My Festive Season Thrive Kit – From From Bah Humbug to Bliss
Remember that “Lost Christmas Glow” blog I wrote back in 2016? Yeah, things were a bit rough then. Life had thrown some serious curveballs, grief was my unwelcome shadow, and the festive season felt more like a burden than a joy.
Fast-forward to Christmas 2024, and it’s a whole new world! While the years haven’t been without their challenges (more loss, more grief—it’s been a thing!), I’ve found my sparkle again. This year, I’m trading frosty windows for sunny skies and escaping the winter chills with a city trip in the sunshine. (Seriously, those minus temperatures were killing my vibe!)
But let’s be real—Christmas isn’t always merry and bright for everyone. Family dynamics can be challenging, and people can feel loss and sadness—it can be a really hard season.
Back in 2016, when I was feeling all the not-so-great feelings, I decided to create a Festive Season Thrive Kit—a collection of strategies to not just survive the holidays but truly thrive. And guess what? It worked! I’m excited for the season, embracing self-care, relaxation, and finding joy in the little things.
Whether you’re feeling super festive or need a little boost, these tips will help create a joyful and fulfilling holiday season.
- Twinkly lights. Cliché, yes, but if you’re tempted to be a bit bah-humbug about the festive season, get yourself some twinkly lights, as many as your pocket will allow and festoon them around your living space. Never underestimate the simple joy of happy twinkly lights.
- Candles. I love them. Even in my most challenging mood, a lit candle with a beautiful scent never fails to lift my spirits. I find the flame so soothing to meditate with, and the scents... The scent of a great candle can change everything. My personal candle loves are Jo Malone pomegranate noir and Freesia from Diptyque. I also blend up my own aromatherapy oils and use a candle scent diffuser to send mood-lifting aromas whizzing around the home.
- Chocolate. Let’s face it, chances are there will be lots of sweet brown stuff knocking about. If you’re partial to it, then do it well. Stock up on some great quality chocolate to help guide you away from the not-so-quality good stuff. I love the dark, dark chocolate from Green and Blacks. Don’t get me started about the G & B thins in salted caramel. Plus the probiotic choc in raspberry from Ombar. Finally, I’ve been known to indulge in a Hotel Chocolat too.
- The right social gatherings. It’s so tempting to get caught up in what you think you “should” be doing and end up spending way too much time with people who may not rock your world. Many of us evolve and grow. Who we were when we were 10, 20, 30 or 40 years old may not be who we are today. So, the people that were in your earlier life may not be the people you love being around today. So give yourself a massive permission slip to limit the time with those you love, but don’t necessarily rock your world. Make purposeful plans with those people who are totally your jam and make all the difference in your life.
- Snuggle clothes. These can come in the form of a splendid pair (or three!) of Christmas-themed pj’s, relaxed daytime clothing, drop crotch joggers of the most stretchy, softest material, big fluffy hoodies, and socks. Warmtoasty socks – maybe push the boat out, up the budget and invest in some cashmere socks—finally, a blanket. No snuggling on the sofa with your favourite box set or movie is the same without your favourite blanky! I feel that the snugglier and more comfy I am at this time of the year, the happier I am.
- Choose your movies or box sets. Okay, confession time, until six years ago, I didn’t own a TV! I like to read, listen to podcasts, listen to the radio, and other stuff. But I am now the proud owner of a TV and Netflix account. If I am going to indulge in TV, I want to make sure I’m watching stuff that rocks my world; it makes all the difference to the mood.
- Have a book at the ready. If you read the above point, you’ll already know I’m a voracious reader. But I highly recommend having a good book ready to go—or maybe an old favourite. There is no deeper escapism than diving into an amazing book where you can actually lose yourself for hours.
- A notebook and pen. If you know me or you’ve read any of my blogs before, you’ll probably know I’m an avid writer of a journal. It’s one of the most potent mind-cleansing and re-balancing tools I use (along with many of my clients). If you are feeling the heaviness of the season, don’t hold it all in your head. Reach for the notebook and indulge in some meditation writing. Just write whatever is in your head. It doesn’t have to make sense or be grammatically correct. It can jump from subject to subject and write like nobody is going to read it. Once you’ve got the junky, unhelpful thoughts out of your mind, leave them there on the page and don’t look back. Allow the process to free you up and cleanse you from the mind drama, allowing you to lean back into the festive season.
- Music. Create your mood-enhancing anthem playlist. Select any song or piece of music that lifts your mood or makes you want to get your groove on. Then, slap it in your anthems playlist. I use iTunes, but do it in whatever way works for you. Again, curate this list like nobody else is going to listen to it. Be unashamed in the music you choose. Personally, the cheesier, the better.
- Write a love letter to yourself. A tool I have used for many years in my practice is to get clients to write a letter to themselves, acknowledging the past harm or harsh words, sending forgiveness and making a pact of love towards themselves along with a strategy of all the simple things they are going to commit in order to keep loving themselves and making it a top priority.
However you choose to celebrate, may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Happy Holidays!
RESOURCES AND NEXT STEPS
If you’re looking for more support and guidance, here are some valuable resources:
- Book a conversation to see how we can help you with your mindset HERE.
- Have meaningful conversations. Connect with your people deeper by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use our Flip The Thinking Tool kit and share it with people around you. See how it helps you enrich the connection and conversation.
- Follow along on LinkedIn HERE
- Find out more about our women’s leadership programme HERE