Choosing to have a pleasant and relaxing Christmas Day.
First of all, Happy Christmas to you!
Thank you for being here reading me.
I hope you had a nice Christmas Eve, whether with family, friends or even on your own. I know it happens. And if you are fine with this, then nobody should be questionning your choice. Remember that part and let no-one talk you out of the choices you make to feel aligned with yourself and your life, in general.
Now, that Christmas Eve again, it was just me and my beloved son. It was just like we like it. Peaceful and quiet. No drama, no uncomfort. Our hearts were at peace and full of the love we share together.
And today, I've planned a relaxing day that focuses on the forms of relaxation I like the most: meditation, journaling, creative activities, baking, reading…
Each of theses activities is a way I enjoy unwinding and recharging. Meditation and journaling help me clear my mind and reflect on my thoughts and feelings, while creative activities and baking are both fun and therapeutic to me. Then, of course, there’s nothing like getting lost in a good book, is there?
Here's the plan I came up with. If you are in a process of healing, building inner peace or a better mental health, it could inspire you.
My plan for a pleasant and relaxing Christmas Day:
Morning
1. Gentle Wake-Up (7:30 AM): I would start the day with light stretching or yoga, followed by a 10-minute meditation session in writing to center myself. I appreciate this little transition between the past night and the new day.
2. Breakfast Treat (8:00 AM): I'd make something comforting, like ginger or cinnamon pancakes to enjoy with my regular coffee. And I would add a large glass of one of my favorite exotic juices.
Mid-Morning
3. Creative Flow (9:30 AM): I would dedicate an hour to a creative activity - likely coloring my art therapy workbook, sewing, or crocheting. And I would let my mind wander and just enjoy the process.
4. Nature Time or Netflix time (10:30 AM): If - and only if - it is sunny enough and I am brave enough to face the winter cold, I may take a walk outside soaking up the fresh air and quiet surroundings. But, I would not bet on this one, if I were you. I am more likely to wrap myself up in a blanket on the sofa and watch another great and very inspiring Netflix movie.
Afternoon
5. Light Lunch & Reading (12:30 PM): I can picture myself preparing a simple, still nourishing lunch and spend some time to start a new book that uplifts or inspires me. These are my favorite books at the moment.
I should probably share a list of them with you, some day. Would you like that?
6. Journaling Session (2:00 PM): Definitely! Because any day off work is a good day for me to journal. I would then use this session to reflect on my feelings about the past, present and future Christmases, and would leave reflections about my 2025 goals for another time. But as always, I would take a little moment to express all my gratitude in my journal.
Despite anything that happened and still happens in my life, I am convinced that what could be better might as well be worse, and that my life is always trying to teach me something I need to know about myself. Life is definitely a growing journey. Once you understand that, you live things differently.
Late Afternoon
7. Baking Therapy (3:30 PM): I might choose to bake something new today - experiment with a random recipe I've never tried before. As long as I manage to enjoy the calming rhythm of baking.
Have you ever tried baking as a therapy? I know a lot of people do and encourage others to. I'll join them. Try it! Not only you could like it and - who knows - it could reveal your talent for pâtisserie.
8. Self-Care Hour (5:00 PM): This is also a must for me any day I'm off work. I treat myself to a relaxing body care moment with either a spicy fragranced candle, essential oils, or one of my favorite playlists.
Good for me, my son's present this year was a set of face and feet masks. How did he guess I would love it? Haha...
Evening
9. Dinner & Reflection (6:30 PM): I'd choose to prepare a dinner with our leftovers to extend the holiday spirit a little longer. Take a brief moment to reflect on my day and appreciate the benefits of my relaxed mind and body. Recharge my social energy to its fullest extent so that I am prepared to face the next day at the office.
10. Meditative Wind-Down (8:00 PM): And probably - certainly - after watching an umpteenth Christmas movie, I would finish the day with a guided meditation or a breathing exercise accompanied by my regular sleeping music playlist to help my body and mind completely relax before bedtime.
There, you now know all about my plans for Christmas day.
How does it sound to you?
Which part would you consider adding to your own plans for today?
Or do you have other ideas in mind? Would you share them with me? I would love to hear them. Use the comment section to tell me all about it.
In the meantime, please take good care of yourself and your thoughts.
Estelle
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