With Thanksgiving just weeks away, I figured it was a good time to load up on some skills that will help us survive the upcoming holiday season.

It’s inevitable that the holidays become the busiest and craziest parts of the year for us. We put a lot of pressure and expectation on what it takes to have the “perfect” Thanksgiving, celebration, or holiday party every single year. Here’s the other trick to that! Every year comes with new “holiday trends” that we somehow how to incorporate into our celebrations too! Right down to the “must have” Christmas toy or recipe! How is anyone supposed to keep up?

In my world, you don’t have to keep up with the holiday scramble. You simply have to be.

You have to be a solid version of yourself to navigate this busy time. Believe me, I understand that sometimes this concept is easier to achieve than others – but I do think it helps. What I mean is, I want you to take care of you.

How does one employ self-care in the middle of a hectic schedule? I’m still fine tuning this myself, but I’ve got some ideas on what it takes to make it happen for our own (and our loved ones’) sakes.

This is my list of things to include in a holiday self-care routine. Let me know if you think it will work for you.

1. Know when to say “no,” and accept it: That’s right! It’s okay to say “no” to some things this season if you’re just burnt out! You don’t have to attend every single party you’re invited to. You don’t have to scramble last minute to grab recipe ingredients if the dish doesn’t mean that much to you or your loved ones in the first place. Say “no” to what doesn’t add to you or your family holiday experience. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Make a coffee or cocoa run: Alright, so I don’t mean to “be sure to have a drink this season and you’ll feel great!” I do mean force yourself to slow down. When I’m sipping hot cocoa, it forces me to slow my roll and just practice being mindful of what’s around me – not what errand I have to run next. Whatever gives you that same feeling – do it!
3. Make exercise essential: Keep your body moving and focused on other things! It’ll thank you for it later.
4. Get yourself a present!: You earned it! Reward yourself for surviving this crazy.
5. Don’t eat or drink your feelings: I’m absolutely guilty of drinking a little than I’d normally drink when I’m upset/depressed/going through things. We don’t have to this season. By all means, have fun – just do it at an enjoyable pace, and be sure your consumption is not coming from a dark place.
6. Ask for help if you need it: Do this when it comes to food prep, party prep, or help with the kids if you need it. Ask for help always! You’ll thank yourself later.

My overall point is, we’re so busy trying to make everyone else’s life perfect this time of year that we often neglect ourselves. Don’t do that!

May we all have an awesome and fun holiday season! I think these tips will help all of us.

Let me know if they work for you!