Holiday Self-Care: Treat Yourself This Season with These 7 Simple Acts of Joy

When you’re balancing family gatherings, maintaining relationships, running a business, and managing everything on your to-do list, carving out personal time can feel absolutely impossible. But it’s so important to remember that taking care of yourself isn’t an indulgence. Holiday self-care is essential for your well-being and emotional health—and even for sustaining the energy needed to support those around you during this crazy time of year.

Self-care during the holidays isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about honoring yourself beyond your roles as a partner, mother, or business owner. Practicing self-care, finding joy, and making time for rest allow you to celebrate who you are. You deserve to enjoy the holiday season as your fullest, most joyful self.

Here’s How to Let Go and Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season

Step 1: Embrace Imperfection and Let Go of Holiday “Shoulds”

During the holidays, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the “shoulds”—we should be decorating perfectly, hosting flawlessly, and buying gifts that feel just right. Holiday expectations, whether self-imposed or influenced by social media, often create unrealistic pressure to achieve the “ideal” holiday.

This kind of pressure can take away from holiday cheer and leave us feeling stressed rather than joyful. Remember, your own needs come first; it’s okay if every decoration isn’t in place or if you can’t attend every event. Taking care of your mental and emotional health sometimes means letting go of perfection.

We’re Giving You Permission to Simplify! (So Do It)

Giving yourself permission to simplify is an act of self-care. Embrace a “good enough” mentality to help you feel more at peace. Instead of trying to do all the things, focus on enjoying the season rather than exhausting yourself in the hustle and bustle. By letting go of the need to meet every last expectation put on you by family and friends, you can reduce stress and focus on what truly matters to you, creating more room for the holiday activities you genuinely enjoy.

DesignDash Top Tip

Create a “Non-Negotiables List” of only the most meaningful holiday activities and let go of the rest. If buying gifts, holiday shopping, or social obligations feel overwhelming, choose just a few key ones and allow yourself to ignore the rest. It’s okay to have healthy boundaries—remember, there’s no prize for doing it all!

Step 2: Look to Small Rituals for a Big Impact! Infuse Your Day with Mini Moments of Joy

Finding a few moments to practice self care can be just as powerful as grand gestures. Even a few minutes spent on something that makes you happy can help recharge your mind and boost your emotional health, especially amidst the holiday season. Tiny joys, whether it’s enjoying a quiet coffee break or laughing at a favorite show, create little time for personal peace in the middle of your to-do list.

What Are Some Simple, Effective Rituals You Can Establish?

Incorporating a few simple rituals can transform your day. Small moments—like sitting with a good book, lighting a candle, listening to holiday music, or savoring a cup of tea—can provide a break from the holiday stress and allow you to take care of yourself. These little practices of joy can help you feel grounded in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle.

DesignDash Top Tip

Set aside 5–10 minutes each day for a “joy ritual,” no matter how small, that focuses on what brings you happiness. Taking this quiet time for yourself daily, whether you’re spending time alone or with a loved one, can become a special tradition. Treat it as a non-negotiable part of your routine—your mind and body will thank you.

Step 3: Set Boundaries with Love. It’s Time to Say “No” to Extra Demands!

The holiday season brings extra demands on our time, from family gatherings and holiday shopping to year-end work deadlines. With so many social obligations and holiday activities, feeling overwhelmed is natural. Knowing when to set boundaries is essential to protect your well-being, so you don’t burn out by trying to do it all.

We Know Boundary-Setting is Hard!

Encourage yourself to recognize your limits and prioritize your mental health by saying “no” when you need to. Setting healthy boundaries, especially during the holidays, doesn’t make you selfish—it’s part of taking care of your emotional health and physical health. Saying no with love is a powerful act of self-care and will help you manage holiday stress.

DesignDash Top Tip

Practice a “Kind but Firm No” by preparing a short, polite response to turn down additional commitments, like “I’d love to, but I have to prioritize rest right now.” Setting boundaries allows you to focus on your own needs and spend time on what matters most.

Step 4: Reclaim Personal Joy By Seeking Activities That Light You Up

Take time this season to reconnect with activities that are purely for your enjoyment. Whether it’s reading a favorite book, painting, baking, or watching a holiday movie, doing things that bring you joy will help you feel recharged and more present for others. Don’t let the hustle and bustle keep you from spending time on things that make you happy.

Find a Few “Just-for-Me” Activities

Sometimes the best way to take care of your mental health is to set aside time for a few ideas that bring you joy. Consider simple activities like baking cookies, taking a walk, or having a quiet evening with a good book. These little joys can help reduce stress and remind you to enjoy the moment.

DesignDash Top Tip

Schedule a “date” with yourself once a week for something that’s purely joyful—no work, no obligations. By reclaiming personal joy, you’re nurturing your own needs in a meaningful way.

Step 5: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity, When Creating Meaningful Moments with Loved Ones

Spending time with family and friends is one of the most cherished parts of the holiday season. Instead of aiming for big gatherings or perfect outings, focus on creating moments of connection. Quality time can be found in the simplest activities, like cooking together or enjoying a cozy movie night.

Choose bonding activities that allow you to relax with family members and friends. Cooking, taking a walk, or playing a game together can create moments of joy without the pressure of formal events. These small moments can be just as meaningful as big gatherings, allowing you to enjoy holiday cheer without adding to holiday stress.

DesignDash Top Tip

Plan a “tech-free” time each week to fully connect with loved ones without distractions. Whether it’s a dinner, a walk, or game night, you’ll foster connections and focus on what’s truly important.

Step 6: Reflect on the Past Year with a Personal Check-In

The holidays are an ideal time for a personal check-in, helping you acknowledge all you’ve accomplished. Reflecting on the past year can remind you of your growth, your resilience, and the special moments you may have forgotten in the holiday hustle and bustle. Taking care of your emotional health sometimes means taking a moment to celebrate all the things you’ve achieved.

Use a few questions to prompt gratitude and self-awareness. Try asking yourself, “What’s one thing I’m proud of this year?” or “What small joys brought me the most happiness?” This reflection can help you focus on positive feelings and reduce any holiday blues you may be experiencing.

DesignDash Top Tip

Set aside 15 minutes with a journal to reflect on the past year and make space for gratitude. This simple self-care activity can help you enter the holiday season with a sense of peace and appreciation.

Step 7: Prepare for the New Year with Self-Compassion

As the new year approaches, resist the urge to set unrealistic expectations with grand resolutions. Instead, consider setting gentle intentions focused on self-compassion and well-being. These intentions can include healthy habits, like getting enough sleep or finding time for physical activity, rather than drastic changes that can lead to burnout.

Self-compassionate goals might look like “take breaks regularly,” “stay connected with friends,” “get adequate sleep during the week,” “confront negative emotions,” or “enjoy more moments of rest.” These goals emphasize taking care of yourself and focusing on your emotional, mental, and physical health.

While treating yourself with kindness, engaging in regular self-care activities, and receiving support from friends can help lessen the weight that’s always on you, please do not hesitate to contact a professional therapist if you feel like a mental health crisis could be imminent.

DesignDash Top Tip

Write down 2–3 intentions that center around your well-being, self-care, and joy for the new year. Rather than striving for unattainable goals, focus on simple actions that will support your happiness and reduce stress.

Final Thoughts: Gift Yourself the Joy You Give to Others

As we head into the holiday season, remember that you deserve the same love, care, and kindness you so generously give to others. Each moment you spend taking care of yourself is a gift that renews your energy and spirit, allowing you to show up more fully for family and friends.

Honor the small wins—every act of self-care, no matter how small, is a powerful step toward your own well-being. This season, let one simple act of joy from these suggestions be your starting point.

Embrace it fully and allow yourself to feel the peace, comfort, and happiness you deserve. Celebrate yourself every step of the way—because you are worth it.