we are in the season of sparkling lights, Too many to-do’s and those familiar family rhythms that seem to dance somewhere between sweet joy and utter chaos. It’s a time of year that invites us to gather, give, and celebrate—and yet, beneath the festivities, it can also be messy for your mind, hard on your heart and quite the workout for your wellbeing, too. Here’s how to nurture your needs as you navigate the holidays ahead.

For all its twinkling lights and festive joy, December can feel anything but peaceful. The season of giving often demands more from us than we have to give—our energy, our patience, our time, our hearts. Whether it’s navigating complex family dynamics, grieving loved ones who are no longer around, feeling stretched financially, or simply comparing your reality to someone else’s curated Instagram magic—this time of year can weigh heavily on our shoulders and minds.

But here’s a gentle reminder - this season offers you a unique opportunity too. Not to strive for a “perfect” Christmas—because there’s no such thing—but to anchor yourself in the moments, to reconnect with what matters, and to bring mindfulness into your everyday. Christmas becomes the perfect space to practice presence, compassion, and care—for yourself first, and then for others.

If you feel overstretched or overwhelmed, if you’re struggling or sad, pause, take a breath, and lean into these words:

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” — Ram Dass

Perhaps you’re noticing the quiet ache of someone missing from the table. Maybe you’re juggling the invisible weight of expectations—yours, others, or society’s. Or it could be the contrast of the season itself: how one moment can feel warm and magical, while the next feels… well, off. Here’s the truth we often forget: Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. In fact, it’s in the messiness—the imperfect moments, the unplanned pauses, the tears—that presence, peace and compassion can quietly show up.

Let’s take a moment together to explore some simple ways you can nurture yourself, find your calm, and use some effective wellbeing tools to soften into the magic of the season.

To control, or not to control?

First of all, one of the most powerful ways to find calm in the chaos is to shift your focus and energy to what you can control. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of what’s outside your influence (guilty!), but when you bring your attention back to your choices, your mindset, and your actions, peace becomes so much more accessible.

When you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and repeat to yourself:

“I let go of what I cannot control, and I return my focus to what I can. I protect my peace, one choice at a time.”

Remember: You don’t have to carry it all. You don’t have to fix everything or make everyone happy. Your job is simply to show up as you are—that is already enough.

This list of what you can control this Christmas, and what you can’t, can serve as a gentle guide when you feel pulled in too many directions. Return to what you can control, and let go of the rest. Remember - it’s not yours to carry or worry about! Click the button above to download your own copy of the Christmas Calm reminder.

Read on to discover my simple strategies and very practical steps to get you through the ups, downs and tough times this Christmas and beyond; including quick practices to find peace, navigating family dynamics with ease, gently tending to grief and loss and simple ways to nurture your mind, body and soul this season.

SIMPLE STRATEGIES to get you through TOUGH TIMES:

1. PEACEFUL Practices to Ground Yourself

When the chaos rises, lean on small, practical tools to anchor your mind and body.

🕊 Breath Awareness (1-minute pause practice)

• Wherever you are—at the dinner table, in the car, or wrapping gifts—place one hand on your heart.

• Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in for 4 counts.

• Hold it gently at the top, and exhale for 6 counts. Repeat for one minute.

• Whisper to yourself: “I am here. I am breathing. This moment is enough.”

🌲 Find Peace Through Nature

• Step outside, even for 5 minutes, and feel your feet on the earth. Notice the cool air on your face, the sounds around you, the simple beauty of nature.

• If you can, take a mindful walk, leaving your phone behind. Let the rhythm of your steps bring you back to centre.

✨ The Power of Touch

• In moments of stress, place one hand gently on your heart or hold your hands together. A simple, compassionate touch can regulate your nervous system.

• Silently repeat: “I offer myself kindness. I offer myself peace.”

2. Navigating Family Dynamics and Expectations

Family gatherings can stir old dynamics, unspoken tensions, or even feelings of loneliness. If you find yourself triggered or overwhelmed:

🌱 Pause and Respond

• Before reacting, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself, “How can I respond with compassion—both for myself and others?”

• Remember: it’s okay to excuse yourself from difficult conversations or take a quiet moment alone. You are allowed to set boundaries.

🪶 Drop the Perfection

• Your Christmas does not need to look like anyone else’s. Release the weight of comparison and unrealistic expectations.

• Whisper this mantra: “Good enough is perfect.”

🌟 Find Moments of Joy

• Look for small, joyful moments—laughter, a shared story, the smell of something baking. Those tiny, imperfect moments are the real magic of the season.

3. TENDING TO Grief and Loss

For those experiencing heartache and loss, Christmas can be a tender time. It’s okay to grieve, to feel sadness, and to honour your heart.

💧 Create Space to Remember

• Light a candle for someone you miss. Sit quietly with it, allowing memories and love to rise.

• Speak their name. Write them a letter. Let their presence be part of your season.

🌸 Let Yourself Feel

• You don’t have to push grief or sadness away. Allow yourself to cry, to feel tender, to move slowly. Remember that loss and love exist hand-in-hand.

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”

— Khalil Gibran

4. Ways to Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Soul

🫖 Rest, Rest, Rest

• Prioritise quiet moments and early nights. Gift yourself permission to rest deeply.

🌸 Nourish Yourself

• Eat mindfully, choosing foods that feel good in your body. Stay hydrated and savour your daily tea or coffee.

📖 Make Time for Small Pleasures

• Whether it’s reading a few pages of a book, listening to your favorite music or soaking in a bath, tend to your soul with care.

💛 Speak to Yourself Kindly

• Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Instead of “I’m not doing enough,” try saying:

“I’m doing the best I can, and that is enough.”

A Gentle Reminder:

In all of this, remember: your presence is the greatest gift you can give—to yourself, to your loved ones, and to the season itself. When you’re here, truly here, you realise that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Embrace it, enjoy it, just as it is.

And if it helps, here are some final gentle words of Metta for the season to soothe and guide you, repeat as often as you need to:

• May I be peaceful.

• May I be at ease.

• May I be kind to myself and others.

You can extend it further:

• May my loved ones be peaceful.

• May all beings be at ease.

• May we all find moments of joy and presence.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, return to these kind and comforting words. Whisper them to yourself as a prayer, a mantra, a meditation when you need to.

Wishing you a merry and mindful Christmas period
💛
With love x

Finding peace in the everyday

If you’re new to the world of mindfulness and are looking for more information, effective tools and simple strategies to help you manage your stress effectively then check out my new book, Mindfulness: finding peace in the everyday. It’s filled with ways to keep calm and live life more mindfully, relieve stress and improve your wellbeing. In the book, you’ll find step-by-step meditations and breathing exercises for beginners, as well as tonnes of tips and practices to make every day more peaceful and pleasant. The book is available to buy worldwide, now.  

 #discovermindfulness with Annika Rose.