From my holiday traditions to yours: 6 simple ways to relax and recharge this season
Published by
Brian Christina
on
The holidays often bring joy, warmth, and connection—but they can also feel overwhelming at times. For some, this season may stir up stress, nostalgia, or a sense of loneliness. It’s natural for the holidays to look and feel different for everyone. As I share how I find calm and joy during the holidays, I also want to recognize that each person’s experience is unique—and that support is always available if you need it.
When the holidays bring calm: My story
When I was a kid, Christmas was always the most magical time of year. All my best family memories are from the holiday season. And when I grew up, I vowed to make the holiday season as memorable for my kids as it was for me. The smell of pine, the decorations, the twinkling lights, the laughter around the table—those things still carry me back. As an adult, especially as a parent, I've tried to build traditions that stitch those memories into our lives now, not just for nostalgia but because they help anchor me, ground me, and bring joy when everything else seems rushed.
Here’s how I unwind for the holidays—how I try to slow down, soak it in, and recharge before the New Year rush.
- Take some time off
I always try to take time off—no rushing, no urgent tasks—to really unwind, recharge, and get ready to start the New Year off fresh. Just stepping away from work stress has become the non-negotiable part of December for me. - Vinyl holiday music from my childhood
Nothing brings me back more than putting on my favorite holiday vinyls: Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Josh Groban, Bing Crosby, Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas, Seth MacFarlane (yes, that Seth MacFarlane)—all of them spinning on my turntable. It’s warm, familiar, and comforting. - Morning hot chocolate before the world wakes
During my break, every morning I make a perfect hot chocolate, sit quietly before the house wakes up, and listen to music. There’s something sacred in that stillness, when the world outside is dark, cold, or quiet, but inside there's warmth and calm. - Obnoxiously decorating the house
I go all in. Lights, ornaments, wreaths, garlands—decorating so thoroughly that our whole home feels like it’s under a joyful spell. The sparkle around every corner, the scent of evergreen, the glow of twinkling lights—it lifts my mood and brings me back to when my parents did the same in my childhood home. - Winter ambiance: Fire in the fireplace
As often as possible, I build a fire in the fireplace, settle in front of it—blanket, mug—and just let time slow. The crackle of logs, the softness of the firelight—it reminds me that even cold nights can be cozy. - Holiday movies & specials
I indulge in all the classics: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, Elf, Santa Claus: The Movie, FX’s A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, Charlie Brown Christmas, The Grinch (all versions), Frosty the Snowman, Disney’s Prep & Landing, Garfield Christmas Special, and dozens more. Sometimes in good company, sometimes alone, but always joyfully.
Six tips to unwind and recharge this holiday season
Here are some ideas for you—things you can try or adapt—to help your holiday season feel brighter, more relaxing, and more meaningful.
- Schedule a real break/time off
Schedule time when you step back from work, social obligations, and “to-dos.” Use the time for rest, hobbies, family, or nothing at all. Taking vacation has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, lower heart risks, and increase overall well-being.¹ Giving yourself pre- and post-vacation buffer days also prolongs wellness benefits.² - Engage your senses with holiday traditions
Whether music, decorations, scent (pine, cinnamon), cozy fires, or favorite foods—choose sensory rituals and routines that evoke warmth and joy. Sensory comforts help regulate mood and can counteract seasonal dips.³ Meaningful rituals also reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being.⁴ - Prioritize calm mornings for yourself
Create a simple morning routine during your break: maybe hot cocoa, quiet time, or familiar music before the household wakes. Starting the day calm lowers cortisol and gives you a buffer before family or guests arrive. Anticipating these small pleasures has its own positive effects.¹ - Limit perfectionism; set realistic expectations
Let go of the idea that everything must be perfect—decor, gifts, gatherings. Say “no” when needed, delegate tasks, and simplify. Overcommitment is one of the biggest holiday stressors. Listing your expectations can help you see what you can control and what you may need to let go of.⁵ Being realistic and learning to decline invitations are valid forms of self-care.⁶ - Stay physically active and get sunlight
Even short walks, dancing to holiday music, or outdoor chores make a difference. Exposure to daylight regulates circadian rhythms and helps counter winter mood symptoms. Physical activity itself reduces anxiety and boosts mood.³⁷ - Schedule rest, reflection, and connection
Plan downtime. Watch a favorite holiday film, journal, connect with friends, or simply sit by a fire. Rest and reflection recharge you; connection helps reduce loneliness.⁸
Keep it merry and bright
The holidays don’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, they can be an opportunity: a chance to slow down, remember what matters, and build joy out of simple, heart-warming rituals. My own customs—vinyl records, hot chocolate mornings, decorating—aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence.
However you spend this season—whether it’s filled with celebration, reflection, or a little bit of both—I hope you find moments that bring you comfort and joy. The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Take time to care for yourself, connect in ways that feel right for you, and remember that support is always within reach if you need it. Wishing you warmth, peace, and plenty of reasons to smile this December.
- Allina Health. The importance of taking a vacation. Link
- New research reveals best way to make holiday vacation benefits last longer. Link
- McLean Hospital. Holiday mental health tips. Link
- Supporting your mental health during the holiday season. Link
- Northwestern Medicine. Tips to help with holiday stress. Link
- National Council on Aging (NCOA). Mental health and the holidays: 9 tips for self-care. Link
- Pathlight Behavioral Health. Mental health tips for the holidays. Link
- BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services. 10 tips to boost your mental health during the holiday season. Link