Ready for the Holidays?!
Dec 18, 2025
December Self-Care: Yes, You’re Allowed to Enjoy This Season
Are you ready for the holidays?
No, really… ready? Or are you doing that thing where you smile, say “I love this time of year,” and then immediately add three more things to your to-do list?
December has a funny way of turning even the calmest among us into professional jugglers. Shopping, wrapping, cooking, events, family time, end-of-year deadlines, and let’s not forget the pressure to make everything magical. Somewhere between the ugly sweater party and the third cookie exchange, we often forget one very important person.
You.
Yes, YOU. (In all caps because it matters.)
Self-care tends to be the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. We tell ourselves we’ll slow down in January… right after we recover. But here’s the truth: if you don’t intentionally take care of yourself during the season, the season will happily take everything you’ve got.
And no, self-care doesn’t have to mean a weeklong retreat in the mountains (although if that’s an option, please invite me). It can be simple. It can be small. And it can fit into real life.
Maybe it looks like finally booking that mani-pedi you’ve been “meaning to schedule.” Or getting your hair cut and styled so you don’t feel like you’ve been living in a messy bun since October. A facial, a massage, or even just sitting in the car for five minutes of silence before walking into the house — all of it counts. AND YES Men, you too!
Self-care also isn’t just about pampering. Sometimes it’s about nourishment and connection. Taking a walk or a hike to clear your head. Sitting down with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and actually talking with a friend instead of texting “we need to catch up!” for the fifth time this year. Meditating, journaling, stretching, or simply going to bed earlier because your body is begging you to.
Here’s the thing: when you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else. You’re more patient. More present. More joyful. And honestly? More fun to be around. (We’ve all met the December version of someone who skipped self-care — let’s not be her or him.)
This season is supposed to be about connection, warmth, and celebration. Not exhaustion, resentment, and running on caffeine alone. Giving yourself permission to slow down doesn’t make you selfish — it makes you smart.
So as you move through December, I want you to ask yourself a few gentle questions:
When was the last time I did something just for me?
What would help me feel more grounded right now?
Where can I create a little space to breathe?
And then — this is the important part — act on the answers. Put it on the calendar. Treat it like an appointment you wouldn’t cancel on anyone else. Because you deserve that same level of care and commitment.
Remember, self-care isn’t one more thing to add to your list. It’s how you survive and enjoy the list you already have.
So yes, enjoy the cookies. Love on your people. Embrace the traditions. But don’t forget about YOU during this busy season. Take the walk. Book the appointment. Sit, laugh, rest, and recharge.
December doesn’t need a burned-out version of you.
It deserves the healthiest, happiest version you can give — starting with a little self-care.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Cathy
