It’s the holiday season, the most wonderful time of the year, right? Between shopping, decorating, hosting and attending parties, trying to maintain our healthy habits, and attending family gatherings, it can also be the most stressful time of the year. Let’s talk about eight simple ways to take care of yourself during the holidays.
For those of us who have lost someone important in our lives, holidays can be more of a downer filled with anxiety, sadness, grief, emotion and even depression. We are missing our significant other. It is so easy to compare ourselves to others as we scroll through social media where other people’s lives and families appear perfect. We incorrectly assume everyone around us is happy except us. How can we navigate the holidays in a mindful thoughtful way? How can we have realistic expectations, and enjoy the holiday traditions and activities with an open mind?
Decorate Mindfully
Avoid unrealistic expectations (boy have I been guilty of this in my lifetime). Only decorate with your favorite things, and don’t feel the pressure to overdecorate. Trust me I have been there and done that. As bloggers we feel the compulsion to share something new every year with our readers. I gave up on this a few years ago. I might change out the ribbon color, or make a new wreath, but I enjoy the same decorations year in and out. They give me joy. Buying a bunch of “stuff” I don’t need at a craft store doesn’t.
Be Grateful
Practice gratitude. Focus on the good things, seek them out and welcome them. Think of the special moments you might without thinking take for granted. Tell the important people in your life how much you appreciate them.
Give
Many of our families have all that they need. There are so many people and organizations in need, and there are so many opportunities to donate. Help out your favorite organization and give your time or financial assistance. “Give the way you want to give instead of how you think you are supposed to give”. Give what you can. Below are some tips on where to start:
Forbes-Your Guide for Charitable Giving
Transparent Hands Top 10 Christmas Charity Organizations in the US
Hipcamp-35 Charitable Organizations to Donate to
Gift Yourself
Schedule time for your own well-being. Take time for relaxation. Get enough sleep. Recharge to relieve the holiday stress. Gift Yourself a spa day, buy that hairdryer that is kind to your hair, purchase a seasonal candle, splurge on a cashmere robe or throw, a favorite cologne, or that comfy pillow (that everyone is raving about). Why not? You deserve it.
- The Quince Cashmere Robe (it’s more reasonable than you think)
2. My favorite holiday candle from Votivo,
3. The Zuvi Halo Hairdryer ,. Use the code Cindy5 for an extra 5% off. Save a total of 30% here. I am a huge fan of this hairdryer. You can read my post on the zuvi hairdryer here.
4. Jo Malone Lime Basil Mandarine Cologne-you can order the small size to try. It lasts a long time.
5. Coop Pillow-the pillow everyone is talking about (I am ordering it for Steve)
6. Quince Cashmere Throw-high quality at a great price point
Connect
Connection is the energy that exists among people when they feel valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they obtain self worth and strength in the process. Invite a friend for lunch. If you’re unable to spend time with loved ones for whatever reason, let them know they will be missed. Call that friend or family member that you’ve lost touch with. It’s a time for renewing and strengthening our ties.
Choose Healthy
Set boundaries. Exercise and eat healthy when you can it will make you feel better. Enjoy a few treats over the holidays you have earned it.
Be Creative
I wouldn’t consider myself “crafty” per se. I do enjoy certain creative endeavors during the holidays. I enjoy making place cards for guests at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I enjoy making my own gift tags for gifting and creatively wrapping each present. This gives me joy.
Let Go and Enjoy
Let go of toxic relationships and cherish the important ones. Do you have that annoying relative or guest that is well just annoying. Try to focus on the positive and let go of the negative. It is freeing. As Tom Hanks said in his tik tok video. “The three secrets of happiness are be kind, be kind, and be kind”. Getting grounded in where you are at any given time will create less stress. Don’t worry about the small things.
I hope you can find time for these Eight Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays. It is the most wonderful time of year if we take time to savor the special moments.
Handling the holidays can be a lot, and I appreciate your down-to-earth tips, Cindy! Your thoughts on keeping holiday decor simple and embracing gratitude hit home. The gift ideas for self-care are spot-on, especially the Quince Cashmere Robe and Zuvi Halo Hairdryer, i always try to find some discounts on sites like EMUCoupon while holiday shopping so i can shop more with spending less amount. Let me know if anyone tries this too.
This is my first holiday season without my husband of 43 years. He passed after a two-year battle with cancer, the last six months were crippling. I am only beginning to relearn self-care and this post is most timely. Such good reminders of small kindnesses to ourselves and others. I appreciate you Cindy for sharing tips, snapshots, and wisdom on all things. Wishing toy and the family a most lovely holiday season filled with cheer. xo-holly
Hi Holly
I have been thinking about you. I figured this would be a rough time. I hope you can find comfort in the wonderful memories you have shared.
Helpful and timely post Cindy! I like your emphasis on self care. I took advantage of the Zuvi Hairdryer discount, and look forward to trying it after reading your past post. Hope it’s not too much of a learning curve to use. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Hi Karen
I think you will love how your hair looks. Read the instructions and use the proper settings and tools and you will be good to go!
My boyfriend travels to Vancouver to have Christmas with his family so I’m almost always alone at Christmas. All of my family is dead. Most of them died around Christmas so I don’t put up a tree any more. But I do decorate with pine cones, paperwhites, branches, candles and a few ornaments in bowls. I buy myself presents every year and won’t allow myself to open them until Christmas! I put Kahlua in my breakfast coffee and make myself something simple but yummy for dinner.
Hi Denise
Great to hear from you! It sounds like you know how to make your Christmas special. I love your positive attitude!
Thank you Cindy. I don’t comment much but I am here everyday. I love your vibrant style. You always are so put together. You are an inspiration! Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Hi Sydney
Thanks for chiming in! I am so glad you are a member of this community. I feel so grateful to have such inspiring women!
Thank you Cindy!
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi Karen
Thank you same to you!!
You are a breath of fresh air in my life. Thanks for you blog – it is beautiful, helpful, funny and from the heart.
So at this time of gratitude, I want you to know I am so happy I found you and you have made a difference in my life.
I appreciate how your personality comes through in every message you send. I appreciate your style in fashion, home design and caretaking, food, care of self and humor.
All the best to you and yours during this holiday season and always!
Georgia
Hi Georgia
Thank you for your sweet words. I feel very fortunate to have readers like you!
Georgia
You are the reason I continue to do this blog. It is a lot of work but women like you encourage me to continue. Thank you so much for your support
Thank you, Cindy, fir your thoughtful advice. Could you share how you create your beautiful gift tags?
Hi Ruth
If there is one in particular I would be happy to send you my link in Canva. I make them all in Canva.
A very timely and thoughtful post.
Wishing you and all your fellow readers a very Peaceful holiday season.
Hi Sandra
Thank you so much…the same to you!
I noticed recently that instead of Black Friday sales, we now have Black Friday Month sales. An entire month dedicated to buying, buying, buying. It’s easy enough to say no thanks to this constant barrage and unsubscribe from all retail newsletters that insist we spend the holiday months shopping. So much self-imposed stress — I’m opting for some simple decorations (greenery, candles I already own, a few treasured pieces of seasonal decor) and a minimum of stress/guilt/debt/lack of joy and appreciation.
Hi Bette
Oh my it has started so early…your holiday decor sounds perfect. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
I feel like the Christmas season gets earlier every year which can add to stress. Already Santa’s house is up in town, many businesses are decked to the hilt with lights. I let go of one thing I was planning. I had already talked to a caterer about helping me with a brunch but during a sleepless night, had the epiphany that it was something only I could chose to do or not. I decided to postpone it and take one thing off my calendar. It’s brought me a lot of relief! One less big stressor. It’s always good to have these reminders, Cindy, so thank you and I hope you take the advice yourself!
Hi Wren
I am getting better about the holidays. I love to decorate but I try to simplify it.
Great advice! Thank you.
Of course! Happy Thanksgiving Cristi!
thank you
Of course! Happy Thanksgiving!