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Ah, the holidays.
That magical time of twinkly lights, cosy jumpers and pantos. Not to mention the endless lists, and somehow… a mountain of mental clutter.
If you ever feel like the festive season arrives with the same amount of excitement and overwhelm, trust me, you’re not alone.
As mums, we often become the unofficial organisers. Along with memory-makers and logistics managers of Christmas (and every other holiday). No wonder our brains feel like overstuffed turkeys.
This year, I’m leaning harder into mindfulness. Not in a “sit cross-legged for an hour every day” sort of way, but through simple habits that make the holidays easier and far more enjoyable.
Here are some holiday mindfulness tips to help you breathe a little deeper and stress a lot less.
Enjoy and don’t forget to comment at the end, I love hearing from you and subscribe to get access to FREE printables, newsletters, the latest posts and more.
1. Start your mornings slowly
Even if it’s just two minutes. I know I am not the only one who hits the ground running each morning and then wonders why I have a headache or feel stressed before it’s even lunch time. Am I right?
Give yourself a quiet moment before the day starts demanding things from you. Trust me, future you will thank you.
Spend some of this time fueling up for the morning. A warm cuppa and a few deep breaths. Or simply standing by the window with some toast and watching the sky change can set the tone for a calmer day.
2. Say no without guilt
A mindful holiday isn’t crammed with obligations.
If a party, event, or task feels like too much, it’s perfectly okay to say no.
Your energy is precious. Protecting it is not selfish, it’s wise.
3. Create mindful family moments
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be solo.
Try short, fun pauses with the kiddies. Perhaps it’s noticing the smell of spices while baking or listening closely to the words of songs. Or maybe do my favourite, take a slow walk to spot Christmas lights.
These tiny moments often become the memories that stick.
4. Keep expectations realistic
There is no such thing as perfect, especially when children are involved.
Mindfulness means letting go of how things “should” look and appreciating how they actually are. Wonky gingerbread houses, imperfect wrapping and child-decorated Christmas trees.
5. Simplify where you can
Shop earlier.
I start my Christmas shopping 13 weeks before the big day. That is the last week of September! I know it seems early, but with birthdays to add to the mix, there is a lot to plan and buy.
Gift simpler, delegate more, or embrace shortcuts (yes, store-bought mince pies totally count). A mindful holiday is one that leaves room for rest and joy, not burnout.
6. Create a nightly wind-down routine
After a full day, I know it’s easy to collapse into bed with your mind still racing.
Instead, light a candle, do some yoga or journal. Or listen to some calming music, read or sit quietly for a minute or two to signal to your body that it can finally relax.
7. Come back to your breath (and often)
This might be the simplest but most powerful tool in my toolbox.
Whenever things begin to feel crazy and out of control, pause and take one slow, deep breath. It’s amazing how much it resets.
Bee's Final Thoughts
Remember, you don’t need a perfect holiday, you just need a holiday you can actually enjoy.
Be gentle with yourself, take things at your own pace, and let this season be one of presence rather than pressure.
Here’s to a calmer, sweeter, more mindful holiday season.
Thanks for reading.
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