The holidays are a busy but beautiful time of the year. With all the lights, the hot cocoa, and visits with Santa, it can be exhausting for parents and children alike. On top of that, we’ve created a holiday culture where capitalism rules supreme, so if you’re not getting the latest toy or game, there are feelings all wrapped up in that. So how can you and your girls practice more mindfulness during the holiday season? Here are a few tips. 

Take Time for Yourself

It’s hard to avoid the hustle and bustle of the season, but it’s critical that you take time for yourself as a parent. And, through modeling behavior, your girls will see that self-care should be a priority. You can meditate and recite positive affirmations to help you stay in the right frame of mind. It’s also okay to say no in some cases. You can’t stretch yourself too thin, or you’ll break under the pressure of the holiday season.

Go for a Walk Outside

One of the best ways to practice mindfulness is to go for a walk outside. A connection to nature is healing, and you’ll find that you’re much more at peace when you allow yourself even fifteen minutes away from your daily tasks. The wintertime may be cold, so bundle up. And even if it is snowing, you can find joy in the weather. This is a good, relaxing activity for the whole family. 

Focus on Family Traditions

Mindfulness can extend to your holiday traditions, too. Rather than worrying about keeping up with everyone around you, focus on your family traditions. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, or any other observance, take time to honor the meanings of those traditions within your home. Teach your children to have a connection so they can carry these traditions with them into the future. 

Give Back 

Mindfulness isn’t just about being in tune with your own body and natural rhythms. It’s also about being aware of what’s going on around you. And you know that not everyone has the same experience during the holidays. An excellent lesson for your girls is to give back to your community this time of year. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, buying gifts for children who would otherwise go without, or volunteering at a food bank, giving back is as good for our mental health as it is for the community. 

We love to hear from you. What do you do to slow down during the holiday season?