In this heartfelt bonus episode of the Make More Love Podcast, Ellen Dorian addresses the complex emotions that can arise during the Christmas season, especially for those who feel isolated, disconnected, or out-of-step with the festivities. Drawing from personal experiences and real client stories, Ellen offers compassionate strategies for coping with holiday loneliness, respecting individual traditions, and rebuilding meaningful connections—both with ourselves and those we love.

Part 1: Navigating the Overwhelm and Outside Expectations

Ellen opens the episode by acknowledging the saturation and pressures of the Christmas season, emphasizing that not everyone celebrates—and for many, the unrelenting holiday messaging can feel isolating or invalidating. She shares her own childhood memories of cross-cultural celebrations and discusses how differing traditions, loss, and changes in family dynamics can leave people feeling invisible or alone.

Part 2: Reclaiming the Holidays Through Intention and Small Rituals

After describing her personal struggles with grief and holiday disconnect, Ellen outlines how she slowly rebuilt her relationship with the season by honoring her feelings, embracing gratitude and generosity, and establishing new, personally meaningful holiday rituals—like joining a caroling group, creating her own movie traditions, or starting small annual rituals just for herself.

Part 3: Connection, Grace, and Taking Action—For Yourself and Others

Ellen addresses the unique isolation that successful business owners and those in disconnected relationships may experience. She offers a powerful exercise: identifying and fulfilling a childhood wish for yourself (and possibly your partner) to foster reconnection and healing. The episode closes with an appeal for listeners to reach out to those who might be alone, and a reminder that support is available—both through community (like Andy Grant’s virtual hangout) and professional crisis lines.

Key Takeaways:

1. Holiday loneliness is real, whether you celebrate or not, and your feelings are valid.
2. Small, intentional changes—like creating a new tradition or reaching out to someone else—can slowly restore a sense of joy and belonging.
3. Giving yourself (and your partner) a “lost” gift from childhood can be a surprisingly meaningful way to reconnect with the spirit of the season.
4. You are not alone—resources, supportive communities, and professional help are available if the season feels overwhelming.

Call to Action:

Share your own strategies for making the holidays more meaningful with Ellen Dorian by email or in the P3 Insider’s Community. If you’re struggling, consider booking a free Relationship Reset Call for personalized support, or take the Relationship Dynamics Scorecard at MakeMoreLove.show/quiz for immediate insights.

Closing Thoughts:

Your presence truly is your gift. No matter your circumstances this season, remember that you matter and that reaching out (for support or to offer it) can make a world of difference. Ellen Dorian encourages everyone to take small steps toward building connection, meaning, and, ultimately, more love.

Support & Resources:

Ellen invites listeners to share their thoughts, either in the P3 Insider's Community or directly with her via email. Or, for one-on-one brainstorming on a specific situation, listeners can set up a time on Ellen's Calendar for a free Relationship Reset Call.

For immediate insights, take the Relationship Dynamics Scorecard: A fast free quiz to pinpoint relationship strengths and stressors, and identify priorities that need your attention. Find it at: MakeMoreLove.show/quiz

Get connected with Andy Grant's Christmas Day Virtual Hangout here:

Realmenfeel.org/group

U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

You don't have to handle this alone.

Help is available 24/7/365

Call or Text 988, or go to chat.988lifeline.org.

All Other Links can be found below.

Share the Love:

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About the Host:

Ellen Dorian is a relationship and business coach dedicated to helping high-performing business leaders truly create the business, relationship, and life that most entrepreneurs only dream of.

Disclaimer:

The Make More Love show is for information and entertainment purposes only, and reflects the personal opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not a substitute for professional advice or guidance in specific situations.

"Love isn't something you find. You have to make it. And that's my mission-- to help you Make More Love, with Your Wife and In Your Life.'"

– Ellen Dorian

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