12 Easy Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Season When Life Gets Chaotic

The holidays are undoubtedly among the busiest times of the year for many people. I know our calendar and to-do list fills up exponentially the closer we get to December, making it hard to enjoy the season.

I start thinking about what I'm going to bake, who needs gifts, and when we're going to our local Christmas lights display. Random thoughts pop into my head at all hours, from wondering if our matching family PJs still fit to remembering if I signed up for the school's Adopt-an-Angel program. It's certainly no secret that the hustle and bustle of the holiday can sometimes make us forget to enjoy it.

Luckily, I've found a few suggestions that have helped me savor the season. It's time to shift your focus from all of your to-dos to enjoying the moment. If you're struggling with this conundrum, check out these 12 ways to slow down and enjoy the holidays.

1. Start a Gratitude Journal

Keeping a gratitude journal is an easy way to recognize the things you appreciate in life. An article from the Greater Good Science Center explores how gratitude writing can make people feel happier and more relaxed.

I know when I take a quiet moment to reflect on the things I have to be thankful for, I find it calms me, and I can refocus. Plus, the simple act of reflecting requires you to slow down and quiet the noise.

2. Focus on Friends and Family

It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays. I used to let things like buying gifts, baking cookies, and decorating take priority.

I'd feel exhausted all season, more stressed than blessed. Before I knew it, the time of year I was looking forward to was over in a blur.

Instead of making to-do lists your primary focus, shift your mindset to your loved ones being the main reason for the season. Now that I'm older (and debatably wiser), I relish the extra time with friends and family that the holidays offer.

3. Stay in the Present

Stop dwelling on last year’s failed pecan pie or staying up all hours reviewing your gift list. If you spend all your time thinking about the past and the future, you're not enjoying the moment.

I'm guilty of this for sure (more so the future part). I tend to focus so much on what needs to get done I often forget to let go and enjoy the present. However, being mindful is an excellent way to slow down and keep stress at bay so that you enjoy the season.

4. Stop Multitasking All the Time

I pride myself on being an excellent multi-tasker. I can handle several things at once with apparent ease, which comes in handy when I'm directing and organizing a theatrical production.

However, to be honest, I find that when it comes to certain tasks, I'm much more productive if I tackle one thing at a time. The main reason is I don't get so frazzled and things don't feel as hectic. The mere act of doing only one thing makes me slow down, calm down, and enjoy things more.

5. Make Self-Care a Priority

The holidays are referred to as the season of giving, but be careful you don't overextend yourself. Forgetting about self-care leads to burnout, resentment, anger, and exhaustion.

I've started listening to my body more. If I'm tired, I sit and rest for 15 minutes. I'm more aware of eating healthier foods, and I make exercise a priority instead of something I'll get to if I have the time.

These things are extra important during the holidays. I have much more fun wrapping gifts or participating in seasonal activities when I don't feel depleted.

6. Enjoy Simple Traditions

I have a friend who tends to turn a simple get-together into a big production. Suddenly, what began as a casual gathering morphs into a themed night out with 20 people, matching headpieces, and an after-party.

Sometimes I participate, but most times I end up staying home. Why? Because I know what I find relaxing and what stresses me out.

When it comes to holiday traditions, the more complex they are, the more they require of you. So keep your traditions simple so you can focus more on the moment instead of the preparations.

7. Remember to Unplug

Yes, I know this one is tough. It's especially challenging when you're in the midst of making holiday plans, searching for recipes, and shopping online. But if you truly want to enjoy the season, you need to unplug now and then.

My husband and I used to turn off our phones for a few hours a couple of nights a week. We stopped, but I think we're going to reinstate the tradition.

Unplugging from technology has so many benefits. It dampens the urgency we have to find information or get something done, causing us to take things more slowly.

8. Start Your Day With a Tasty Cup of Cocoa

Here's an easy way to start your day with a more relaxed approach. Wake up a few minutes earlier to enjoy a creamy cup of hot cocoa.

Savor the taste, smell, and warmth as you drink. Don't look at your phone or go over your to-do list. Simply find a quiet place to sit and sip.

If you're not a hot chocolate fan, you could do the same ritual with your morning coffee, a cup of hot tea, or whatever your beverage of choice is.

9. Share the Load to Complete Holiday Tasks

Delegate different holiday tasks to other family members and friends, giving you more time to enjoy the season. For example, we have Christmas Day dinner at my house. Nowadays, it's my husband, my son, my parents, and one of our good friends.

Years ago, I tried to do everything myself, showing off my hostess skills. The problem was I moved so fast that I barely got to sit or visit with anyone.

I turned our dinner into a pot-luck affair. Everyone brings a certain dish, or drinks, etc. Afterward, we all help clean up as we joke and talk together.

10. Snuggle by the Fire and Watch a Holiday Movie

My hubby and I love to snuggle up on the couch and watch a Christmas movie during the holidays. It takes us away from the business of the season and helps us wind down and enjoy each other's company. I also did movie nights solo before I was married, relishing my me-time.

We also do family movie nights with our son and invite friends over for a low-key showing of a seasonal flick. Remember to keep it simple. If you're inviting others, ask them to bring a snack, and all you need to do is press play.

11. Let Go of Holiday FOMO

A friend of mine struggles (like really hardcore) with FOMO (fear of missing out). When she has to miss something, it stresses her out, but when she tries to do it all, she ends up overwhelmed.

The holidays tend to increase FOMO since there is so much more to do. Consequently, it’s easy to go into overdrive, and ultimately, it sucks the joy out of many things.

I get it. I used to try and do everything, too, and I was a mess. Once I started saying no to things, I genuinely enjoyed the holidays more.

12. Take a Stroll and Savor the Season

One of our favorite things to do during the holiday season is stroll through the neighborhood and look at Christmas lights. Sometimes, we drive around to different areas that are all decked out, park, and walk up and down the blocks.

If it's nippy outside, we bring some hot chocolate along. We also go to a light display at our local park and take our time meandering through the various scenes.

We don't rush through, worrying about where we have to be next. It's all about slowing down so we can take it all in and enjoy the moment.