8 Intentional Ways To Have A Slow(er) Holiday Season

We know there is so much to do during this time of year, but it's important to be intentional with our time too!

Hi there! I’m Hunter. I’m a mother of a two-year-old daughter, married to my British husband, and we live in Northwest Florida along the beautiful white, sandy beaches. I share about sacred & slow living as well as my own personal journey in being a mother and a creative. Make sure to subscribe to have my posts delivered directly to your inbox. Thank you for being here.

There is this weird juxtaposition that comes with the holiday season. On one hand, we’re told it’s a time for togetherness, for slowing down and reflecting, and enjoying the start of winter. But then on the other hand, it’s a time filled with rushing around to get gifts, going to every holiday party imaginable, and cramming in as many activities as humanly possible. There’s this push and a pull that I feel throughout the holiday season, and I’ve begun to get super intentional with where I put my energy during this time of year, especially as I’ve leaned more into slow living throughout the years.

I’ve entered this interesting mindset of evaluating where my energy is going and analyzing what has worked for me and what hasn’t. I think so often we turn on autopilot in our lives and just do what we’ve always done because it’s “worked” even though we’re overworked and not even enjoying what we’re doing anymore. I know I’ve felt that way in the past, so I encourage you to take time this season to slow down, really look at how you want the season to go, and embrace your own process. With that being said, here are some of my favorite ways to have a slow(er) holiday season.

Integrate the concept of hygge.

Hygge was basically my gateway into slow living. Hygge is a Danish term that means to cultivate a sense of coziness and togetherness. It’s about slowing down and turning inward as the world does the same. Listening to our inner rhythms and honoring that, while making hygge a joyful time. Wearing socks, lighting candles, inviting a few friends over for dinner, cozying up on the couch for a movie, reading a great book, all these things can equate to the feeling of hygge. When we take a time that can be filled with loneliness or this idea that we have to be rushing around doing everything and rejecting that concept to embrace what the season is truly meant for, cozy time & togetherness, then we can enjoy the season and rewrite it for ourselves.

Trust what is a full body YES and a full body NO.

It’s so easy to ignore our own needs during this season to make sure we keep our family happy, going to all the events, or doing all the things we “should” be doing. But I encourage you to actually take some time before making any decisions this season to feel it in your body. Do you feel rooted and comfortable by choosing this? Then it’s a definite yes. Do you feel stretched and anxious by choosing that? Then it’s a for sure no. Obviously, this is easy when it comes to events, but when it comes to family it’s a much harder process. Be gentle with yourself, and just observe how you feel without judgment so that you know what to change for next year.

Hold your boundaries.

Easier said than done, I know. But I think when we take the time at the beginning of the season to communicate what we will and will not be doing, it makes it easier to hold the boundary in the moment. This is more of an art of holding boundaries than something we just learn immediately, but one way you could do this is to write down a list with your partner of what you will be doing and what you won’t be doing, and then have the support from them to follow through. You could also have a code word (like “mistletoe”!) so if something comes up your partner can step into the situation or pull you out of it.

Decorate simply.

This is where I must admit to you that I have not put up a single decoration this year. It feels like the last year when my daughter won’t really understand or be interested in the celebrations, so I figured it was as good a time as any to let go of the pressure I feel to decorate. Some years I love to, and other years I dread it. So I’m drinking from my singular Christmas mug and have set out the holiday-themed candles, and that’s as far as I’ve gone. Celebrating the season is for you, and whatever you put up in terms of decorations should bring you joy. I find that if I have too many decorations up, especially in our small home, I get overwhelmed and feel too cluttered. Sometimes, just putting up a simple wreath and a couple of small decorations is perfect to ring in the season.

Align your winter circadian rhythm.

Now that the days are getting much shorter I find that I naturally want to turn inward in the afternoon. I love to cook at home more, light lots of candles (no overhead lighting, please!), and set the mood in our home to be cozy. I’ve also found myself wanting to read a lot more in the evening, and just have minimal distractions from my phone or any sort of screen. It’s a natural feeling for us to retreat during these months, and so if you’re feeling that urge I encourage you to embrace it rather than try to “push through it” and keep busy. Listen to what your body needs, and really tune into those needs.

Shop small & intentional.

There is no better feeling than supporting a small business through the holidays and knowing that your money is going to actual people living out their dreams. Plus, it’s always amazing to receive a beautiful handmade gift from someone you love. A few of my favorite small (but mighty) shops are… Lauren Aston Designs, Natalie Borton Designs, Mary Ellen DiMauro, Richard Paige, Gillian Stevens, Walker Family Goods, and Villarreal Ceramics.

Celebrate the lights.

I love to do light rituals during this time. One example is to pull out a candle and set an intention for the season, the kind of energy you want to bring in, and then as you light the candle focus on that intention, and being the light within the darkness. Another way we can celebrate the lights is by driving around to look at everyone’s Christmas lights on their homes. We love loading up into the car once it gets dark and driving to a nearby neighborhood where everyone goes all out. We’ll bring hot chocolate with us and listen to Christmas music, and it’s just such a great way to get into the festive season.

Bake ‘til your heart’s content.

Entering a home and smelling freshly baked cookies or a loaf of bread wafting is THE BEST, especially during this time of year. Some of my favorites to bake include pumpkin bread, the best chocolate chip cookies, and many things with my sourdough starter.

And these are my tips for embracing a more intentional, slow holiday season. I’d love to know what you implement during this time of year to stay grounded and peaceful!