Part 3: How to Enjoy Christmas Your Way
By now, we’ve explored why Christmas can feel so hard and how letting go of expectations can bring relief. Now it’s time to focus on how to actually enjoy Christmas on your terms. This means creating a space that reflects your values, energy, and joy—not someone else’s. In this final part of the series, we’ll dive into practical ways to celebrate Christmas your way, helping you reclaim Christmas and fill it with authentic happiness.
Be Careful of Self Sabotage
This Christmas, if circumstances are beyond your control, don’t hold yourself back from discovering new sources of joy and fun. It’s natural to feel disappointed or sad if the festive season isn’t shaping up as you’d hoped, but try to shift your focus outward and appreciate the beauty in what’s around you—whether it’s nature, beloved pets, meaningful connections, hobbies, or even the peace and quiet.
Tips for being kind to yourself:
Acknowledge the disappointment.
Embrace the good in small moments and simple pleasures.
Surround yourself with people, places, or activities that bring a smile to your face.
Create a Space That Feels Festive
Your surroundings play a big role in shaping your mood. Even small touches can make your space feel warm and inviting. This doesn’t have to involve elaborate decorations—just a few meaningful additions can set the tone.
Quick ways to add Christmas cheer:
Light some candles or hang twinkling fairy lights to brighten up your space.
Play your favourite music or watch a film that’s a Christmas classic in your eyes.
Reflect and Set Intentions for the New Year
The end of the year is a natural time for reflection, and Christmas can provide the perfect opportunity to pause and think about what matters most to you. Use this as a chance to realign with your values and intentions for the year ahead.
How to do it:
Write a letter to yourself about what you’re grateful for and what you hope to cultivate in the coming year.
Create a peaceful space to reflect, honour your losses, express gratitude, and gently embrace hope for the future.
Get Creative with How You Celebrate
Who says Christmas has to look the same every year? Break the mould and embrace traditions that reflect your current mood, energy, or circumstances. Whether it’s something big like a brand new Christmas morning tradition or something small like rethinking how you wrap presents, make your celebrations as unique as you are.
Ideas to shake things up:
Have a low-energy pyjama-only Christmas Day with films and snacks.
Choose a new challenge for this Christmas, like only buying decorations and gifts second hand, or learning a new festive recipe!
Travel or Take a Staycation
Sometimes the best way to reclaim Christmas is to step away from your usual environment. If the thought of having another Christmas like last year doesn't excite you - why not go for it? Traveling, even locally, can refresh your energy. If leaving isn’t an option, a staycation can offer the same emotional and physical reset.
Try this:
Plan a getaway, whether it’s a snowy cabin or a sunny beach escape.
Turn your home into a “staycation retreat” with cosy blankets, special meals, and a break from your usual responsibilities.
Spend Time with the People Who Matter
Connection is one of the most meaningful parts of Christmas—but it doesn’t have to involve huge gatherings or social obligations. Choose to spend your time with the people (or pets!) who truly bring you joy.
How to focus on connection:
Plan intentional time with close friends or family, even if it’s virtual.
Don’t overlook the value of solo time if it recharges your energy.
Give Back in Ways That Feel Right
Giving back doesn’t have to mean grand gestures—it’s about sharing kindness in a way that feels authentic to you. Looking outward can foster a deeper sense of connection with others and help shift our perspective, and acts of generosity can fill your heart with the true spirit of Christmas.
Ways to give back:
Volunteer at a local kitchen or food bank.
Offer small acts of kindness, like baking for a friend or writing a card to a neighbour.
Find a gift-tree near you, where you can donate gifts to children going without this Christmas.
Tune in to Your Needs
A break or holiday should reflect your personal needs and boundaries. Whether you need more rest, more laughter, or simply a quieter mid-winter break, give yourself permission to design the season in a way that supports your well-being.
How to stay in tune with yourself:
Check in regularly with your emotions and energy levels.
Adjust plans if you start to feel overwhelmed—your mental health matters.
Treat Yourself
Christmas doesn’t have to be all about giving to others—remember to give to yourself too! Treat yourself to something that feels indulgent, whether it’s a special gift, a delicious meal, or simply a day off from responsibilities.
Ways to treat yourself:
Gift yourself an item you've been wanting all year.
Gift yourself an experience you've been meaning to do for a while.
Gift yourself time to do absolutely nothing or time to do something you'll enjoy.
Stay Open to the Unexpected
Sometimes the best moments of the season come from unexpected opportunities or surprises. By letting go of rigid plans and opening yourself to spontaneity, you might discover a whole new way to enjoy the holidays.
How to stay open:
Be flexible with your plans—some of the most memorable moments are unplanned.
Say “yes” to something outside your comfort zone, like trying a new activity or meeting new people.
The Heart of Your Christmas
When you strip away the expectations, the obligations, and the noise, you’re left with the essence of Christmas: a time to connect with yourself, others, and the things that matter most. The beauty of Christmas is that it doesn’t have to fit a mould. It’s a deeply personal time, and the most important thing is to make it meaningful for you. Whether that means leaning into traditions, rewriting them, or ignoring them altogether, there’s no “wrong” way to celebrate.
Here’s to having yourself a merry little Christmas—your way.
@Ease Creative Integrative Therapies with Val Phillips 2024
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