10 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays

White background with snowflakes and green garland. The text says “10 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays”

The Holidays can be a stressful time for many, or most parents. Often we find ourselves extending and overextending ourselves to make the season magical for our children, friends, coworkers, extended family members and we are left feeling depleted. Taking some time to care for ourselves so we can refill that cup of cheer and be ready for the holly jolliness of the season. I hope the 10 ideas on this list help you and other parents navigate the mix of emotions of the holidays. Please leave comments to add your ideas, too.

Photo of a tree changing colors with a bench with red bows

1. Go for a walk – The days are shorter at this time of year, but soaking in some daylight improves your mood, and exercise can help you sleep better at night. I like to find someplace beautiful to walk, like the San Antonio Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, or my closest city park. Not sure where your closest city park is or want to explore a new trail check out San Antonio Parks & Rec.

2. Plant a pot of flowers – Even if you have limited space or think you have a brown thumb, you will hopefully find some entertainment in the process of planting something. Will it grow? Will it not grow? When will it sprout? How fast will it grow? What will it really look like? It is really a wonderful reality show to watch lol! All you need is a basic pot, a bag of potting mix, and some colorful, cool-season flowering plants, like snapdragons, pansies, violets, cyclamen, or poinsettias. Just add sunshine, air, water, and love. My kids and I water the plants together a couple of times a week, and it gets us outside for some fresh air. There is something poetic about watching a plant grow and blossom when you are feeling you are at a low point, which many can feel with the holidays and the end of the year.

Plant a pot of flowers | Alamo City Moms Blog

3. Re-read an old favorite book – Consider a children’s book or young adult book that you can share with your kids. Tell your friends what you’re reading; they might want to read it, too, and then get together to talk about it. San Antonio Public Library has an amazing collection and the ability to know make a reservation and pick up a book has been a life changer! There are also so many audiobooks available to check out from the library! Not familiar with the San Antonio Library, check out this article here for all the reasons we love the San Antonio Public Libraries.

4. Reach out to an old friend — The kind who won’t be mad that you haven’t talked in more than six months. Meet up for coffee, lunch, or playdate at a park with the kids. If that is feeling like too much to plan (totally understand!) reaching out for a text, Facebook message or phone call can be so rejuvenating.

5. Learn something new! – Maybe pick up a book about certain event(s) in history, try out a new skill that needs minimal equipment and space: juggling, knot tying, origami, etc. or challenge yourself to try a new language! There are lots of new ways to learn a new language, even fun apps like Duolingo.

6. Try a new beverage – A new coffee at your favorite coffee shop, try out a new coffee shop, pick up a new tea flavor at HEB, or even get adventurous on Pinterest to make homemade cider. We all have our favorite beverages for this time of year, and sometimes trying something new can really spice things up.

7. Clean out your car, workspace, playroom, living room, bedroom, bathroom, etc. – Decluttering or just rearranging or reorganizing can freshen up everyday spaces that just feel a bit humdrum. It does take that extra boost of energy and motivation but basking in that sense of accomplishment is such a great feeling! And bonus points, with a clean space, you’ll have a perfect canvas for all the holiday décor!

8. Take a trip down memory lane – Think about your favorite movies when you were growing up, and then plan a movie night to share them with your kids. Think of other holiday traditions that you enjoyed growing up and see if that would be something you and your kids would enjoy too! Also, be kind with yourself if this trip down memory lane brings up some unpleasant memories.

9. Volunteer – Even if you’re busy, giving back feels good. Maybe there’s a holiday party or teacher appreciation event at your kids’ school. If the queen bees turn you away and say they don’t need your help, then bust out this PTA post and tell them they’re doing it wrong.

10. Let there be light – The days may be shorter, but the longer nights allow you to enjoy all the beautiful holiday light displays at your house, your neighborhood, or around town. Check out Fall and Winter Fun in San Antonio AND Lights Alive Drive-Thru Light Show: Making Holiday Magic Easy for Moms! for inspiration. At home, you can build a fire in your fireplace or fire pit, light some candles, and play with glowsticks. You can also download your choice of weather, moon, star apps to let you know when sunset, sunrise and even the different constellations in the night sky, so you can go outside and enjoy these wonders of nature. I love that my kids will pause what they are doing and say “OH! LOOOOOK at that sunset!” Oh my heart!

Sunset on a live oak tree | Alamo City Moms Blog

These small things bring joy to my life, even during stressful times. However, sometimes things get serious, and we need to ask for help. Depression is real—I’ve been there. If you think you might need help, ask for it. Tell a friend or your doctor. People love you and need you. For their sake, as well as your own, please take care of yourself.

Postpartum Support International HelpLine

Call 1-800-944-4773

#1 En Español or #2 English

Or text “Help” to 800-944-4773 for English

Text en Español 971-203-7773

Or visit online here

 

Written originally in 2015 by Inga, and updated in 2023 by Ashley M.

Ashley Mazzanti
As an ambitious & passionate Scorpio, Ashley (she/her) loves many things and loves them with all she has. Parenting has been a transformative experience for Ashley and continues to evolve as her children - Jameson (2011), Josiah (2013), Jove (2015) & Jane (2018) enter, exist & exit different ages & stages. She is thankful to have her college sweetheart (Tim), 2 dogs, 2 cats by her side for comfort, support & encouragement during life's adventures. San Antonio has been home for Ashley since 2005 when she moved to attend UTSA (C/O 2009). Ashley is an Independent Travel Advisor and volunteers with local & national level non-profits. Activism, coffee, dancing, Disney, plants, Star Wars, tattoos, and yoga are all life long passionate loves for Ashley. You can find Ashley enjoying a treat at Plantyful Sweets, exploring our gorgeous local parks & Botanical Gardens, or cheering on the UTSA Roadrunner Football Team at the Alamodome.