Francine RN

Dec 1, 20244 min read

Presence Over Presents: 7 Tips on How to Be More Mindful This Holiday Season

7 Practical Tips on How to Be More Mindful This Holiday Season

How do you usually move through the holiday season? Do you feel stressed trying to create the perfect menu, home, gifts, or events? It seems we've drifted away from the true essence of the holidays: presence. The ability to be present, compassionate, and understanding, even amidst the chaos, is what makes the season magical.

For many, the holidays can also be triggering and isolating, especially for those who have experienced loss or are reminded of challenging times. And with the current economic climate adding strain to already stretched budgets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

So, how can you move through this season more peacefully, being fully present with your loved ones? Here are some mindful tips to help you reclaim your energy and embrace the true spirit of the holidays.

1. Define What the Holidays Mean to You

Take a moment to reflect on what you want the holidays to feel like for you and your family. By creating a vision of the holiday experience that’s meaningful to you, you’ll be able to shape a season that’s rooted in love, joy, and connection. It all starts with imagining it in your mind’s eye.

Journal Prompt: What does an ideal holiday season look like for you? What activities fill you with joy, and what would you rather leave behind?

Pro Tip: Set the mood while you journal by playing calming winter music like this cozy

2. Be Realistic With Your Time Management

Woman strategically placing post its on a calendar to schedule her time. — creating a holiday calendar of all events is necessary to really claim back your energy and time.

You don’t have to say yes to every event! It’s tempting to avoid missing out (we know, FOMO is real), but having free time is just as important. These quiet moments allow you to recharge, focus on self-care, and stay present.

Pull out your calendar and highlight key events, but also schedule moments for yourself. After all, you are the magic of the holiday season, and your energy matters.

3. Create Space for Yourself

To stay grounded and emotionally present, make space for daily self-care. Whether it's moving your body, practicing breath work, or simply being still, creating intentional space for yourself allows you to face the day with a full emotional tank.

A woman barefoot on her tip toes standing over fall leaves on a sidewalk with overgrown grass and trees in the background. — Walking barefoot and feeling the earth beneath your feet is a way to cultivate presence through grounding

Start your mornings with some sunshine and grounding (like walking barefoot in the grass), practice gentle stretches, or take a meditative nature walk. You’ll notice that these small rituals can make a big difference.

4. Plan Ahead and Delegate

Little girl who is helping decorate the cookie while the parent is doing the detailing of the cookie decoration. — Delegating tasks so you can focus on the more important ones that need your attention is a great way to decrease stress this holiday season

What tasks can you start tackling now to avoid last-minute stress? Whether it's picking out your outfit for a holiday party in advance or prepping the family dinner ingredients ahead of time, planning helps ease the mental load.

And remember, you don’t have to do everything alone. Delegate tasks to family members or consider outsourcing some holiday prep, giving you more time and energy to enjoy the season.

5. Practice Mindful Breathing When You’re Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed is common during the holidays. To reset, practice the 4-7-8 Breathing Method. It’s a simple yet powerful way to calm your nervous system and bring yourself back to the present moment.

How to do it:

- Inhale for 4 seconds.

- Hold your breath for 7 seconds.

- Exhale slowly for 8 seconds (with an audible sigh if you like). - Repeat 5-8 cycles until you feel a sense of calm.

Breathing is a luxury, especially in a world that often puts us in “survival mode.” Use this technique to help bring you back to yourself.

6. Shake It Off

Not everything will be perfect this season—and that’s okay! What people will remember most is how you made them feel, not the small details. If you find yourself overwhelmed and breathing exercises aren’t enough, try shaking it off—literally.

Put on a fun playlist, sway your body, and release the tension. It’s one of my favorite ways to call back my energy after a long day.

7. Embrace Mindfulness and Compassion

A mom stretching in a sitted pose with a toddler on her left and older child on the right. The child on the right is copying mom, while the toddler is sitting in quiet time. — Even in the midst of the chaos your family is watching you and going off your vibes.

As you work to be more present this season, remember that it’s okay to slip up. We’re all human, and reverting to old habits happens. The key is to acknowledge your behavior, take a moment to breathe, and apologize if needed. Then, reflect on how you can approach things differently next time.

If tapping into mindfulness feels challenging, don’t hesitate to seek support. Sometimes, having someone to guide you and hold you accountable can make all the difference. I’m here if you need a 1:1 session to help create a holiday season filled with presence and peace.

You’re Capable of Change

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but taking small, messy steps every day will get you to where you want to be. Whether it’s a big leap or a tiny shift, each action helps you grow.

Sending you love and light this holiday season. If you are in the Katy,Texas area join us for the Presence Over Presents Event happening December 7th from 11am - 5pm. Mindfulness, movement and community will be emphasized during this event. Dress comfy and join one of our mindfulness or movement workshops.

460 Park Grove

Katy,Texas

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Francine Simms, BSN, RN

Looking for more support in your wellness journey? Book a consultation with us today!

Call to book today! 281-712-4201