The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” However, for many, it can quickly become the most stressful, packed with an overwhelming to-do list and a calendar bursting with events. Even the rare week off that some manage to take is often consumed with so much activity that they enter the new year exhausted and yearning for another break. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By embracing a few intentional practices, you can create a restful holiday season for yourself and your loved ones.

Rest from “Making the Rounds”

One of the most effective ways to have a restful holiday is by cutting back on extra visits. Traveling to see friends and extended family can consume precious time, leaving little room to enjoy your own holiday rituals. To avoid this, sit down with your partner or immediate family and decide which visits to prioritize, focusing on what’s truly meaningful. While this may lead to some tough conversations, it can also pave the way for deeper connections with your closest loved ones. Consider alternative plans for connecting with extended family, such as scheduling smaller gatherings at a less hectic time of year.

Rest from Cooking

Another significant holiday stressor is cooking. While preparing favorite recipes can be a cherished tradition that ties families to their roots, it can also become an exhausting task that falls disproportionately on one family member. This year, simplify your holiday meals by ordering takeout or hosting a potluck-style gathering. You might even make a non-traditional holiday meal a new tradition—something fun and unique that allows everyone to enjoy the festivities rather than laboring in the kitchen.

Rest from Rushing Gift Time

Gift-giving is often a highlight of the season, but the process can feel rushed. Hours spent shopping, wrapping, and decorating culminate in a frenzy of unwrapping that’s over in minutes. Instead, consider slowing things down. Open gifts one at a time, allowing everyone to share in the joy of giving and receiving. This mindful approach can foster a deeper sense of connection and make the experience more memorable. While it might take time for younger family members to adjust, the effort is well worth it.

Rest for Rest’s Sake

A truly restful holiday should include at least one designated “lazy day.” On this day, set aside all obligations and simply relax. Gather the family for a movie marathon in matching pajamas, sip hot chocolate, or enjoy your favorite hobbies side by side. Whether it’s kids playing games on their tablets or adults lounging with a good book, the goal is to pause and recharge. By taking a break from constant activity, you’ll return to your routine feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Rest from the Year

Finally, use the holiday season as a time to reflect on the past year. Spend a quiet moment contemplating the highs and lows, the challenges you faced, and the growth you experienced. What lessons have you learned? What hopes do you hold for the coming year? This can be a deeply personal activity or something you share with your partner and children. Reflection provides an opportunity to appreciate where you’ve been and set intentions for where you’re headed.

Don’t let the “most wonderful time of the year” become a whirlwind of overcommitment and stress. This year, make a conscious effort to rest from traditional holiday stressors by embracing a new ritual of relaxation. By doing so, you can create a more mindful, meaningful, and restful way to celebrate the season.

References:

https://www.gottman.com/blog/how-to-have-a-restful-holiday/?utm_campaign=Professionals%20Non-Journey&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_apx3ceVsSHtpb8spts-9lWdrTwpClKC0JXmU121ZsyRcDL-IJSRAsaMo2pChDBqowZsvWH7_H0_Z81mm3rufywA29Zw&_hsmi=338224056&utm_content=338227945&utm_source=hs_email

https://bbrfoundation.org/blog/de-stressing-holiday-season-12-tips-happier-holidays