Welcome to my new monthly series – Out of the Box Self Care!
In preparation for my new workbook and planner launch (coming soon!) I am starting a new series of blog posts about all the different calendar days that I have discovered and how to incorporate them into your self care plan. They may seem a little random (because who puts ninjas and eggnog together?) but I love putting all this together to make you think about your self care and get outside whatever box you have put yourself in.
We all do it – and this is one of many ways to get yourself out of the box, even just a little! So welcome to December!
It’s here, and so are the swirling snowflakes, twinkling lights, and endless to-do lists. It’s a month for celebration, reflection, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos. From human rights to llamas and winter solstice to eggnog, December serves up a buffet of opportunities to balance joy with mindful self-care. And yes, we’re throwing in ninjas—because who doesn’t want a little stealthy resilience in their life?
Ninjas Lighting Candles & Decorating Trees
Trees: Symbols of Growth and Resilience
From evergreen pines to decorated firs, trees remind us of stability and growth. They’re rooted in the earth yet reach for the sky—an inspiring metaphor for life. Christmas Lights Day was 12/1 – the first Sunday in December. And what else would we put lights on if we did not have trees? (Don’t answer that, I feel like we put lights on everything but I like trees the best.)
Tree-Inspired Self-Care:
- Forest Bathing: Take a winter walk and connect with nature.
- Set Growth Goals: Plant seeds for personal development in the new year. Or dream about garden plans for spring.
- Decorate Mindfully: Use natural elements like pinecones, real holly and dried oranges with cloves stuck in them. Or cranberry and popcorn garlands!
Ninjas: Masters of Stealth and Resilience
No one handles pressure like a ninja. They strike with precision, stay grounded in their purpose, and can vanish when things get too intense. Let’s take a page out of their silent, sneaky handbook. (Day of the Ninja is 12/5!)
Ninja-Inspired Self-Care:
- Master the Art of No: Like a ninja disappearing in a puff of smoke, learn to decline invitations or obligations that drain you.
- Stealthy Mindfulness: Sneak a moment for deep breathing or meditation between errands.
- Adapt & Overcome: Channel your inner ninja when life throws curveballs. If it helps, you can try to chop those curveballs with a samurai sword – or just pretend (don’t forget to make the *swish, swish* noise).
Candles: Lighting Up the Darkness
Candles bring literal and symbolic light to December’s long nights. They remind us of warmth, hope, and the power of small comforts. Candle Day is 12/7. Who doesn’t like candles?
Candle-Themed Self-Care:
- Light a Candle During Meditation: Focus on the flickering flame to calm your thoughts.
- Create a Cozy Ritual: Read a book or journal by candlelight – I like scented candlelight + my Kindle (easier on the eyes) while cozy in bed.
Try Scent Therapy:
Lavender for relaxation, citrus for energy, or vanilla for comfort. Or you could try a holiday theme – I like the ones that smell like “a glistening, bright, woodsy winter wonderland” according to the website.
Llamas Climbing Mountains for Human Rights
Llamas: The Chill Icons of December
Have you ever seen a llama stressed out? Nope, they’re the poster animals for staying calm under pressure. Channel llama energy when the holiday frenzy takes over. National Llama Day is 12/9/24. I have to say, I have fond memories of meeting llamas while I was in Peru a while back – even if they do spit to release their ire(which is pretty funny, too!)
Llama-Inspired Self-Care:
- Simplify Like a Llama: Prioritize tasks and let go of perfectionism. They do what they do and they do it well – and don’t worry about the rest.
- Llama Breaks: Take frequent pauses during the day to relax, stretch, or sip tea.
- Laugh Like a Llama: Find humor in your mistakes—because nothing says resilience like a good giggle.
Human Rights: Advocating for Yourself and Others
December 10th marks Human Rights Day, a reminder of the importance of dignity, equality, and freedom. Advocacy starts small, with kindness, awareness, and self compassion in your own community.
Ways to Honor Human Rights:
- Donate or Volunteer: Support organizations fighting for justice and equity.
- Educate Yourself: Read about global and local human rights issues.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your own rights by prioritizing self-care and saying no when needed.
Mountains: Finding Strength and Stillness
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or admiring a snow-capped peak, mountains symbolize perseverance and tranquility. International Mountain Day is 12/11.
Mountain-Inspired Self-Care:
- Climb Your Own Mountain: Set one meaningful goal for the month and take small, steady steps toward it.
- Seek the View: Reflect on how far you’ve come this year.
- Ground Yourself: Practice “mountain pose” in yoga to feel steady and strong.
Winter Solstice: Embracing the Darkness & the Light
The shortest day of the year invites us to honor the beauty of stillness and the promise of longer, brighter days ahead. This year, it is 12/21 (which also happens to be Basketball Day, Short Girl Appreciation Day and a few others).
Solstice-Themed Self-Care:
- Reflect on the Year: Journal about your highs, lows, and lessons. Here is a free Annual Review Worksheet to give you some ideas..
- Create a Solstice Ritual: Light candles, meditate, or set intentions for the coming year.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Even the tiniest victories deserve recognition.
Holiday Balance & Eggnog
Holidays: Balancing Joy & Stress
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or none of the above, the holiday season can be overwhelming. Balance is key—between socializing and solitude, giving and receiving, and excitement and rest.
Holiday Self-Care Tips:
- Delegate and Simplify: You don’t have to do it all. Pick the things that you like best or bring the most joy to your loved ones and enlist them in the planning and execution – cookies don’t make themselves! Embrace the mess if you can, or assign the task if not.
- Find Quiet Moments: Step outside, listen to music, or journal. I like the brisk air and a quiet walk.
- Celebrate Your Way: Traditions are flexible—adapt them to suit your needs. I like to make a holiday playlist every year that reflects my mood. Though it does tend to include some of the same favorites every year (Gregorian chants, Elvis, and The Waitresses for all the different tastes in the house)
Eggnog: Sweet, Spicy Comfort in a Cup
Love it or hate it, eggnog is here. Sip slowly and savor this rich, indulgent treat—because self-care sometimes tastes like nutmeg and cream. Eggnog Day is Christmas Eve – 12/24!
Eggnog-Themed Self-Care:
- DIY Eggnog: Make your own for a fun, mindful kitchen activity. There are more versions than you think!
- Eggnog & Chill: Pair your cup with a cozy movie night.
- Experiment with your Cheer: Try a dairy-free or spiced alternative just for fun, or maybe as an ice cream? That’s the one I am interested in this year.
Wrapping Up the Year with Creativity & Gratitude
Creativity: Reigniting Your Spark
Winter is the perfect time to flex your creative muscles. Paint, write, bake, or build something—because creativity is as much about the process as the product.
Creative Self-Care Ideas:
- Holiday Crafts: Make ornaments, cards, or decorations. I do love to make some wreaths but I only have so many doors!
- Try a New Hobby: Test out knitting, photography, or creative journaling.
- Cook or Bake: Get inventive with winter flavors and recipes. My favorite food blog is the kitchn.
Gratitude for the Small Things
As the year winds down, take stock of what you’re grateful for—whether it’s big achievements or small joys like a good cup of coffee or a llama meme that made you laugh. There is plenty of research out there about gratitude significantly improving your mental health.
Gratitude-Themed Self-Care:
- Gratitude Journal: List three things you’re thankful for each day.
- Share Your Thanks: Tell someone why you appreciate them. Or write them a letter – it is always nice to be appreciated.
- Celebrate Yourself: Reflect on your growth and resilience this year. You could try writing yourself a letter, too…
December invites us to slow down, celebrate light and warmth, and prepare for the year ahead. Whether you’re sipping eggnog, channeling your inner ninja, or marveling at the stillness of the solstice, take time to care for yourself and find joy in the little things.