Your Essential Holiday Self-Care Checklist

The end of year is often a time of catch-ups, connection, and a whole lot of joy, but it can also feel like an emotional whirlwind. With gatherings to attend, expectations to meet, and schedules to manage, finding a moment for yourself can be challenging. If you're ready to incorporate some self-care during this holiday season, here’s a checklist to keep you grounded.

1. Set Your Intentions

Instead of going into the Christmas on autopilot or thinking you'll just 'wing it', take a moment to ask yourself: What do I want from this time? Setting an intention—whether it’s for rest, reconnection, or simply enjoying the present—can help guide your decisions. It'll only take you a few moments, but a simple intention can be your north star that you can refer back to whenever the holiday hustle starts to feel overwhelming. If your intention is to have a relaxed, joyful Christmas morning, knowing this will help you to say no to anything that doesn't align with it. Or perhaps you know that you'll need some downtime between functions/activities, don't plan events back-to-back or even block out some free days in your calendar now.

2. Create Sacred Moments

With a seemingly never-ending to do list, small moments just for you can make a huge difference. Try starting your day with five minutes of meditation, journaling, or even just enjoying your coffee in quiet. Or maybe you'd prefer to wind down each evening with a quick grounding exercise like gentle stretches, a warm shower, or mindfulness with a cup of tea. Making these moments a non-negotiable part of your day can bring a sense of calm and control.

3. Manage Expectations

This time of year often carries an extra weight of expectation—from attending every function to finding the perfect gifts. Look back at the intention you set for this holiday season. Are there activities you don’t need to do this year? Are there traditions you’d like to simplify or just plain-old change up? Give yourself permission to say “no” to what doesn’t feel align with what you want, and “yes” to the things that matter most to you.

Bonus: To manage expectations, communicate your plans and boundaries early with family or friends. Letting others know that you’ll be attending fewer events can help set expectations clearly and gently. If you take the obligation out of it, what do you truly want to do this year?

4. Engage Your Senses in the Small Things

There’s a lot to enjoy at this time of year, including a bunch of things that only come out at Christmas. Try to indulge your senses each day—whether it’s the smell of cinnamon, the twinkle of lights on the tree, the feel of silky Christmas pj's, the taste of gingerbread, or the sound of your favourite Christmas song. By immersing yourself in these small pleasures, you're practicing mindfulness and staying present to experience moments of pure joy.

5. Set Personal Boundaries

Family gatherings and Christmas parties can bring out complicated dynamics. Be proactive in setting boundaries where you need them, especially if certain situations or people tend to feel challenging. It’s okay to leave early, take a break, or even decline an event if it feels too overwhelming. Opt out of conversations that are unproductive. If this one is particularly tricky, you can even practice some responses beforehand to make boundary-setting smoother.

• “I need to leave by 8 p.m. tonight.”

• “Thanks for the invite, but we're doing Christmas differently this year.”

• “I’d love to chat about something else if that’s okay.”

6. Make Rest a Priority

Rest can be a tricky thing for many of us, let alone staring at a packed out calendar. Carving out specific times each week (in advance) when you’ll unwind can help, whether it’s a bath, a book, or some alone time in nature. If your calendar is filling up, block off time to recharge before you commit to additional events. Even a little quiet time each day can make a world of difference, helping you feel more refreshed and ready to show up for the next event.

7. Evening Gratitude Practice

Each evening, take a few moments to reflect on something positive from your day. This practice doesn’t need to be elaborate—a single sentence can be enough. Whether you felt joy during a family gathering or peace in a quiet moment, focusing on these positives can help you find calm and cultivate gratitude, even during the busiest times.

Bonus: Get a jump on things

Make this the year that you schedule time for Christmas shopping early. Carve out time to write a list of gift ideas or meals you need to prepare. In the spirit of keeping the calm, look for small ways to make life easier for you this Christmas. It doesn't need to be perfect - keep it small.

In the end, self-care during the holidays is about finding what feels nourishing to you. Small acts of self-compassion and setting clear boundaries can make a big difference, ensuring you feel more at peace and grounded through the Christmas crazy.