Savor the Season: Practical Tips for Holiday Tranquility

From delicious, fancy dinners to spending quality time with loved ones, there’s nothing better than this time of year. It can be easy for us to get caught up in the excitement of all of the traditions and celebrations. Just like that, it all seems to pass by and all of a sudden, we’re back to work and feeling just as burnt out as we were before. Believe it or not, the holiday break is meant to be a break! This year, let’s take our time, slow down the pace and enjoy every moment. Here are some practical tips for slowing down and soaking in the holiday season.

Make Time for Yourself

We all know how busy the holidays can get, but don’t forget about yourself. I cannot wait to have all of my kids together again and spend time with my family and friends in just a few weeks. However, I know that the only way that I can show up for all of them is if I schedule in time for myself. Make sure you schedule as much me-time as you see fit to rest, practice self-care, and do things that you love. The holiday break is one of the few times a year that you get to take some time off work or school, so don’t give all of your time away to others! Watch a holiday movie, bake some tasty treats, or maybe even sleep in. With a focus on self-care, you’ll feel much more energized and less overwhelmed when you do have plans. Practicing this habit will be a gift to yourself and your loved ones.

Choose Who You Spend Time With

Although it’s nice that everyone wants to get together during the holidays, don’t feel pressured to say yes to every single plan. There is power in your “no”. You do not have to do everything; in fact, it’s not healthy to do everything! Overbooking your calendar will only make you stressed, and the time you get to spend with your loved ones will feel rushed and unenjoyable. Establish realistic expectations for gatherings and clearly communicate your boundaries with family and friends. Before the busyness approaches, choose who you want to spend your time with and follow through with those principles when responding to commitments. This year, choose quality over quantity.

Put the Technology Away

This holiday season, practice being in the moment. Our phones, work emails, and social media can consume so much of our days that we forget to enjoy what’s happening around us. While it’s fun to capture and share all of the exciting things occurring, too much technology takes away from our ability to actually live in these experiences. Schedule time for a digital detox, whether it’s an hour or so during family dinners or for an entire weekend. If finding a time to do this seems unrealistic, you could alternatively designate areas of your house as off-limits for phones and other devices. The most important thing here is finding new ways to spend time with friends and family offline, such as playing board games, talking, or going for walks. Putting technology away allows us to become more mindful in the moment and foster quality connections with our loved ones.

Don’t Overcomplicate Events

If you’ve ever hosted a holiday party or event, then you know how stressful and hectic planning everything can feel. Oftentimes, the stress of planning can take away from your enjoyment of the party and the ability to have a good time. This year, Instead of going all out with elaborate decorations, sophisticated dishes and carefully crafted invitations, choose simplicity. Nothing says cozy like a serene atmosphere with a few meaningful additions that spark joy. There is no need to overcomplicate things. You don’t need to serve full meals for every guest who stops by or decorate every inch of your home. Let go of some of those expectations and save time for the things that truly matter such as enjoying time with the people around you.

Let Loose and Enjoy Yourself

The holidays are full of indulgences, from food to drinks to presents. While it’s good to have a routine and eat healthily, don’t be too strict on yourself. You’ve spent a lot of time curating and following through with your routine throughout the year. Allow yourself to enjoy the delicious food and good company around you guilt-free. Life is about balance, and food is a wonderful way to celebrate this special time of year -- so enjoy it. Try to let go of any judgments you have towards yourself or fears that others are judging you. Have fun, dance, laugh, and make some lasting memories. Nothing worthwhile happens inside of your comfort zone!

Gift Thoughtfully

There is nothing like giving your loved ones a gift and watching their face light up with a smile. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in giving everyone you know the perfect gift, remember that gifts are not the reason for the season. This year, shift your focus from extravagant gift-giving to more thoughtful and meaningful presents. Consider scheduling an experience, crafting a homemade gift or finding an item that holds sentimental value for the person you are gifting. This reduces the financial strain of the holidays and the overaccumulation of the recipient of more and more things. More importantly, it emphasizes the true spirit of giving. The quote of the season: “Quality over quantity”.

Reflect and Reset

As the year comes to an end, it’s important to reflect on what’s behind you before springing forward to the year ahead. Amidst the holiday chaos, do your best to take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude has this amazing power to shift your perspective and bring awareness to all of the positivity surrounding you. Practicing personal reflection sets you up to consider goals for the upcoming year that actually align with your values. Whether it’s keeping a journal or sharing your reflections with your loved ones, make sure that you take some time to reset and enter the new year with a refreshed mindset.

By incorporating these tips into your holiday routine, you can create a more intentional and tranquil holiday season. Rather than rushing into the new year, you can give yourself the ability to be present in every last minute of the current one. Remember that the true essence of the holidays lies in the meaningful connections you prioritize, the gratitude you practice and the moments of joy that you will cherish forever. Slow down, create lasting memories and savor the magic of this holiday season!

Additional Resources

Not sure quite how to prioritize you and your health this holiday season? Check out this blog with tips on how to stay healthy when you’re busy: 

Just last week we talked about the importance of gratitude, especially during the holiday season. Just in case you missed it, I’ve attached it here: 

If this topic resonates with you but you know you will have trouble implementing

healthier habits for yourself this holiday season feel free to book your free call with me here.