Oh, the festive season! It’s all twinkly lights, endless mince pies, and far too many “Save the Date” notifications. At FINDRA HQ, we’re riding the merry chaos of our busiest shopping season, and it’s heart-warming to see so many of you picking thoughtful, sustainable gifts for your nearest and dearest. But let’s be real – it’s still chaos, isn’t it?
If the never-ending to-do lists are threatening to turn your festive spirit into a festive meltdown, fear not! We’ve got your back with some fun, cheeky ways to keep the sparkle alive without losing your mind.
1. Set Boundaries Like a Pro (or at Least Fake It)
Guess what? You don’t have to be everyone’s Christmas hero. Take five, jot down your commitments, and cross out the ones that don’t spark joy (sorry, obligatory office party). Practice your best “Thanks, but no thanks” face in the mirror. You’ll be amazed how good it feels to say no and reclaim your time.
2. Deck the Halls (and Your Soul) with Fresh Air
Who needs a gym when you’ve got the great outdoors? Bundle up in your favourite cosy layers, grab a flask of something warm and mulled, and hit the trail. Whether you’re strutting through the park or wandering a snowy woodland, a good old-fashioned walk will have you feeling merry and bright in no time. Bonus points if you bring a buddy or spot a robin!
3. Micro-Adventures: Big Fun, Zero Stress
Listen, you don’t need to scale Everest to have an adventure. Keep it simple and seasonal with mini escapades. Maybe it’s cycling to check out the neighbour’s Christmas light extravaganza or a car picnic at a scenic spot. Small moments, big smiles.
4. Indoor Bliss: Pyjamas Mandatory
Outdoor fun’s great and all, but let’s hear it for the homebodies! Run a steamy bath with your fanciest bubbles, light those candles you’ve been saving, and embrace the art of doing nothing. Alternatively, channel your inner marshmallow and cocoon yourself in blankets for a movie marathon. Elf, anyone?
5. Move It or Snooze It
Keep the body moving, folks! Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, or just a few stretches while the kettle boils, a bit of movement goes a long way. And hey, if all else fails, an impromptu dance party to Mariah Carey’s greatest hits totally counts as exercise.
6. Gratitude, but Make It Easy
Feeling frazzled? Time to whip out the gratitude goggles. Take a moment each day to jot down three things that made you smile. Maybe it’s the neighbour’s dog in a Santa hat or the fact you managed to find matching socks. Tiny wins = big vibes.
7. Fuel Up, Festive Style
We’re not here to tell you to skip the Christmas pudding, but maybe balance it out with some hearty, wholesome meals. Turn cooking into an event: gather the family, throw on some tunes, and make a mess in the kitchen. Bonus points for recipes that involve cinnamon.
8. Reflect, Recharge, Repeat
Before you dive headfirst into the new year, carve out some time to reflect on this one. What rocked? What flopped? Scribble it all down and set some soft goals for next year. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
Final Thoughts (But Make Them Festive)
This holiday season, let’s toast to balance. A bit of outdoorsy adventure, a dollop of indoor cosiness, and a sprinkling of self-care are all you need to stay on track. So go ahead, take charge, and make this your most joyful, stress-free holiday yet. Cheers to that!
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
Despite the noise around Christmas, Winter is actually a time for hibernating, a period of restoration and caring for yourself. So in those moments you have earmarked for self-care, here is the affirmation that you need - Wintering is a comforting reflection on the times when we must retreat to care for and repair ourselves. Katherine May thoughtfully shows us how to come through these times with the wisdom of knowing that, like the seasons, our winters and summers are the ebb and flow of life.
Quote of the Week
Favourite Song
Ingrid Michaelson & Sarah Barielles - Winter Song
Such a beautiful, atmospheric song which will make the cogs in your mind slow down for a while.
