Are you wondering why Christmas is the most stressful time of the year? Or how you can relax and enjoy this year’s Christmas season? Today we’ll talk about 18 Stress relieving activities to make your holidays easier, comfier and more enjoyable.
1. Make your home smell like Christmas
The smell of freshly peeled oranges, pine tree needles, cinnamon, vanilla, and cookie dough. Nothing is quiet as relaxing as smells. Often our favorite memories are connected to smells. No wonder a great way to destress is to make your home smell great.
Check out these tips to make your home smell great:
- Try DIY simmer pot recipes so your house smells like Christmas.
- Create your own diffuser blends and your house will smell like winter.
- Use christmassy essential oils.
- Light Scented Candles.
- Craft DIYs with needle tree branches to bring the forest into your home.
2. Go on a Christmas Trip
Don’t want to subject yourself to this years Christmas Stress? Go on a short trip. Depending on the travel restrictions in your country you can stay local or go abroad.
Here are some of the:
Best Christmas Travel Destinations in the USA
Best Christmas Travel Destination in Europe
Which place would you recommend visiting during Christmas?
3. Give back
You know what really will make you feel good and de-stress? Giving back. Maybe you can volunteer at a food bank. Craft presents for kids in hospitals. Or help your family members.
You know what, let’s do something nice right now. Go over to letstakeamoment.com and leave her a comment. I am sure she’ll be super happy. Don’t forget to come back though!
4. Watch Christmas Movies
Usually Christmas movies are funny, a little sappy and romantic. Want to relax after a long workday? Sit down and watch some Christmas movies with friends or family. Here is a list by kindlyunspoken:
5. Visit a Christmas Market
Are Christmas Markets a thing in your country? Comment below! Here in Germany, we’ve quite the options. I love checking out Christmas markets. The atmosphere is just amazing. Whether it’s a Forest Christmas Market, a market in a castle or big Christmas Markets like Nuernberg – there are Christmas markets for everyone.
6. Listen to your favorite Christmas music.
Yeah, the jingles can get annoying. But I am sure there are Christmas songs that still spark your joy! Sit down take the time to just listen to the music and to enjoy it.
7. Take breaks
I feel bad when I don’t do anything. Being busy has become a social standard, while doing nothing is frowned upon. But even people in the past knew you should take a day off here and there. Take enough breaks during the day. And use some days just for self-care! See your breaks as times you recharge your battery.
8. Take a walk
A great way to relax is to take a walk. Especially if you can take a walk in nature. Wear warm and cozy clothes and take a stroll. Take the time to let your thoughts drift. Breath in the fresh air, feel the chill on your cheeks, listen to the wind rustling in the trees, maybe you can bring hot tea, rest on a bench and enjoy the moment. Before heading back to the bustle.
9. Drink hot chocolate
I’ll share with you my top secret and most loved hot chocolate recipe. I usually just eyeball the amounts, so I’d recommend you to taste and adjust on the go.
- boil 2 Spoons of cacao powder in around half a liter milk (obviously high fat milk would be yummier)
- add and stir in brown sugar 1-3 spoons depends how sweet you like it
- add a pinch (I really mean just a pinch) of salt
- add a pinch of chili
- add a pinch of cinnamon
- optionally you can add whipped cream and marshmallows on top.
10. Go ice skating
Can you go ice skating where you live? Ice skating is fun even if you aren’t particularly good at it. (Still haven’t figured out how to go backwards). During Christmas they often play Christmas songs.
When you are stressed exercise is great to calm you down.
11. Bake Caramel Apples
Caramel apples make your home smell amazing; they are delicious and practically scream Christmas. Do you have a typical Christmas dessert?
12. Read a book
Do you have a fireplace? If not prepare a cup of tea, cuddle into your favorite blanket and grab a book. Alternatively, you can listen to fireplace ASRM on YouTube – makes it just as cozy.
13. Go for Christmas coffee
Found this recipe by the cabindiary.com. Though I am more of a tea drinker. ( I am really bad with coffee) I’d like to try this recipe. 
14. Craft DIY Decorations
Crafting Christmas Decorations is a great stress reducing activity. Crafting with loved ones can be horribly stressful or if you like crafting a really great way to de-stress. Here are some great Pinterest Pinboards with crafting ideas:
15. Kiss someone
And here I don’t just mean a straight smack on the lips (if the other participant is willing). No, you can also give your grandma a kiss on the cheek. A hand kiss for a lady? As a way to reduce stress kissing isn’t so bad is it? Check out why kissing is good for your health here.
16. Hug someone
I think we don’t hug people enough. When was the last time you hugged your parents or siblings? Hugs not only decrease blood pressure, fears, and Christmas stress 😉 they also increase your happiness!
17. Bake Christmas Cookies
How to have a relaxing Christmas? Bake cookies together. If you bake cookies alone it’s super stressful. But as a team? It’s fun and you can listen to Christmas songs. Not really the baking type? Go to your local Christmas market and buy some. 😉It never hurts to try thought there are enough simple recipes for beginners out there.
Here are 2 Bonus Tips:
1. Get into cozy comfy clothes
I have a pullover I “borrowed” from my boyfriend it’s super comfy. (Can anyone tell me why guy clothes are always comfier?) Get out your most cozy pullover out. Even if it’s ugly and worn. Some fluffy pants and relax. A change of clothes can be a real change of perspective.
2. Create a stress-free morning routine.
Don’t start your day being anxious, checkout some self-care morning routine ideas and stay calm and composed all day.
I hope after these tips and stress reducing activities you don’t have to wonder anymore how to make Christmas easier. Enjoy the little moments, take enough breaks and enjoy your cozy calm Christmas!
What are ways to reduce Christmas stress that you’d recommend? Share in the comments below! And everyone we wish you a happy Christmas Season.
