The holiday season offers a host of opportunities to connect with loved ones, show appreciation for others, and give generously — all experiences that add richness and joy to life. 

Some seasons all those connection points and gratitude moments the holidays bring have felt like enrichment and some seasons they’ve felt like a distractive chore. Without the right perspective and preparation, the holidays can feel like a hassle. While the perfect peaceful balance isn’t something I can claim every waking moment of December, these are some tips I’ve found to lead me closer to consistent peace than distraction.

Read an Advent Devotional

Reading a daily advent devotional centers your mindset on the coming of Christ. If you want to remember the Biblical Christmas story during the season, read the corresponding day’s devotional each day. One of my favorites is  Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul David Tripp.

Put Together a Puzzle

Leaving a puzzle up and spending a few minutes focusing on which pieces fit together slows down a racing mind. Find a peaceful, quaint winter scene and watch the scene come together throughout the holiday season.

Play Games

During holiday gatherings, games help create memories and multiply laughter. Board games and card games also make great gifts! If you want to be extra creative, find Minute to Win It Christmas games on the internet or on social media. These may take additional assembly but are sure to provide a fun “remember when we…” memory for your family and friends.

Fill Your Home with Festive Scents

Light a candle, mix some homemade potpourri, decorate with live greenery, set the occasional crackling log on fire — scents can relax us.

Write Holiday Cards

Attach a thoughtful note to gifts or mail written holiday cards. Showing gratitude through handwritten notes helps you recognize more ways to be grateful for the people in your life and can make that person’s day.

Make a Holiday Craft for Your Home or Give it Away

If you get energy from doing things with your hands, find a holiday craft that either makes your home feel more cozy or can be given away to show your love for someone else.

Read a Book by the Christmas Tree

Enjoying a good Christmas story out loud by the Christmas tree is engaging and restful. Or, if you want a few moments of calm to yourself, read a good book by the Christmas tree solo when everyone in your household is asleep.

Buy Presents All Year Long

When you add multiple trips to stores and the strain of extra spending on top of all the other holiday activities, it can add extra stress and time away from enjoying the season and connecting. Some ideas to ease the stress in this area include: 

• Saving throughout the year for Christmas presents. 

• Writing down ideas for presents when they come. 

• Buying presents throughout the year when you see something that reminds you of a loved one or that you think they’ll enjoy.

Participate in Spontaneous Holiday Activities

Holiday traditions are great, but if the number of traditions feels like a strain instead of something you look forward to and feel present in, opt for more spontaneous holiday activities over annual traditions. Pick a couple of traditions and spend more time doing spontaneous things that feel right for you and your people at the moment.

Schedule Time at Home and Stick to It

Prioritize the functions that matter most to you and be okay saying “no” to some things. You can’t do it all. For some, it’s helpful to schedule time at home on the calendar just like you would time away.

Make a Warm Beverage

Grab a mug and fill it with a warm beverage — hot chocolate, tea, cider, mulled wine, peppermint mocha. Invite someone over to share the treat while catching up.

Draw Names when Gift Giving

In some circles, it may be helpful to draw names and buy gifts for just that person instead of everyone in the group. This can create a meaningful, thoughtful experience as everyone in the group is focused on one person.

Remember Healthy Habits

Don’t let the change in schedule and extra treats completely derail your healthy habits. You’ll feel better and more rested when you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. Your routine might look a little different around the holidays, and you should enjoy the delights of the season. However, you’ll feel better if you keep healthy habits in mind during the season.