Finding Joy in the Season: A Holiday Message for BCBAs

The holidays are coming, and I’m sure as a lot of BCBAs do, you have juggled between reporting at the end of the year, assessment of informant measures and also trying to catch up with your personal holiday responsibilities. But now, it is time to exhale, put the data sheets aside, and get some of that holiday goodness.

We are behavior analysts, we are accustomed to overanalyzing, always planning and over structuring every single thing. But the holidays are a good time to recall that sometimes we need to sit back and experience things as they happen.

The Challenge: Balancing Work and Holiday Cheer🎄

Let’s be honest—this time of year can be a lot. Between managing work responsibilities and navigating the chaos of holiday shopping, travel plans, and family gatherings, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling too much. It’s the season of giving, but don’t forget to give yourself a little grace.

The Solution: Celebrate the Small Wins

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Just like in our work with clients, it’s the small wins that matter most. Whether it’s catching your toddler’s joy at decorating cookies, carving out time to watch Elf for the 10th year in a row, or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa by the tree after a long day—it’s those moments that truly make the season bright.

Relevance to ABA: Reinforcing the Good Stuff

It’s that time of the year where we should all practice self-love: put more emphasis on the good things. Praise yourself for your efforts, highlight the work of your team, and the overall difference that you have made for your clients and their families during the year.

And when the forces of nature doing what they do best – destroying everything in their way – Once the stresses of the season come around (because let’s be honest, holidays also do have their bursts of extinction), remember that it’s totally fine to take a break, restructure your mind, and connect with the people around you for support.

Takeaways for a Happy Holiday Season🎅

• Focus on the Moments that Matter: Forget perfection—aim for connection.

• Celebrate Your Wins: Reflect on the progress you’ve made this year, both personally and professionally.

• Give Yourself a Break: You’ve earned it! Take time to recharge and enjoy what brings you joy.

As this year draws to a close, let us take this opportunity to not only appreciate the work that has been done by behavior analysts but also the love and relationships that are important to our lives.

Please see the video below for a more comical take on what I do on my days off work—for I am a BCBA and should enjoy the holidays after all!

What’s your favorite way to unwind during the holidays? Share your thoughts or drop your go-to holiday traditions in the comments! Let’s spread a little extra joy this season.

Happy Holidays from Celeration ABA!