How to Protect Your Health and Sanity Through the Holidays
Every year, I swear I’ll glide through the holidays like a woman who has her life together. The cards will be mailed, the gifts wrapped neatly, and I’ll have a meal plan that doesn’t involve panic-buttering a dinner roll at the last minute. And every year, like clockwork, I glance up from an innocent October pumpkin and find myself hurtling straight into December chaos.
The holidays can be lovely, but they can also test every ounce of health and sanity we have left. There are emotions, obligations, expectations… and the creeping realization that my nervous system apparently has limits. If I don’t pace myself, things unravel faster than a bargain-bin sweater.
I’m not pretending to have this all figured out, but here are a few things I’m trying that just might help you
1. Prioritize Rest to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s medicine. Between later nights, travel, and too much sugar, it’s easy to find yourself running on fumes. Try to keep your routine as close to normal as possible. I’ve started dimming the lights an hour before bed and avoiding my phone, which is harder than it sounds. A cool bedroom, a weighted blanket, and a magnesium supplement have become my survival kit.
If you’re struggling to sleep well, you might like How to Sleep Better in Your 50s and 60s.
2. Make Peace with Saying No
The word “no” is not rude, and it’s a complete sentence. Saying no to things is often a form of self-preservation. I used to feel guilty turning things down, whether it was a party, a cookie exchange, or a volunteer opportunity, but I’ve realized no one actually keeps score. Do what fills you up, not what drains you. If anyone protests, just say you’re prioritizing your mental bandwidth. It works like a charm.
3. Nourish Yourself (Even Between Cookies)
There’s a lot of temptation this time of year, and I’m not one to turn down a good cheese board. But I do make a point of having at least one meal a day that didn’t come wrapped in foil or covered in powdered sugar. Add something green to your plate, drink your water before your wine, and don’t skip breakfast. It helps your body cope with all the extras coming our way.
4. Keep Your Body Moving
I’m not talking about running marathons. Just movement. A short walk, gentle stretching, or even a few squats while waiting for the kettle to boil keeps the blood flowing and the joints happy. I’ve found that regular walks not only help my energy but also make me more patient when everyone’s talking at once, which in my house, is all the time.
If you need a little inspiration to get moving, take a look at Athleta Favorites for Women Over 50 and 60. Their pieces are comfortable, flattering, and perfect for the kind of movement that fits real life.
5. Take a Real Break from the Hustle
Carve out an evening or an afternoon just for yourself. No errands, no multitasking. Light a candle, light the fireplace, watch something that makes you laugh, or simply sit with a cup of tea and stare at the twinkle lights. Quiet is wildly underrated, especially this time of year.
A little solitude does wonders for restoring your sense of humor and perspective.
6. Keep Your Expectations (and Your To-Do List) Realistic
There’s a point where making things nice turns into making yourself miserable. I’ve learned to aim for good enough. The napkins don’t have to match, the pie can come from the bakery, and no one remembers whether the table runner was ironed. What people remember is how they felt around you, so aim for calm and present, not perfect.
7. Focus on Connection, Not Performance
Somewhere along the way, the holidays became a production. But the older I get, the more I crave simple connection, good conversation, genuine laughter, and time with the people who matter most. That’s what fills you up and helps you stay grounded long after the decorations are put away.
8. Be Gentle with Yourself
The holidays can bring up a lot of emotions. Memories of people we miss, traditions that have changed, or the quiet realization that life looks different now. Give yourself grace. You’ve earned the right to move through the season at your own pace and choose what matters most to you.
Simple Things That Help Me Stay Balanced
A few small comforts that make a big difference for me this time of year:
- A cup of calming herbal tea before bed
- Cozy slippers or soft socks that make quiet evenings feel special
- A heating pad for tired muscles after long days
- A soothing candle that signals it’s time to wind down
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be elaborate. We’re not talking about spa days or wellness retreats in the mountains. Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing the tiny things that help your shoulders drop and your whole body exhale.
Maybe it’s five minutes with a warm mug before the house wakes up. Maybe it’s switching into softer clothes the minute you walk through the door. Or lighting a candle that signals you’re officially off duty for the night. These little resets don’t fix everything, but they remind your nervous system that you’re safe, supported, and allowed to slow down.
And honestly, at this time of year, that reminder is worth its weight in gold.
If you’re craving more comfort this season, you might enjoy Simple Pleasures For The Woman Who Loves Being At Home, or The Best Pajamas for Women Over 50. They are full of cozy favorites that make slowing down feel a little easier.
How are you planning to stay calm as the holidays approach? I’d love to hear your tips.
Thanks for this post! As I age I realize that everything for the holidays does not need to be perfect, but the importance is time with loved ones. I still do many of our traditions but if we can’t it’s okay. Best to relax and enjoy rather than force something just because “it’s always what we do.” Holidays should be enjoyed not stressed over!
I needed this today! In fact, I probably need to read it every day between now and Christmas!
“Or lighting a candle that signals you’re officially off duty for the night.” Reading this made me realize I do the same thing! Dinner’s made and eaten, dishes cleaned, and then I’m ready to shutdown. Thanks for all your fabulous posts!
Thymes has a wonderful frasier fir scent that comes in a petite diffuser form ( and also as candles). It is very attractive too.
A perfect post as we begin to head into the hustle and bustle od the holidays. You have some great suggestions. I am going to look into magnesium supplements, seems like something I may benefit from.
I have stopped so many things over the past ten years. I no longer send out forty Christmas cards with hand written notes, I no longer put up a tree instead I decorate my mantel, console, etc. It saves finding the perfect tree on the lot, putting it up, stringing the lights, then boxes of balls. I stopped buying gifts for the grandkids once they reached their teens, instead I send money which they appreciate more than an unwanted gramma gift. I also stopped traveling across the country to spend Christmas with my kids and their families every year. Instead, I go every third year. FaceTime is wonderful and I feel like I’m there without the hassle of air travel. I stopped hosting big Christmas parties, dinner parties and keep it at happy hours with different sets of friends. Making appetizers and serving drinks amongst much chatter and laughter is more relaxing. So, I no longer feel stressed out at a time of year when we should be enjoying.
Wonderful!
I find that our children are slowly taking over some of the holiday hosting as it is too much with our small house and us being in our late 60s. Plus donating the big tree, eliminating Xmas cards, and cutting out most of the gifts. With so many grandchildren, it got to be overwhelming and not particularly appreciated with all the effort put forth. This generation seems to already have so much. Not to sound Scrooge-like, but just keeping everything simpler and allowing time to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas has made everything easier.
Hello,
I’m new to this blog and I absolutely love it! You’re content is great, and the advice is something I needed to hear. Especially, about taking care of yourself through the holidays. Taking magnesium has always helped me, it had helped me through out the years. I love that you care about other people so much that you put all of your ideas, advice, and your knowledge about so many things, that you put it out there for people like me that need to hear it. I’m grateful I came across your blog, because it has definitely helped me. I’m 55 and I’ve realized that life is to short, let all of enjoy the”simple things in life” I started doing this when I lost my best friend, my companion, my everything and I was just without him. After 25 years of us doing everything together, he passed suddenly, so now I’m out here trying to live life again by myself. Your blog reminded me that self care is the best care. For the first time in my life, I’m finding that it’s the little things that spark my joy these days. The only advice I have is something someone told me long ago is ” Don’t let anyone steal your inner Joy” especially at the holidays that is what the season is all about, being with the people that bring you joy. You are definitely an inspiration to me. I am grateful.
I’m so glad you’ve joined us Suzanne! I’m very sorry to hear about your best friend. That’s particularly hard this time of year.
Thank you Jennifer, I also love your style advice!
What valuable tips and reminders! Thank you. Growing up Christmas Eve was at one of my grandmothers’ homes, and dinner was always cocktail buffet style with my mom and the aunts bringing dishes to share. When I was about 63–I’m 79 now–I switched to this from a seated dinner. SO much easier and truly more fun.
But my HUGE make-it-easier switch is for this Thanksgiving. There will only be five of us in town this year, as opposed to the usual 15, and I happened to read about a woman and her daughter who were on their own for Canadian Thanksgiving and decided they would only have their favorite parts for dinner … the pies. So my daughter and I decided to skip most of the cooking and skip the expensive dressing up and eating out. We are having turkey pot pie, pumpkin cheese cake, chocolate pecan pie, spinach-artichoke salad, ambrosia, and a charcuterie board. After dinner we’re watching “Die Hard” and settle once and for all: Is this a Christmas movie? Change is good! As is staying focused on the parts of the holidays we love and making them fit the ages and stages of our lives.
Let us know what you decide about Die Hard. Your plans sound great!
Annie, I know you said you don’t do candles, but I love the Thymes Frasier Fir candles. Maybe you could use the candle on a candle warmer. Thymes may also have the fragrance in other products you may like. Happy and peaceful holidays!
Lots of good suggestions. Over the years I’ve gradually cut back on my holiday obligations. My siblings transitioned from “gifts for all” to drawing names to cards only. At our age its a relief. I have food gifts delivered to my husband’s siblings. So other than for my husband I have only a few people to shop for and I’m always finished before Thanksgiving. Cards and packages go out early. A few years ago we opted for a smaller pre-lit tree. I love decorating and give myself time to make it enjoyable rather than a task. No more lavish dinner parties. Inviting a few friends for snacks & drinks is a lot more enjoyable for the hostess now.
Smaller trees are such a good idea!
I loved “no is a complete sentence” and yet, I’ve had push back when I’ve declined, making me feel pressured to provide an explanation…as in person will just not let it go. I find it hard to respond politely. I get tongue tied, kinda sputter. How do you and others here handle these situations?
Thanks for a really helpful post!
“No, sorry, that just won’t work for me right now” or something similar. It takes practice, but hold your ground and they gradually give up…ask me how I know.
Great blog reminders! Thank you, thank you!
So thankful for you and your perspective on life!