Coping with Christmas: Gentle ways to care for yourself when everything feels heavy.

Christmas can be a beautiful time, but it can also feel heavy ~ 
my gosh, it can feel heavy. For many of us, coping with Christmas means

navigating high expectations, an overwhelm of memories, missing loved ones, and a sense that we should be feeling a certain way, we should be looking a certain way, and we should be celebrating a certain way.

It has taken me a little while to find my own rhythm for Christmas time, but the good news is, I have finally learned how to create my own quieter rituals around this season. Nothing grand, nothing expensive ~ just little things that help me feel grounded and more positive about the days ahead.

Here are a few things that help me cope when Christmas feels overwhelming.

Nothing better for me then an pile of library books

Visiting the library ~ A small stack of borrowed calm

I love wandering through the library looking for books. Especially now that I can actually take my time choosing books that aren't on my radar. I also love to reserve books from my favourite authors (did you know that you can do this at all libraries?)

When you are short on time, you can simply reserve the books you would like and once you get the message you can simply and quickly call in and pick up your books and magazines.

I already have my small pile waiting for me at home. Even just the sight of the pile gives me joy. It feels like permission to rest, to escape for a while, and to spend time away from screens and noise.

Wrapping small gifts for myself

This year I have wrapped up a few small treats for myself and placed them under our little wooden tree.
 Nothing extravagant ~ chocolates, some pens and a little book. And yes, I did open and eat some of the chocolates already.

It’s a quiet reminder that it’s okay to care for myself too.

Love me some cadbury chocolates!

Making space for creativity, just because

I have to remind myself that creativity doesn’t always have to be productive. Although I have many crochet/knitting patterns and ideas swirling in my head, I really like this time of year to draw.


For some reason I like to reach for pencils, paper, or something entirely new. This year I am super keen to explore water painting.

Letting myself explore creativity without an end goal ~ without needing to share it ~ brings a sense of calm and play back into my days.

Exploring Creative outlets

When togetherness looks different

If you’re unable to spend time with loved ones, I’ve found that a change of scenery can help. A small day trip, a quiet walk somewhere new, or even a simple adventure can soften the loneliness.

I wrote about my surprising solo adventure last year in this blog post about finding comfort during Christmas and how good it was for my heart.

A solo Christmas day adventure

Baking something that feels like home

Yes, the kids and hubby have put in their order what they would like me to make for Christmas. But this year I am making sure that I make my favourite slice ~ malteaser slice. Ever since my old boss introduced me to this slice years ago, it is my absolute favourite.

Baking something familiar and comforting ~ even just for myself ~is one of the ways I slow things down. There's no need to make it perfect or festive. Just something warm, familiar, nourishing ~and perfect with a cup of tea.

Malteser No Bake Slice Recipe

And of course I have a pile of magazines that MUST be read before we move again, so I have another little pile of goodness waiting for me.

As an introvert I have found that although I love my family and friends with a passion, I can still find the social side of Christmas exhausting. Physically, emotionally and mentally ~ it's taken me years to work this out. So I have already picked a day, after all the social events, to just be. I will probably be in my pjs, I will be eating chocolate for breakfast and I will be on the lounge all day. Already that little secret day that I have planned for myself is keeping my anxiety at bay.

A gentle reminder

If Christmas feels hard this year, you’re not doing it wrong.
You’re allowed to create your own traditions, take breaks, and move through this season in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Slow moments matter. Small comforts count. You don’t need to rush your way through this time. Be gentle with yourself.

I will also make sure that I am 'off' social media over the Christmas period. I will however be checking my emails, so if you want to connect with someone who 'gets' why Christmas time can be heavy, I'm here for you.

Remember to do something just for yourself this year,

Melissa