Reminders for the holidays

'Tis the season to remember a little self-care

I’ve always been a Christmas person, especially the build-up to the big day. I love the warm cosy feeling when you walk past shop facades and homely windows. The way that a bad day can be somewhat turned around by a mince pie (especially when accompanied by Baileys). Thick knitwear, the twinkling of Christmas tree lights first thing in the morning, mulled wine at the pub and rewatching classic festive films.

I feel a little different this year, not negatively as such, but maybe a little nonplussed. Happy enough to be around festivities, but not fully embracing the season as usual. Perhaps this is getting older, maybe it’s not being around kids and their excitement or maybe it’s just because I’m coming into this week slightly exhausted.

Nonetheless, I’ll be making the most of the restful break. The food shopping is done, presents wrapped, and decor is sorted (despite the bows stuck to all my frames ejecting themselves every so often). If you are feeling a little more ready for the holidays, but also a little exhausted at the thought. Here are a few reminders for the busy few days ahead:

Your happiness is important (just as much as everyone else's)

If like me you have people-pleasing tendencies, it’s so easy to become a little bit slopey shoulders when it comes to protecting your own happiness at this time of year. You find yourself putting up with a few awkward comments, questions from distant family members or overstretching yourself to make someone else happier. It’s not to say this isn’t the season of giving, but remember someone else’s happiness should never be at the expense of your own.

It’s okay if your Christmas break doesn’t look like others on the internet

At my weakest moments, occasionally I find myself scrolling on social and comparing everything from my tree decor to my lack of snow (as if that’s something I can control). However you celebrate this season, it does not come with a manual. Good memories are not made from getting your Christmas celebrations perfect by social media’s terms. Sometimes the imperfectness is in turn the unique parts that make your holiday traditions special.

Don’t forget to have some moments to yourself

One of the most daunting things about the Christmas break is how much you have to do, the places to visit, people to see. It can feel like there’s a serious lack of downtime. Taking time for yourself is essential, don’t forget to schedule it in. A moment with your book, a long bath, a brisk morning walk. Even, a little nap. Take the moments to recharge before diving back into the festivities.

It’s honestly more about the memories than the material things

We’re all kind, compassionate humans here. We know that Christmas isn’t just about receiving gifts. But, this also goes both ways. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of fretting whether the gifts you’ve bought are enough or perfect for the recipient. The truth is, what matters more is the thought and heart that goes into choosing it. The memory of the joy that someone gets when you’ve thought of them will always outweigh the material thing.

Take a minute to enjoy the small moments

Above all, don’t forget to take in all the small moments that stitch together to create memories. It’s funny when we look back at important holidays that have passed, it’s always the smallest little glimmers that remain. How your mum cooks roast potatoes, how your head is always either too big or too small for the cracker party hats, the collective sound of snoring post-dinner. Take a moment for those joys.

Whatever you’re doing over the next couple of weeks, restful, busy, somewhere in-between. Make sure to take what you need to enjoy the season as joyfully as possible.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this post, if you did it would mean the world if you could share or restack it. Thank you!

Have a lovely day, Allie ☁️