I think it probably goes without saying that the holiday season is all sorts of awesome and all sorts of hectic.  With countless things on our to-do lists, gifts to buy and parties to attend, it seems that the middle of November through the end of December is a frantic whirlwind most years.

This year, I’d like to encourage you (and me!) to make the holidays a lot less crazy and a lot more enjoyable by planning daily self care during this celebratory season.  So, beginning on November 16 (one week before Thanksgiving), and going all the way through December 25, I’m hoping we can keep each other accountable for doing what we need to do, yes, but also for prioritizing self care and slow living.  Because…we kind of need to be doing that too!  Who’s with me?

Each day features a holiday self care to-do designed to melt your stress away and help you enjoy the season of gratitude and giving like you never have before.  My hope is that you will feel less stressed and more mindful as you slow down and savor what each day brings you.  Please don’t fret if you can’t manage to sneak your daily self care in here or there…this is meant to be lighthearted and fun!  I’ll be doing check-ins via my Instagram on how we’re all doing, so if you don’t already, now would be a great time to follow me there!  Share any photos of you doing any of the activities using #SCBholiday17.  Same goes for Facebook! 🙂

I’m also going to be doing some self care giveaways (consider me your Self Care Secret Santa!) throughout the challenge, so stay tuned for all the fun.  The holidays don’t have to be a hot mess, my Besties!  Let’s gear up for the most wonderful time of the year together.

Without further ado, here are the daily activities…whip out your self care planner and let’s get to it!

November 16 – Enjoy a festive cocktail or mocktail while you compose your holiday to-do list.  

November 17 – Light a holiday scented candle and mindfully notice its scent filling your home.  Reflect on the joy that will fill your home in the weeks to come.

November 18 – Snuggle up in your comfiest pjs with plenty of blankets and soft lighting.  Nothing says holiday self care like a little hygge.  

November 19 – Clear all surfaces in your main living areas of clutter.  You’ll be surprised how much clearer your mind is afterwards.

November 20 – Take a brisk walk outside and enjoy the fresh fall air.  Notice something beautiful in nature and take a picture of it.  We needn’t be too busy to enjoy the little things.

November 21 – Take some time to journal about what you want to focus on this holiday season.  Also write down some ways you hope to maintain this focus in the busy weeks ahead.

November 22 – Figure out what tasks you can delegate or simply omit this year to make your life easier.  Can you have someone else clean your house?  Do you really need to send holiday cards?  If it doesn’t bring you joy, consider giving it up for this season.

November 23 – Enjoy precious moments with your loved ones.  Don’t count calories.  Don’t rush on to the next season.  Stay where you are and be joyful there.  

November 24 – Look at photos that make your heart smile.  Treasure memories from years past and think about the photo ops you don’t want to miss in the coming weeks.

November 25 – String up some twinkling lights in an unexpected location like your bedroom or living room for an extra dose of holiday coziness.  Enjoy some time in your new favorite spot.

November 26 – Take a nice, relaxing bubble bath.  Give yourself at least 20 minutes to luxuriate there.  Everything else can wait.

November 27 – Bring some nature into your decor.  What can you find in your very own yard that you could bring in and decorate with?  Twigs, pinecones, and evergreen sprigs could liven up any room in your home for zero dollars.

November 28 – Bake something special not because you have to, but because you want to.  Bonus points if you bake with a loved one.

November 29 – Grab a mug of cocoa, perhaps a sweet treat and snuggle up with your favorite book. 

November 30 – Plan to make at least one gift for someone this year.  Make a list of what supplies you will need and when you can get them.  Gifts from the heart are always treasured.

December 1 – Spend some time coloring or creating today.  No pressure; nothing has to be perfect…just enjoy the down time.

December 2 – Get rid of any holiday decor you don’t love.  If it doesn’t bring you joy, you no longer need it.  

December 3 – Cozy up by the fireplace.  If you don’t have a fireplace, several candles will do.  Just relax.

December 4 – Enjoy a hot cup of tea in complete silence.  Notice how refreshing the lack of noise is.

December 5 – Prepare a home-cooked meal that requires slow cooking.  Notice the lovely smells that fill your home as you cook.

December 7 – Find a way to treat yourself today…whatever you love, go ahead and give yourself permission to enjoy it for a bit.

December 8 – Walk through your home and appreciate all you have.  Take time to linger in each room and practice gratitude for this special place you are blessed enough to dwell in.

December 9 – Buy yourself a fun new mug (or just drink something festive from your favorite old one).  

December 10 – Use candles and natural light only today.  Limit your screen time…in fact, maybe put that darn phone away for the day!

December 11 – Plan to enjoy an outdoor winter activity with loved ones between now and the end of the month.

December 12 – Take a funny selfie with someone you love and post on social media (don’t forget the hashtag #SCBholiday17)!

December 13 – Plan a drive through town to enjoy the holiday lights and sights of the season.

December 14 – Enjoy breakfast in bed.

December 15 – Go to bed early tonight…the holidays can be exhausting!

December 16 – Make an ornament or decoration – it doesn’t have to be fancy, it’s just for fun!

December 17 – Spend some time cleaning and organizing your home today.  Don’t do it for anyone else..make home a place that is calm and inviting to you.  

December 18 – Spend a few moments enjoying the company of a pet.  If you don’t have one, try visiting a pet store, shelter, or a friend’s furry pal.

December 19 – Visit a place that makes you nostalgic for holidays gone by.  It could be a toy store, restaurant, sweet shop, or a family member’s house.  Anywhere that helps you fondly remember your childhood.

December 20 – Add some holiday flair to your bedroom today – anything that brings a festive touch to your most relaxing space.

December 22 – Get a holiday manicure!

December 23 – Wake up early to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or tea before anyone in your house wakes up.  Reflect on the joy this season has already brought you and anticipate the joy to come.

December 24 – Spend this day with those you love the most.  Go with your gut, slow your pace, and mindfully rejoice over each precious moment.

December 25 – Savor a special meal with your loved ones.  Listen to music that makes your heart smile.  Stay in your pajamas all day if you want.  Do YOU, say yes, and have a beautiful day!

I know I can’t be the only one who’s super stoked about this challenge!  Let us know what you’re most looking forward to during the holiday season in the comments!