By Chloe Webster Art by Ansley Skipper. Enneagram fans gather round. Whether you became obsessed after falling down a rabbit hole following that Meyers-Briggs Test freshman year or recently found an artsy enneagram Instagram page (@cathartic_word is my fav), I understand the excitement that comes with “personality types.” If new to the world of the enneagram, I encourage a quick quiz before this read.
Type One: The Perfectionist Room neatly decorated with soft lights; a winter forest candle aglow; wishlist organized by Powerpoint (new – but specifically picked out – planner, local coffee beans, non-fiction inspirational read, office supplies). Practical and hardworking, you are ready for a break filled with set plans that live up to your expectations. You will probably spend some time acting “for the greater good,” whether volunteering or making sure to spend more time than usual with family. You bought your whole family and friend group carefully thought-out gifts. It is your responsibility to, after all. And, when telling people what you wanted this year, you were honest and to the point: who wants something that isn’t useful? My Type One suggestions: Read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Watch Disney’s A Christmas Carol Bake the “Perfect Sugar Cookie” And please, don’t pick up that calculator until next semester. Type Two: The Giver Fuzzy blanket? Yes. Every light ever? Yes. Cookies in the oven? Yes. Your room is decked out. You have 57 dessert recipes saved (and ready to make). You want to give a present… To the whole world. Warm, approachable and ever radiating with kindness, you thrive during this time of year. It’s cheerful; there are warm mugs of coffee and hot chocolate everywhere, and you have an excuse to give all the gifts you want. Sadly, this year you won’t be able to give as many hugs as usual, but that’s okay, the FaceTimes make up for it. So, light that Christmas Cookie candle and put on comfy PJs. It’s time to begin wrapping all those gifts and baking treats for the neighbors. But remember, take time for yourself. You, too, deserve a break. My Type Two suggestions: Read Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No Watch Elf Bake some Gingerbread Cookies And please, go find a dog to pet. Type Three: The Achiever I promise there is no award for “best holiday aesthetic.” You can chill on the decorations. Besides, you have too many coffee dates, walks and calls to attend. With all those people coming home from college and family members and friends to catch up with, the planner is filled. As for shopping, it’s been difficult for you to pick out the perfect gift for everyone. You’ve spent hours navigating gift guides and trendy stores, hoping to see the present. As a fellow three, I understand; I just hope you found it! I know it’s sad that the holiday season does not include all the parties to go to this year. Your charisma always shines during social events. However, feel free to still wear the fabulous outfits sitting in your closet. Organize an immediate-family “fancy” dinner if you need an excuse. Above all, make sure to take a break. Seriously, you deserve one. My Type Three suggestions: Read A Short Guide to a Happy Life Watch The Santa Clause Bake these extravagant Pinwheel Cookies And please, take a break from writing emails. Sleep! Type Four: The Individualist Unique and a bit quirky, your artsy skills come out in various forms over the holidays. Whether it’s a personalized wrapping job or matching decorations that flow throughout the house, your identity bleeds through every action. You may be spending more time listening to music since school is over. Those headphones are on. Perhaps you started painting or sketching again since you have the time. Some creative pursuit is bound to flourish during these next few weeks. Because your thinking can be described as “out of the box,” the gifts you give leave a lasting impression. They are both thoughtful and individualized. You truly know how to make people feel… You are quite experienced in the emotions department afterall. My Type Four suggestions: Read The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris Watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Bake Sugar Cookie Trees And please, use those creative talents as gifts! Type Five: The Investigator Oh no. Holidays means people and parties and socialization! However, this year is a bit different. There is more time for reading by the fire, diving into topics you want to learn about and watching Youtube videos about cooking technique or the lives of cats. The holidays are meant to be a break from school, but for an intellectual like you, they are a way to continue to expand in non-required knowledge. This may mean testing out new recipes or spending days reading all the books on the bedside table. The unknown intrigues you, and as we head into a New Year of uncertainty, you are excited about the possibilities ahead. Until then, the break approaches. Free time awaits. My Type Five suggestions: Read Rules for Visiting Watch Home Alone Bake French Macarons And please, share those random facts or jokes you know. They’re a hit! Type Six: The Loyalist Dedicated and responsible, you are ready to have a safe holiday season filled with socially-distanced friend get-togethers and many FaceTime calls. You love to be a part of a “group,” so you will do whatever it takes to get people together this year as safely as possible. Willing to make sacrifices for your loved ones, you work hard to get gifts that make people feel positive about themselves. You have organized your shopping list, managing how to spend money with precision. With each holiday that rolls around, you make sure to communicate to loved-ones just how much they mean to you. Those closest to you truly appreciate your support and dependability during a time like this. But, don’t forget to spend time doing what you want to be doing, not just what is expected of you as a “good” or “loyal” person. Some self-reflection could be healthy. My Type Six suggestions: Read The Art of Gathering Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas Bake Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies (no risk there!) And please, don’t let this season worry you too much. Type Seven: The Enthusiast The Christmas station is turned all the way in your car, and it has been since the week after Halloween. Holiday season is your favorite time to go all out, plan as many parties as possible and drink too many peppermint mochas. You have a childlike energy for the simplest of joys, and it radiates everywhere you go… And you go a lot of places! This year has limited your opportunities, but you are determined to make the most out of each experience available. Running about the zoo at Zoolights? Absolutely. Taking a night to walk Downtown and see the lights? Of course. Getting in PJs and making homemade hot chocolate? Duh. Even with the cancellations, your glass half-full personality inspires those around you to go out and still make the most of the holiday season. So, have fun, take lots of pictures (I know you will) and fill up those Saturday nights with safe activities. My Type Seven suggestions Read The Power of Now Watch The Polar Express Bake Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups And please, don’t drink too many lattes. The energy is already there! Type Eight: The Challenger Fiercely independent and a bit stubborn at times, this season can bring some stress as everything feels out of your control. You have spent these last few weeks writing your list of goals to complete the semester. Yes, those group projects may have brought out your “bossy” side, but at least the grades are good! As someone who craves respect, gift-giving offers a chance to impress. You pull out all the stops to make your gifts shine. Holiday season is a challenge you accept, ready to tough it out and “succeed,” whether that means in baking, gifting or trivia around the fire. However, as strongly independent as you are, it is important to reroot yourself in the family and friends who surround you. I know vulnerability is scary; however, others appreciate softness every once in a while. Sit around the table and remember to smile. Perhaps a good laugh here and there, it’s good for you. My Type Eight suggestions: Read Daring Greatly Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas Bake these Biscotti Cookies (and dunk them in hot cocoa or coffee) And please, don’t scare the cousins away with that board game competitiveness. Type Nine: The Peacemaker Oh the season of wishes for peace and harmony in the world has come around, and you are very happy. Your calm demeanor blends very well with that rustic gingerbread candle burning amongst the glow of the Christmas tree or Menorah Lights. Don’t forget the fuzzy socks and white blanket with poms-poms which never seems to leave your bed these days. As a hater of conflict, you enjoy avoiding any awkward conversation at the dinner table, keeping a list of “friendly” topics in the back-burner of your mind. No, politics and religion did not make the cut. Instead, you aim to discuss old memories and stories that make every family member feel connected. Your genuine kindness inspires wishes of hope to those around you, especially in this uncertain season upon us. Your goal for unity within the world is relevant in your care for social justice. However, you refrain from getting too passionate in groups so as to not cause a raucous. May this break bring you time to relax under that blanket you love and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. My Type Nine Suggestions: Read The Authenticity Project Watch It’s A Wonderful Life Bake these Brookies because you couldn't decide! And please, know others are ready to listen to what you have to say.
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