Your gentle reminder to breathe, slow down, and do December your way.
Today we’ve been thinking a lot about the month ahead, and what self-care and actually looking after yourself looks like at this time of year.
So, consider this your no-nonsense guide to truly taking care of you this Christmas.
Bookmark it. Revisit it. Use it whenever the season starts to feel heavy.
Remember, we’re here for you – every step, every wobble, every deep breath.
December: A Reality Check
The world loves to sell us a “perfect Christmas.” Perfect tree. Perfect table. Perfect skin. Perfect family dinners. But let’s be honest: real life isn’t perfect.
Behind the scenes, December can feel heavy.
You’re juggling work, family, hosting, gifting, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, smiling - all while trying to feel festive and embrace the season. And for many, this time of year also brings up loneliness, grief, anxiety, or the quiet ache of missing a loved one.
So before everything speeds up, let’s take a moment, just us, to slow everything down.
How are you really doing?
Not the polite answer. Not the automated “I’m fine!” you say while writing a to-do list with your other hand.
The real one.
- Are you sleeping enough?
- Eating proper, nourishing meals?
- Breathing deeply at least once a day?
- Taking five minutes for yourself?
- Saying “yes” when you shouldn’t?
- Carrying more than you’re admitting?
- Feeling guilty for not feeling festive enough?
Whatever your honest answer is – it’s entirely valid. And you’re not alone in feeling how you do.
Reminder: You don’t owe anyone a ‘perfect’ Christmas
Repeat after me: Christmas is just a day. One which can feel magical, yes – but it’s literally just another day.
You’re allowed to do it smaller, quieter, earlier, later and entirely your way.
You don’t need matching pyjamas.
You don’t need to cook everything from scratch.
You don’t need to say yes to every invitation.
You don’t need to host like Nigella Lawson or decorate like Pinterest.
You just need to do what feels right for you and your family. The rest is completely optional.
Your 5-minute reset:
We’ve got a handy 5 minute reset you can use at any time this Christmas. Whether you’re cooking dinner, juggling 5 different recipes and it’s all getting a bit much. Or the family game of Monopoly has just started to get a little heated.
Try just a couple of the below rituals, and we promise it’ll help you feel just a little more grounded and calmer. These rituals aren’t about being productive – they’re about returning to yourself when everything around you feels loud.
- Step outside for some fresh air
- Drink a glass of water
- Stretch your arms above your head
- Put your phone down for 5 minutes
- Light a candle
- Speak kindly to yourself
- Rub a few drops of Hydrating Facial Oil into your hands and breathe
- Sit somewhere quiet and do absolutely nothing
Tiny rituals make a big difference. They genuinely shift your nervous system, and you deserve that little bit of comfort in between all the chaos.
A gentle reminder: Christmas isn’t joyful for everyone
Although Christmas is a busy time of year for all of us, there are a few people we think could do with a little extra support. So, please check in on the people who be might quietly struggling:
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Someone who recently lost a loved one
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Someone going through a divorce
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A friend who’s overwhelmed
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A new parent who’s exhausted
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Someone living alone
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Someone who’s moved countries
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Someone masking their anxiety
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Someone who’s always “the strong one”
A simple message such as “Thinking of you today – no need to reply, but I’m here if you need me” can mean the world and make a huge difference.
If you’re feeling lonely
You’re not failing. You’re human. And nothing about how you’re currently feeling makes you any less strong.
Some people find comfort in their routine: a long shower, a fresh pair of pyjamas, skincare as a grounding ritual.
Others find it in calling a friend, taking a walk, or sitting with a cup of tea and letting themselves feel whatever they feel.
Your way is the right way. Do what feels good and remember, we’re here for you.
If the pressure is getting to you
Here’s your permission to:
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Buy fewer gifts
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Spend less money
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Leave early
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Ask for help
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Order food instead of cooking
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Skip traditions that drain you
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Create new ones that lift you
There’s no medal for running yourself into the ground. Not in December. Not ever.
And finally, take care of you
Your wellbeing isn’t a luxury reserved for January. It starts now.
In the small pauses.
In five quiet minutes.
In choosing rest over rush.
In remembering that presence matters more than perfection.
This season, let calm be your ritual. And if all you manage today is brushing your teeth and washing your face? That’s enough too.
