Ah, the holidays. That magical time of year when streets twinkle with lights, cocoa mugs feel like a hug in a cup, and “All I Want for Christmas” is playing in every store. It’s also the time when our to-do lists seem to grow like a Montreal snowball rolling downhill: gifts to buy, cookies to bake, events to attend, relatives to politely nod at, and somehow still trying to fit in work and self-care. Honestly, it can feel like juggling flaming menorahs while riding a sleigh pulled by caffeinated reindeer.
Many of you will host dinner, decorate every corner of the house, attend three parties in one weekend, and still promise yourself you’ll meditate daily. By December 26th, you might be thinking, “How is this supposed to be joyful?” That’s when you remind yourself: the holidays don’t have to be a test of endurance—they can be a season of joy, but only if we take care of ourselves first.
Self-care over the holidays isn’t indulgent or selfish—it’s strategic. It ensures that you show up as your best self, with patience, presence, and energy. And the science backs it up: protecting your financial, emotional, and physical wellbeing reduces stress, improves mood, and actually makes the holiday experience more joyful for everyone around you.
Ready? Here’s how.
1. Prioritize Financial Wellness
Holiday spending is stressful. The average person in the U.S. plans to spend over $1,300 on gifts and celebrations. Whoa! Instead of spiraling into debt or guilt, set a budget and stick to it. Try the envelope method: cash for gifts and entertainment, nothing more. The research shows us that financial stress triggers the same brain areas as physical pain, so be financially mindful. Your children will survive, I promise.
2. Protect Your Sleep
Late-night parties, holiday movies, and endless desserts can throw off your sleep schedule. But even modest sleep deprivation impairs our mood and decision-making. Make it a point to guard your seven to nine hours. Bonus tip: a 10-minute mindfulness practice before bed can reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
3. Move Your Body (Even if it’s just dancing in your kitchen)
Exercise is a proven stress-buster. It releases endorphins, lowers cortisol, and keeps energy levels up. You don’t need to hit the gym in the middle of a blizzard. Even a 20-minute brisk walk after a heavy meal or a “living room dance-off” with your family counts. (Pro tip: it’s impossible to feel tense while doing the cha-cha-slide, trust me!)
4. Practice Gratitude
Science supports what spiritual traditions have long known: gratitude improves mental health and strengthens relationships. It’s the research, my friend. Take five minutes each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for—big or small. And if you need some more guidance, my bestselling journal is there to guide your gratitude and well-being into the New Year.
5. Set Boundaries
Yes, Aunt Marge’s political rants are unavoidable. But you can control your time and energy. Politely excuse yourself from conversations that drain you or schedule a breather between social obligations. Boundaries aren’t mean—they’re necessary for your wellbeing.
6. Nourish Your Body
Holiday treats are mandatory, yes they are, but balance is truly key. Mindful eating, savoring your food, and listening to hunger cues can prevent overeating and guilt. Pro tip: keep water nearby, swap cocktails with mocktails or water, and don’t skip meals to “save calories.” That usually ends in one big plate of cookies and regret.
7. Engage in Joyful Activities
We all have holiday “to-dos,” but don’t forget the “want-to-dos.” Watch a feel-good movie, go ice-skating, or sip cocoa by an outdoor fire. Positive experiences boost our mental health and leave lasting memories. I never skip joyful activities… ever. I take my joy seriously. A drum lesson, a concert or play, a stroll through a Christmas market, a coffee at a bookstore, they all fill me up!
8. Take a Digital Detox
Constant scrolling can increase stress, envy, and FOMO. Schedule small windows where you unplug from social media. Even short breaks improve our mood and focus—and could possibly even prevent you from arguing with strangers in the comment sections about the “right” way to hang lights!
9. Connect with Supportive People
Holidays can amplify loneliness. Seek out those who lift you up—friends, family, or community groups. Even brief, meaningful interactions release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which reduces stress. Last night, I went to a park to light the menorah and celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with friends and family. It was the warm hug I needed, even in the freezing cold!
10. Give Yourself Permission to Say No
Finally, remember: you don’t have to do everything. Choosing rest over obligation is not lazy—it’s strategic self-care. Your happiness matters. Your energy matters. And yes, it matters to your loved ones too, because a happy, present you is the best gift anyone could ask for. And while you’re giving yourself permission to say “no,” please also give your permission to rest and do less. We guilt ourselves into running from thing to thing… please let it go. Let your body rest and recover. It will thank you as you head into the New Year, I promise.
The holidays are a season of joy, but they can also be a season of overwhelm. By prioritizing your financial, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and saying no to what drains you, you create space for genuine connection, laughter, and calm, without stress.
So this year, let’s redefine what it means to “survive” the holidays. Instead of frazzled and overscheduled, let’s be nourished, rested, and joyful. You deserve it. And who knows? You might just start a new tradition of self-care that lasts far beyond December 31st.
I’d love to know, how do YOU plan on taking care of yourself during the holidays?
