It took a while for me to catch Enneagram fever, but after being told I was a “seven,” I decided to learn what everyone was referencing. The Enneagram is a tool for self-awareness and good community life, and in my house, it’s spurred lively conversation and inspired self-awareness.

I am not an expert, just a fan- but after listening to podcasts, and reading books, here are my know-your-number suggestions to celebrate this season.

Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist

Ones are known to be improvers.

Improvers, point out where good isn’t enough when better is possible. To that end, ones, while you are showing us that love is in the details, make sure your holiday plans aren’t all projects, but experiences to be enjoyed with the people you love.

Enneagram Type 2: The Giver

Two’s are helpers, and these elves will make everyone’s holiday dreams come true.

There are so many ways to spend our time and dollars this month, be sure that where you are lending your gifts fills you up. You want to feel a sense of satisfaction (and not fatigue!) when it’s all over.

Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever

Three’s are achievers and it’s possible they have all their to-do lists already accomplished.

If that’s the case, take a minute and be proud of yourself- you won the Christmas game! Now on to unplugging and holiday shenanigans. You’ve earned it!

Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist

The creative four’s are pouring so much of their individual selves into this season.

We see you! You are makers and creators, and are thinking deeply about how to express your Christmas spirit using your hands, heart and mind. Thank you for taking it so seriously…

Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator

These are the gift givers whose generosity we will remember long after we’ve opened their gift.

Why? Because, enneagram type fives have searched and investigated the perfect gift for each person. They are curious and perceptive, and even though they are often comfortable alone, we love being your friend.

Enneagram Type 6: The Skeptic

These loyalists aren’t canceling any commitments. You can count on them to do what they promise. Bring the turkey? They’ll do it. Organize the Family Gift for Mom? This is their jam. They are interesting to sit next to at dinner and will work hard not to let you down.

Enneagram Type 7:  The Enthusiast

As an enthusiast, the enneagram type seven loves a holiday. Not only have they had Christmas decorations up since they blew out their Halloween pumpkins; but also, posted on Instagram when the Starbucks red cup came out, and the first snowfall. They want the whole enchilada- pine-scented candles, gift-wrapping parties, late night holiday movie binges. Count them in, they’ve waited all year for this!

Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger

I married an enneagram type eight and, have benefitted many years from how they rise to a challenge. Find this one-hard-to-find gift? Check. Need to figure out how 35 people can be seated for a holiday meal at a table for 12? No problem.

The challenger won’t back down or accept defeat, so having an enneagram type 8 in the household for all the strength this season requires, is a gift.  

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker

These easygoing peacemakers make some of the best holiday company. They are open to eating in or going out; they are willing to exchange gifts or sit this year out.

Peacemakers never stress about what hasn’t been wrapped and are wondering when they sit with you, not what you can do for them, but “How are you doing, really?”

God made you exactly how He wanted. So, embrace the uniqueness of your family gatherings, this season could be your best one yet!