The Joy of the Holidays in Four Colors - A Birkman Reflection

As we move through this season—whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Las Posadas, or simply enjoy the softer pace of winter—I’ve been reflecting on how differently joy shows up for each of us.

When I was growing up with had a Color Wheel that shone on the Christmas tree and it changed from Red to Yellow to Green to Blue.  When we had a “flocked” tree or an aluminum tree, the whole room would be reflected in one of the four colors.  Because we have a retro aluminum tree this year, I thought about doing it again.  But this brought to mind that all four colors - just like Birkman - have their own time to shine and to connect for those celebrating.

The Birkman Map offers a beautiful lens for this.

It reminds us that people experience the world—and the holidays—through four distinct energies.

None better. None lesser. All needed.

Here’s what holiday joy can look like… in four colors:

BLUE — Joy in Meaning & Quiet Beauty

For Blues, the holidays feel deeply sacred.

Not necessarily in a religious sense—more in a soulful, reflective way.

It’s the soft music, the creative displays, the traditional readings, and the cards from friends near and far.

It’s evenings by the fireplace when the world finally slows down enough for emotion to surface.

Blues find joy in the moments that feel like a gentle exhale.

GREEN — Joy in Togetherness & Generosity

Greens experience the holidays through connection.

Their joy is in shared meals, lingering conversations, and rooms filled with laughter.

It’s inviting others in. Giving thoughtfully. Donating time. Supporting a cause.

Greens are at their best when they’re bringing people together.

They remind us that the season becomes richer when the circle grows.

RED — Joy in Action, Adventure & Hands-On Tradition

Reds bring the energy.

Cutting down the tree.

Traveling to visit relatives.

Hanging up the lights—even the full “National Lampoon’s” version.

Hayrides, outdoor festivities, brisk weather… they love the doing of the season.

Reds help us remember that joy is often something you feel with your whole body.

YELLOW — Joy in Tradition, Continuity & Family Legacy

For Yellows, the season is built on rituals.

The same movies.

The same decorations (each with a story).

The recipes that have been handed down for generations.

The photos taken to mark each year.

The holiday letters that keep the whole family connected.

Yellows are the memory-keepers who help anchor us to what matters most.

A Season That Belongs to All of Us

Whatever you celebrate—and however you experience this time of year—your way of finding joy is valid, meaningful, and needed.

May this season meet you in your color.

May it fill you with what nourishes your spirit.

And may we all make room for the many beautiful ways others celebrate, connect, and reflect.

Happy Holidays, in every color.