Finding Calm in The Hectic Holiday Season
For many of us, the holiday season goes by in a rush. With a flurry of activities, parties, errands, and long to-do lists, there are so many things that demand our attention. This year, find some calm in the hectic holiday season by reframing your thoughts and practicing a few habits in mindfulness.
Practice Gratitude and Remember What Matters
The holidays are a wonderful time of year to practice a little extra gratitude. It’s a time when people are brought together and memories are to be made. Remember this above all else. So, when or if the stress of the holidays start to get you down, take a step back to remind yourself of what truly matters.
Here are some ways to intentionally practice gratitude and ground yourself in the true meaning of the season:
In the journal section of your Golden Coil planner, journal about what you’re most grateful for and ask yourself what the holidays really mean to you.
In your weekly planner pages, create lists of all the little things you’re grateful for each week.
Lean into the quiet and coziness of the season by practicing meditation, reading a book, enjoying a cup of tea by yourself, etc.
Call up the friends and family you haven’t spoken to in a while. Catch up and express to them that you’re grateful for their friendship, love, and support.
Include some hand-written notes in some or all of your holiday cards.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Let’s face it: there’s a lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding the holiday season. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go all out if that’s your holiday style, but, it’s okay to simplify things if it’ll help give you peace of mind.
If you need to buy a store bought pie over a homemade one, the world won’t end. If it’s easier to hire someone to hang lights instead of doing it all yourself, that’s okay. Don’t have the time to perfectly customize the wrapping of each and every gift? Opt for simple wrapping paper and call it a day.
Simplifying things on your holiday to-do list won’t make you a bad parent, partner, friend, or person. It’s the thought that counts, and if a little simplifying helps ease the holiday stress, it’s worth it.
Lean into the Holiday Cheer
A simple, yet perfect way to find a little calm this holiday season, is by leaning into the holiday cheer. Instead of getting caught up in the stress of things, dive into all the joyous, creative, and memorable parts of the season.
Here are some ways to shake off the stress and indulge in all the good this time of year brings:
Get creative and bring out your inner child with crafts, decorations, baking, and more. Be hands on!
Get active by going ice skating, building a snowman, or taking a winter walk.
Do something festive with the people you love—have a game night, decorate gingerbread houses, go caroling, etc.
Have a holiday-themed movie night with cozy pajamas, warm drinks, and yummy treats.
Practice a little extra kindness and compassion by donating clothes and toys, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen.
The holidays represent something different for everyone…
Whether the holidays bring joy, stress, or a little bit of both, I hope something from today’s blog post resonates. This way, you can remember to carve out a little calm in the chaos and find some peace, joy, and happiness during this special time of year.