Cultivating Calm During the Holiday Season
The holiday season, with its whirlwind of activities and expectations, often leaves us feeling more frazzled than festive. Yet, it’s possible to find moments of calm amid the chaos. Here’s how you can cultivate inner stillness during the holidays:
Prioritize Self-Care: Amidst giving to others, don’t forget to give yourself the gift of self-care. It could be as simple as savoring a cup of hot chocolate by the fire—mindfully noticing the warmth, taste, and comfort it brings. Or maybe it’s a quiet walk or any small moment to pause and recharge. Whatever it is, make the time for yourself this holiday season.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. This holiday season, focus on the events and traditions that truly bring you joy, and politely decline those that don’t. My wife and I used to stretch ourselves thin trying to attend every gathering—house to house, sometimes even three in a day. It left us exhausted and stuffed from endless feasts! In recent years, we’ve made it a point to attend only one event per day, prioritizing balance over stress. The holidays are meant to bring joy, not burnout. Remember, most people understand the holiday hustle, so there’s no need to over-explain when you say no.
Stay Present: The holidays are full of tasks, but instead of rushing through them, try focusing on one thing at a time. When wrapping gifts, notice the texture of the paper, the way it folds, and the satisfaction of creating a neatly wrapped present. If you’re cooking, pay attention to the ingredients, the aroma, and the way flavors come together. By immersing yourself fully in these moments, even mundane tasks can become meaningful and calming. Staying present not only helps you enjoy the process but also keeps stress at bay, allowing you to truly savor the holiday season.
Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for everything to be perfect. A crooked ornament, mismatched wrapping paper, or a slightly overcooked dish won’t ruin the holidays—they might even make for fond memories and laughter. Focus on the joy of being together and the effort behind each gesture. Whether it’s a lopsided tree or last-minute changes in plans, imperfection adds charm and reminds us that the holidays are about connection, not perfection.
Focus on Presence, Not Presentation: Guests won’t remember how perfectly arranged your table was or whether every detail was flawless, but they will remember the warmth of your company, the laughter, and the conversations shared. The true essence of the holidays is in the connections you create, not the decorations or the menu. Prioritize making your guests feel welcomed and loved over stressing about perfection. After all, the memories made together will outshine any centerpiece.
Create Your Own Traditions: If old traditions feel more like obligations, start new ones that bring you joy and peace. I recently told my wife that I felt like the holidays come and go quicker every year. At the start of each season I would say that this is the year I’m going to take the time to really experience the season, but before I know it, it’s the middle of January and I’m just ready for it to get warm again. So as a way to really mindfully start the season, and to add a little extension to the holiday season, we decided this year to start the tradition of decorating our home while watching Christmas movies on our anniversary, November 11th. It was amazing—really taking the day to celebrate us, while fully experiencing the start of the holiday season. I highly recommend you find your tradition that reignites the spark of the holiday magic, if it’s dimmed.
As the holiday season unfolds, remember that it’s not about doing it all or making everything perfect—it’s about finding the moments that matter most and embracing them with a full heart. Whether it’s savoring a quiet cup of cocoa, setting new traditions, or simply being present with loved ones, let this be a time of joy, peace, and connection.
Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with happiness, warmth, and all the magic that makes the holidays truly special. Happy holidays!
