Wiccans the rebirth of the sun. Hanukkah commemorates the miraculous candles that burned for eight days on one day’s worth of oil. Kwanzaa is rooted in an ancient harvest celebration of the first fruits. Although a bit earlier in the month, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha in memory of Ibraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. And children eagerly await the coming of Santa.

We are all human beings, and we are all connected. As John Donne once wrote, “No man is an island, entire in himself. Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” Take a few minutes this week to appreciate the connection of spirit and hope around the world, no matter your beliefs. Or theirs.

It’s the Ides of December—smack dab in the middle of the holiday rushing season. This week find a way to take at least ten minutes all to yourself every day. Even that little bit of peace and quiet can help keep your nerves from reaching that fraying point.

Here’s a special Holiday Challenger for you:

Embrace imperfection.

This year, give up any attempt to have a “perfect” holiday. Instead enjoy the foibles, challenges and outright failures that will give this season its own unique flavor. Memories are made from the imperfections. What do you remember—and laugh over—from past holidays? What are the stories you tell? I’ll bet they aren’t about the times everything went right!

So embrace the season—all of it—and appreciate its imperfections.

Change your focus this holiday season. Instead of stressing over doing and getting, try focusing on being and experiencing. Notice your feelings and embrace them. What’s happening to you right now?

Take the time to smell the cookies baking, the resinous scent of fresh pine. Feel the fresh air on your face. Catch snowflakes on your tongue, if you’re lucky enough to live in a place that gets snow. (Don’t worry about February and March yet. Enjoy the first December snows for what they are.)

Don’t rush from one event to another; slow down and really be in the moment.