SHOP the moto jacket in cameo [C/O]. the lipstick in ‘rebel’.
Bring on the holiday cheer!
The holidays can bring bright lights, thoughtful gifts, plates of comfort food, and even a little overwhelm. If you read the bit about overwhelm and felt moved to leave the praise hands emoji, just know that you are not alone. We travel, throw off our routines, indulge in our favorite foods and holiday cocktails, and pressure ourselves to check every name off our gift list. It’s no wonder we end up exhausted and cranky!
Take a second and answer these questions:
- How do you want to feel over the holidays?
- What are your priorities?
- What holiday events excite you? Which events drain you?
- What brings you joy over the holidays?
Keep these in mind and keep reading for a few self-care tips I plan to use to get through the holidays:
1. BE REALISTIC
The pressure to see everyone and do it all can be at an all time high over the holidays. Take a step back from the expectations of others and be realistic. Do you really have the energy to hit five parties in one week? Is it possible that your favorite cousin won’t miss that extra gift you think you need to pick up? Are you prepared for your house to be the gathering place for your entire family for three days?
There is probably room somewhere to be flexible with your plans. While it’s true that some things just can’t be avoided, make adjustments where you can and remind yourself that “no” is a complete sentence.
2. STAY ACTIVE
It’s so tempting to sit on the couch and indulge in an endless supply of hot cocoa (extra whip and Bailey’s—anyone?). I completely support this! Just remember to take a few minutes each day and get moving! Take your dog for an extra walk, spend five minutes stretching, or hit a workout class if you have the time.
I’ve found that spending even ten minutes focusing on movement helps to me to clear my mind and be in a better mood. My favorite way to stay active during this time of year is to take a group fitness class through ClassPass. Check it out here and get a free month when you sign up through this link.
3. CREATE NEW TRADITIONS
Think of something you’ve always wanted to do during the holidays and prioritize making it happen. Maybe you want to gather friends and have a tree trimming party, binge watch cheesy holiday movies with your siblings on Christmas Eve, or be the only person in your family brave enough to ask that Christmas breakfast begin an hour later—remember how you want to feel over the holidays and be open to trying new things.
SHOP the moto jacket in cameo [C/O]. the lipstick in ‘rebel’.
4. ADD YOU TO YOUR GIFTING LIST
We spend so much time working to find that perfect gift for others that we often forget ourselves. Worse yet, we feel guilty for picking up a little something to brighten our own days. Why? Gift yourself by blocking off you time on your calendar, finally picking up that red lipstick you’ve been eyeing, or spending a night of pampering with your favorite candle and a face mask.
5. SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
Let’s go back to the important question: How do you want to feel over the holidays?
Disagreements and disappointments are bound to happen. I am guilty of having to remind myself that these moments are not the end of the world. I am also working to know the difference between these temporary moments of frustration and the lingering heaviness of spending time with people who do not honor you.
Speaking from experience, it can be very difficult to distance yourself from friends and family who find it all too tempting to crack jokes about your appearance, gaslight you, go out of their way to make you feel unwelcome, and deny it all along the way. You have to choose yourself! Choosing yourself means deciding your boundaries, clearly communicating those boundaries, and being willing to remove yourself from certain situations.
What self-care are you planning for the holidays? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks to Lilla P for gifting this look and thanks to you for supporting brands like Lilla P that keep this blog running.
Thank you for sharing these thoughtful tips for getting through the holidays with a strong mind and spirit! I definitely sometimes have to step back and remind myself that I can’t always squeeze in every party, family event or Christmas tradition. I know movement is definitely helpful for keeping me sane!
I’m so glad the post was a helpful reminder! I wrote it as much for myself. Thanks for reading!
These are all great reminders! Being realistic is SO important – and staying active. Definitely need that with all the food I’ll be eating over the next month lol. Also, I love your jacket!
Yes, the food always gets me! I usually end up napping after holiday meals. Thanks for stopping by!
Creating new traditions has been really important to me this year. Since my parents have moved and time with them isn’t the same, prioritizing new things with my husband has been necessary! Great suggestions here.
Thank you! I’m glad you’re finding new traditions that work for you— it’s SO important.
With the current political climate, it has been important for me to learn how to set boundaries. There is no space in my life for ignorance and hatred, especially from family members.
I’m usually full of smiles during the holidays, but this year is quite rough due to health and financial issues, so there’s very little care that I’m able to do for myself OR other people, but I do like the idea of creating new traditions! I’m thinking of adding Christmas movie nights into each week of December as I think that would be fun.
Being realistic is definitely one of the best foundational focuses for the holiday season – definitely a self-care point! Having grace, too! Love that blush moto jacket!