The holidays are meant to feel warm, joyful, and peaceful, yet for many of us, December becomes a blur of errands, events, and expectations. If you’ve ever reached Christmas morning wondering where the month went, you’re not alone. This season, try shifting from doing more to feeling more. Here are five meaningful ways to reduce holiday stress, enjoy holiday self-care, and embrace intentional holiday living.

1. Protect Your “Quiet Time” Like an Appointment

The holidays can fill up fast, with parties, school events, shopping, and travel all competing for your attention. Slowing down starts with intentionally creating pockets of stillness. Set aside a small block of time each day, even if it’s just ten minutes, and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment. Pour yourself a cup of tea, sit by the tree, read a comforting book, or simply enjoy the silence. By prioritizing these moments, you give yourself the space to actually feel the season instead of racing through it, making it one of the most effective holiday stress tips.

2. Simplify One Area of Your Holidays

You don’t need to simplify everything to make a meaningful change. Focus on one area that tends to overwhelm you and reduce it in some way. Maybe you can shorten your gift list, host a simpler gathering, or skip events that feel obligatory. Even small adjustments, such as buying premade treats instead of baking everything from scratch, can make a noticeable difference. Lowering expectations in just one area frees up emotional space in all the others, helping you practice intentional holiday living without feeling deprived.

3. Create a “Slow Moment” Ritual

Rituals can be powerful reminders to slow down. Choose one small activity each day that helps you pause and be present. Lighting a candle in the evening, listening to a holiday playlist, or taking a winter walk after dinner can create a sense of calm. One particularly festive idea is to take a quiet drive to see local Christmas lights. In Pasadena, the Hastings Ranch neighborhood is famous for its incredible holiday displays. Bring along a warm drink, play your favorite holiday music, and enjoy the lights without rushing. These small practices ground you and help create meaningful memories, making them an essential part of your holiday self-care routine.

4. Say “No” Without Explaining

Overcommitting is one of the biggest causes of holiday stress. Learning to say “no” — without long explanations or guilt — is a powerful form of self-care. You might politely decline invitations or events that don’t align with your energy, and in doing so, you protect your time and mental space. This simple boundary-setting strategy is a core holiday stress tip and allows you to focus on what truly matters, supporting a more intentional holiday living experience.

5. Be Fully Present in One Holiday Activity

Instead of trying to do every festive activity on your list, choose one and immerse yourself in it. Bake cookies without multitasking, wrap gifts with music playing and no distractions, or attend a seasonal event while keeping your phone away. A special holiday activity in the area is the horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Town Monrovia, available on December 7th, 14th, and 21st from 3–6 PM. Experiencing one of these rides, surrounded by twinkling lights and the crisp winter air, is a simple yet magical way to practice holiday self-care and create lasting memories.

A Slower Holiday Season Is a More Meaningful One

Giving yourself permission to step out of the holiday hustle allows you to experience the season more deeply. Lights feel brighter, gatherings feel warmer, and memories last longer. By following these holiday stress tips and embracing intentional holiday living, you can create a calmer, more meaningful holiday season that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.