December is National Stress-Free Holidays Month

Gifting presence: Making time for self-care

The holiday season often comes wrapped in ribbons of joy—but also tangled in stress, unrealistic expectations and exhaustion. This year, focus on reducing seasonal stressors and prioritizing wellbeing, connection and quality time.

Slow down and approach the holidays with more heart and less hustle, remembering that the most valuable gift you can give is your full, present self.

Self-care is essential, not selfish

Too often, we put ourselves last on the to-do list. But remember, your emotional wellbeing is the foundation for being able to truly show up for those you love. Here are five simple ways to nurture yourself each day:

Start each day with intention. Even 10 minutes of quiet can shift your energy.
Say no, gracefully. Boundaries are a beautiful act of self-respect.
Establish tech-free time. Be authentically there. Listen fully and laugh freely.
Move your body mindfully. Stretch. Walk. Breathe.
Rest unapologetically. Renewal comes through sleep, stillness and true downtime.

Choose peace over perfection

You don’t need a perfect dinner or fancy decorations to make the holidays special. Focus on connection, laughter and shared moments. Order takeout, wear comfy clothes and do what nourishes you, not what drains you. The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also bring stress. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a calmer, happier holiday:

Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don’t aim for perfection; simplify and downsize wherever possible.
Avoid heavy debates. If someone brings up an uncomfortable topic, stay calm and politely change the subject.
Try new traditions. If old holiday rituals feel burdensome, experiment with new ways to celebrate.
Stay active. Physical activity is a strong stress reliever and helps burn extra holiday calories. Consider going for a walk before or after meals.
Moderate alcohol consumption. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, or choose non-alcoholic beverages.
Take breaks during events. Step outside for a few minutes to reset if social situations feel stressful.

Working on emotional wellbeing

An important part of emotional wellbeing is being able to regulate our moods, thoughts, impulses and choices in
all kinds of situations. People with high emotional wellbeing actively manage their feelings when confronted with
change, uncertainty and even hardship.

To better control your emotions, try mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing. When you experience
upsetting emotions, remind yourself to calm down, breathe and think clearly. Don’t react until you feel like you have
your emotions under control.

In a season full of noise, choose presence. Give yourself permission to rest, breathe and just be, so you can show up fully for the ones who matter most. Take care of yourself this season. You deserve a stress-free holiday!

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/2025-Holidays for more information and helpful resources.