It’s time for the December edition of my self care series, which means I’m sharing 11 self care ideas for the holidays!
I was just telling someone the other day about how when I was a kid my favorite part about the holiday season was the way you could FEEL the holiday spirit everywhere you went.
I could tell that the people around me were happier, more carefree, and eager to just help their fellow man.
Is it just me or does this holiday season already feel a bit like that?
Everywhere I look I see people giving back, people helping one another, donating, just really going out of their way to lighten the burdens of those around them.
I think this has been a tough year for most of us, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many people choosing to help others like that!
Which brings us to the first self care idea of this list…
1. Embrace the good cheer of the season
Allow the celebration of those around you to uplift you!
No matter what kind of year you might have had, this is a season which seems to reveal the true strength of the human spirit.
Give yourself permission to let go a little and truly enjoy yourself!
Laugh too loud, stay up later, eat your favorite treats, and make memories with those closest to you.
2. Mediation/deep breathing
Things are bound to be a little more hectic than average this month, so be sure to focus on taking quiet moments by yourself to simply breath and be.
Meditation is such an incredible way to pause the madness for a bit and do just that!
Find a spot that feels calm and quiet, then spend a few minutes focusing on the inhale and exhale of your breath.
If your mind wanders, just gently bring it back to focus on your breath once again without judgement.
Try to do this for a few minutes everyday, or as often as you can throughout the season to help lower stress levels, connect better, and improve focus!
3. Relaxing baths or showers
Carve out a night of “me” time and take a long, warm bath or shower.
Feel free to include candles, bath bombs, essential oils, relaxing music, a good book, whatever your heart desires!
Just make sure that you’ll have at least a good 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted time to yourself!
4. Watch your favorite holiday movies
Whether it’s solo, or with your kids, spouse, best friend, mom…there really is no wrong way to indulge in some holiday classics!
There are few things that beat the feel-good vibes of a beloved childhood favorite!
Cozy up in your favorite pajamas and a warm blanket (chocolate peppermint popcorn? Check!), embrace all those cheesy clichés, and let the nostalgia begin!
5. Connect
More often than not, what we’re really looking to do during this season is connect to others.
Connection is what human beings crave.
To care for others and to be cared for. To belong.
Recognizing that can help you to change your perspective on this time of year, and realize which plans you should focus on to help you feel that deeper connection to those around you!
6. Go for a drive
Get out of the house and enjoy some Christmas lights, snow, or both!
Be sure to roll the windows down to take in some crisp winter air!
And hot chocolate or holiday flavored coffees are always a great way to stay nice and toasty while you’re out and about!
Don’t feel like driving?
Go for a walk and enjoy the local lights and scenery instead!
7. Feel your feelings
As happy as this time of year can be, it can also be very difficult for most of us at one point or another.
It can bring up memories that may be challenging to remember due to deaths, divorce, illness, or other changes or struggles that have happened to you or within your group of family and friends.
It’s okay to not feel 100% all month long, to feel sad, angry, or whatever else.
Instead of trying to bury those things and fake your “holiday spirit” allow yourself to feel all of your feelings.
Reach out to a friend or relative if you need to, and remember that the best way to overcome them is not to pretend that these difficulties don’t exist, but to fully acknowledge that they do, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you are struggling, even (and especially!) during the “most wonderful time of the year”!
8. Treat yourself
This is a time of year that we often don’t think about ourselves much, so why not treat yourself? You deserve it!
I know money can be tight this month, but it doesn’t have to be anything excessive, just something you really want or need!
One of my personal favorite “treats” is getting a new set of my favorite tinted lip balm!
It only costs a few dollars, but always brings a smile to my face!
9. Deck the halls
Whether it’s your house, apartment, dorm, or just your bedroom, decorate your space for the holidays!
Do it even if you’re not hosting anyone this year and you are the only one who will see it!
Is there anything that a string of Christmas lights can’t fix?
Well maybe, haha! But I bet that you will at least feel better when you can sit and gaze at those twinkling lights!
And if you don’t have much to spend on decor? Not a problem!
Try checking out your local dollar stores, thrift shops, or even DIYing something special for your space!
(You can check out my most recent post to learn how to make a quick and easy DIY Christmas Gift Tag Sign Using Tissue Paper!)
10. Say no
Sometimes the best kind of self care can actually be NOT doing something!
Be sure to say no without feeling guilty if you are overwhelmed.
Remember that your time, money, and needs are important!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with turning down invitations, extra shifts at work, helping with school events, or any other activities that you don’t have the time or energy for in the current moment.
When you chose to take care of yourself first, you’ll have more to give as well!
11. Let go of expectations
Try to let go of or moderate your expectation this time of year.
Trying to constantly achieve perfection will only leave you feeling exhausted!
Remember that in the big picture of life, Christmas is just one day out of the year. When something goes wrong? It’s not the end of the world!
In fact, aren’t those silly moments when something goes completely unaccording to the plan what make the best holiday memories in the end?!
Learn to embrace the unexpected, and aim for “good enough” instead of “perfect”!
I hope these 11 self care ideas for the holidays helped encourage you to focus on yourself and practice good self care throughout this busy season!
What are your favorite self care ideas for the holidays? I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below!
