How to Transform Your Stressful Holiday Season Into a Soulful Holiday Season

In the mid-1900s, the winter holidays were a peaceful retreat from the stress of contemporary life. In a growing America plagued by world war and political tensions, the winter holidays were a space where families could gather, breathe deeply, and temporarily escape from the insanity of the outside world. They were a balm that soothed the collective soul — if only for a week or two.

In the decades since, our culture has replaced the soulful simplicity of the holidays with commercialism and excess. For many families, holidays are no longer a retreat from stress — they are the stress. Between frantic plans, shopping sprees, and high-pressure gift-giving, many of us forget to slow down and take care of our bodies and hearts.

If you are craving a simpler, softer holiday season, you are not alone. With a bit of intention and kindness, you and your family can create a holiday season that soothes the soul and encourages togetherness. Here’s how.

Replace excess with simplicity

Gifts. Feasts. Festivities. Indulging in seasonal celebrations can be a wonderful way to revel in earth’s simple pleasures — but when we begin dreading our holidays because they feel like “too much” of everything, it might be time to replace all of the excess with simplicity.

Consider how you might simplify your holiday season. Of the many activities you typically participate in this time of year, which are your favorite? Which gatherings and services leave you feeling grateful and in touch with the true meaning of the holiday season? How can you prioritize time to rest and relax with your loved ones?

Try this bkty affirmation: “By seeking conscious simplicity, I minimize stress and increase joy in my life.”

Replace extravagant gifts with authentic connection

Gifts are a means of expressing care and affection for those we love. However, when we get too distracted by trying to get the “perfect” gifts or really “wow” our recipients, gifts become a way to boost our own egos — not a way to connect. One of the greatest gifts we can give one another is the gift of authentic connection: allowing ourselves to be fully present and fully seen, and giving others the space to do the same. We can create opportunities for authentic connection by:

Listening Deeply

This holiday season, make an effort to be truly present in your loved ones’ company. Avoid the distractions of social media and email and instead listen deeply to their stories. Take note of your loved ones’ beautiful qualities. Tell them what you appreciate about them and why. Remember: generosity comes in many forms.

Prioritizing Quality Time

Instead of merely exchanging quick pleasantries around the holiday table, consider prioritizing quality time with your loved ones this holiday season. A simple activity like a walk around the neighborhood, tea by the fireplace, or a game of chess is the perfect avenue to connect in a meaningful way.

A year from now, your loved ones might not remember the new book you bought them, but they’ll likely remember the heart-to-hearts you had beside the fireplace.

Try this bkty affirmation: “What matters is the love I give.”

Replace formality with play and connection

Whether it’s in your home, your school, or your place of worship, hosting or attending a holiday event is no small feat. As a host, you might spend hours preparing and ensuring that everything is “just right.” As a guest, you might spend your energy worrying about your outfit, clawing your way through small talk, or sitting stiffly at a fancy dining table.

This year, instead of spending your precious energy curating the perfect event, replace formality with play and connection. The holiday season isn’t about the dishes you use, the hairdo you sport, or the hors d'oeuvres you bake. It’s about connecting with your loved ones and letting yourself sink into gratitude.

Try this favorite bkty affirmation: “I sent my inner critic on holiday.”

Take care of yourself

Even during the holiday season — even when we’ve got parties to host, places to go, and people to see — being kind to ourselves isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s necessary in order to embrace the holiday spirit with an open, giving heart.

Self-care looks different for everyone. For you, maybe it’s a hot bath after a busy day of festivities. Maybe it’s staying local and celebrating a small Christmas with your dearest friends. Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to practice forgiveness and let go of a grudge you’ve been holding against a family member.

Instead of seeing self-care as a departure from your holiday traditions, consider incorporating self-care into your holiday traditions. Imagine if, every year, you looked forward to the holiday season as a time you’d be sure to give yourself kindness, softness, and relaxation!

Try this bkty affirmation: “I can show up more fully for others when I have taken care of myself.”

This year, support your intention for a simpler, softer holiday season with our soulful holiday card set. Our holiday card set makes a thoughtful, loving gift for any person who works hard and deserves a loving moment to be kind to themselves. Tastefully curated, our holiday and other card sets help you find inner calm wherever you are—from the plane to the fireplace and even beneath the Christmas tree.