7 mindfulness tips to help you stay calm this Christmas
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
If the holiday season has you feeling not-so-jolly, explore these 7 ways to practice mindfulness during Christmas. Plus, 6 mindful activities you can do with the whole family.
For a lot of people, Christmas is a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, there’s cozy time at home with family and special traditions to look forward to — but there’s also the stress of gift-giving, possible holiday travel, and the occasional threat of family drama that can take away from your holly-jolly good time.
If you find yourself wishing for a moment to breathe amid the chaos, know you’re not alone, and mindfulness can make a real difference. It doesn’t take much—just a few intentional moments throughout the day—to shift your focus from the pressures of the season to the joy of the present moment.
Mindfulness is simply about being aware of where you are and what you’re doing, without getting caught up in judgment or worry. During Christmas, it can help you notice and appreciate the little things, like the sparkle of snow or the warmth of a hug from a friend.
Why is mindfulness important at Christmas?
The holidays are a time of joy and connection, but let’s be honest — they’re stressful too. From buying gifts to hosting gatherings to keeping family traditions alive, there’s so much to do (and so little time to do it). It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and that’s where mindfulness comes in. By slowing down and focusing on the present, you can feel calmer and more centered.
Mindfulness helps you:
Reduce stress: It keeps you grounded and makes you less reactive to chaos, so you can approach challenges with a clearer mind.
Boost your mood: Taking a moment to appreciate the best parts of the season—like festive lights or the smell of baked cookies—can brighten your day.
Strengthen relationships: When you’re fully present with others, you listen better, connect more deeply, and are more open to create meaningful memories.
Improve well-being: Mindfulness promotes better mental health and helps you feel more balanced during what can be a hectic time.
Beyond these benefits, mindfulness also makes room for you to truly enjoy the season. (Here are seven huge benefits.) Instead of rushing through tasks, it helps you focus on what really matters — spending quality time with the people you love and appreciating the simple, beautiful moments that make Christmas special.
7 ways to practice mindfulness during the holiday season
Practicing mindfulness doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. All you need to do is focus on slowing down and being intentional with your time and attention. By weaving mindfulness into your daily routine during the holidays, you can reduce stress, feel more grounded, and enjoy yourself.
1. Start your day with intention
Mornings often set the tone for the rest of the day. Instead of diving straight into a busy to-do list, take five minutes when you wake up to sit quietly. Think about what you’re grateful for and what you want to focus on for the day. Maybe it’s being patient with your kids, or carving out time to take a walk. Starting your day with intention can help you feel more centered and prepared for whatever comes your way.
💙 In this Intentionality meditation, Jay Shetty explores the power of being deliberate.
2. Take mindful breaks
The holiday rush can make you anxious, but mindful breaks can help you reset. Pause for a moment, take a few deep breaths, check in with your senses, and notice what’s happening around you. These small moments of awareness can bring you back to the present and give your mind a chance to recharge. Here are 20 ways to take a mindful break.
💙 Make time for joy too. Mel Mah can show you how to turn your mindful moment into a Dance Break during this Daily Move session.
3. Simplify your to-do list
Many of us want the holidays to go perfectly, but remember that perfection isn’t really the goal. Look at your to-do list and ask yourself what really matters. Maybe you don’t need to bake 10 kinds of cookies or wrap every gift with intricate bows. Focus on the things that bring you and your loved ones joy, and let go of the rest. Giving yourself permission to simplify is an act of kindness toward yourself.
4. Practice mindful eating
Holiday meals are one of the best parts of Christmas, but it’s easy to rush through them while thinking about what’s next. Instead, try eating more slowly and savoring each bite. Notice the flavors, textures, and smells of your food. Pay attention to how your body feels—whether you’re hungry, satisfied, or full. This mindful approach can help you enjoy your meals more and avoid the discomfort that sometimes comes with overeating during the holidays. Check out these 10 tips to bring mindful eating into your holiday gatherings.
5. Limit screen time
Phones and screens can be a big distraction, especially when there’s so much to do. But constant notifications and endless scrolling can also take you out of the moment. Set boundaries with your devices by turning off unnecessary notifications or setting aside specific times to check your phone. When you’re with loved ones, put your phone away and focus on being present. It’ll make your time together feel more special.
💙 Put on a feel-good holiday song to make gift-giving feel extra-special. Holiday Family Reunion can set the mood for a happy, peaceful night with the people you love.
6. Embrace mindful gift-giving
Gift-giving can be fun, but it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to spend a certain amount of money or purchase a flashy present. To bring mindfulness into this process, think about the meaning behind the gifts you choose. What would make the person feel truly seen and appreciated? Consider experiences, homemade items, or heartfelt notes instead of expensive gifts. The thought and care you put into it will mean much more than the price tag.
7. Spend time in nature
There’s something about being outside that can help you reset. Whether it’s a brisk winter walk, a hike, or simply stepping outside to admire the stars, being in nature can make you feel calmer. Use this time to notice the little details — the crunch of snow under your feet, the chill in the air, or the way the trees look against the sky. These moments of connection with nature can help you feel refreshed and present.
💙 If you can’t get outside, bring nature to you by listening to the Rain on Leaves soundscape.
How to practice mindfulness with your family during Christmas: 6 activities to try
The holidays are a wonderful time to connect with your family, but it can also feel like everyone is moving in different directions. Practicing mindfulness together as a family can help you slow down and bond. These activities are simple, fun, and meaningful, making them perfect for kids and adults.
1. Create a gratitude jar
Gratitude is a key part of mindfulness, and a gratitude jar is a great way to practice it together. Each day leading up to Christmas, have everyone in the family write down one thing they’re thankful for on a slip of paper. It could be as small as enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or as big as spending time with loved ones. On Christmas morning (or another special time), read the notes together and reflect on all the happy memories you’ve shared.
2. Make holiday crafts
Crafting is fun — and it’s also an opportunity to focus on the present moment. Gather your family to create handmade ornaments, holiday cards, or festive decorations, and encourage everyone to pay attention to the colors, textures, and shapes they’re working with. Remind everyone that perfection isn’t the goal — enjoying the process and spending time together is.
3. Practice family mindfulness meditation
Even just 5–10 minutes of meditation can help your family get centered. Sit together in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. For younger kids, turn it into a game by asking them to imagine their breath is like a balloon filling up and then slowly deflating. This practice helps everyone pause, relax, and reset.
4. Share stories and listen deeply
Storytelling is a natural way to connect, and Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on happy moments. Take turns telling your favorite holiday stories, and practice active listening — paying close attention to what each person is saying without interrupting or thinking about what you’ll say next. This brings you closer and makes everyone feel valued and heard.
5. Volunteer or give mindfully as a family
Make Christmas more mindful by focusing on meaningful ways to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, donating toys or clothes to families in need, or supporting a cause close to your heart. Talk as a family about why giving is important and reflect on how your actions can bring joy to others. This shared experience can be a powerful way to connect.
6. Go on a mindful holiday walk
Bundle up and take a family walk to enjoy the season’s beauty. As you stroll, point out the sights, sounds, and smells around you — the glow of holiday lights, the crunch of snow or leaves underfoot, or the smell of pine trees. Encourage everyone to notice something they might normally overlook. This simple activity can help your family feel more connected to each other and the world around you.
Christmas mindfulness FAQs
What are some quick mindfulness tips to use during holiday gatherings?
Holiday gatherings can be fun but also overwhelming. Between the noise, the conversations, and the pressure to seem “on,” it’s easy to get overstimulated or feel drained. When you notice yourself starting to feel this way, take a moment to pause and breathe. A simple breathing exercise—like inhaling deeply for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four—can help you reset and refocus.
Another helpful practice is grounding yourself by tuning into your senses. Look around and find five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise brings your attention back to the present moment and helps calm any racing thoughts.
It’s also okay to step away for a few minutes if you need a break. (Here are 10 more mindfulness exercises you can try.) Find a quiet corner or take a short walk outside to clear your mind. Giving yourself permission to take care of your own needs during a gathering is a mindful way to manage stress.
How can I introduce mindfulness practices to children during Christmas?
Kids often pick up on the energy around them, so if the holidays feel hectic, they might experience that stress too. Introducing mindfulness to children (here are seven practices to try) can help them feel calmer and more connected during the season — and it can be fun! Start by encouraging them to notice their surroundings. Ask them what they see, hear, or smell during holiday activities, like decorating the tree or baking cookies.
You can also try simple breathing exercises with them. One idea is to have them pretend to blow out a candle — taking a deep breath in and slowly exhaling as if blowing out the flame. Another is to imagine their breath filling up a balloon and then letting it slowly deflate. These exercises are easy for kids to understand and practice.
Mindful activities like coloring, making crafts, or even spending quiet time reading together can also help children develop mindfulness without them even realizing it. The key is to make it light, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Are there specific meditation techniques recommended for holiday stress?
Meditation can be a great way to manage holiday stress, and you don’t need to dedicate a lot of time to see the benefits. One technique is a body scan meditation. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and slowly bring your attention to different parts of your body. Start at your toes and work your way up to the top of your head, noticing any tension and letting it go as you move along.
Another helpful method is loving-kindness meditation. During this practice, you focus on sending warm, positive thoughts to yourself and others. Begin by repeating phrases like “May I be happy, may I be calm, may I feel peace.” Then, extend those wishes to your loved ones, and eventually to everyone around the world. It’s a heartwarming practice that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Guided meditations are also a great option, especially if you’re new to meditation. The Calm app has guided meditations that focus on gratitude, relaxation, or setting intentions. Even a few minutes can make a big difference.
How can mindfulness help in managing holiday-related financial stress?
Financial stress is a common challenge during the holidays, with so many expenses adding up quickly. Mindfulness can help by shifting your focus from the pressure to spend to what truly matters. Start by reflecting on your priorities — what are the traditions or experiences that mean the most to you and your family? When you focus on these moments instead of material things, it’s easier to let go of unnecessary spending.
Before you buy something, pause and ask yourself a few questions: “Why am I buying this? Does it align with my values or budget? Will it bring joy to the recipient in a meaningful way?” This simple check-in can help you avoid impulse buying.
Practicing gratitude can also ease financial stress. After all, focusing on what you’ve been blessed with makes it simpler to shift your mindset from what you're lacking.
What are some mindful gift-giving ideas that emphasize presence over presents?
Mindful gift-giving is about building a connection instead of focusing on the material value of a gift. One thoughtful idea is to give the gift of an experience. This could be something like tickets to a local event, a cooking class, or even a promise to spend a special day together. Experiences often create lasting memories that are far more valuable than physical items.
Another idea is to make something. Homemade gifts, like baked goods, personalized ornaments, or a handwritten letter, show thought and care. These gifts often feel more personal and meaningful than store-bought items.
If you prefer physical gifts, consider ones that align with the recipient’s interests or support their wellbeing. You might get a cozy blanket for someone who loves to relax, or a book on a topic they’re passionate about. You might also consider a gift from an organization you care about, or making a donation in someone’s name.
Ultimately, the most mindful gifts are those that show you’ve truly thought about the person and what would make them feel loved and appreciated.
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