I’m Quieting My Mind As Winter Nears And Christmas Light Begins to Glow

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Winter

December 1, 2025 | Daphne Oh

"Let's welcome peace, joy, and warmth of this holiday season. Let our hearts be opened, spirit be calm, and choose to carry love and gratitude in each moment"

As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, I can feel myself slowly shifting into winter mode. There’s something magical about this time of year…the lights, the coziness, the anticipation of Christmas. But there’s also a heaviness that creeps in if I’m not careful. Winter can be beautiful, yet it can also be emotionally demanding. And Christmas, as joyful as it is, can come with its own kind of pressure.

So, I’m choosing to prepare not just my home, not just my gift list, but my mind and heart for the season ahead.

Choosing Joy Over Rush: My Gentle Approach To Christmas Shopping

 

Every year, I tell myself I’m going to shop early, shop intentionally, and avoid the last-minute scramble that leaves me stressed and overwhelmed. However, if I’m honest, there have been many Decembers where I’m running from store to store feeling frazzled.

So I’m approaching this year differently. I’m slowing down and asking myself: Is this gift thoughtful, or is it just convenient? Does this purchase bring joy, or just obligation?

I want to shop with INTENTION (one of my favorite words this year). I want to choose gifts that feel meaningful, not excessive. When I shop mindfully, I notice I’m calmer, kinder to myself, and more connected to what the holiday truly means.

Soft Steps On A Busy Day: Choosing Safety And Self-Care During Holiday Shopping 

 

Holiday Shopping feels like a thrill so many. The huge crowds, early mornings, rushing to grab deals. However, it's never been that way for me. I've never understood the thrill of the holiday rush. However, I want to include some tips that may help those who do enjoy it.

A few things I would remind myself if I did participate in holiday shopping rush:

Go early or shop online to avoid overwhelming crowds. 

• Park in well-lit areas and stay aware of my surroundings.

• Set a budget and stick to it, so stress doesn’t replace excitement.

• Bring water and snacks, because tired, hungry shopping is never good shopping.

• Approach holiday shopping with a calm spirit. If you find something great, wonderful. If not, it’s not worth sacrificing your peace.

  
  

A Calm Christmas Promise: Staying Grounded While Surrounded By Family

 

The holidays can bring a lot of togetherness, and while family time is beautiful, it can also be draining. I’ve learned to honor my limits.

• It’s okay if I need a moment of quiet during a family gathering.

• It’s okay to slip into a bedroom for five minutes, breathe deeply, and regroup. It’s okay to say no to an event if my energy is low.

• I remind myself that I can love my family deeply and still need space for myself.

• That doesn’t make me ungrateful. It makes me human.

  
  

Letting The Season Be Simple, Soft, And Perfectly Imperfect

 

There’s always this temptation to make Christmas perfect. The lights must be just right, the house spotless, the meals flawless, and the gifts wrapped beautifully.

But the older I get, the more I realize the magic isn’t in perfection. The magic is in presence.

Some decorations might be crooked. The cookies might burn (I tend to burn cookies a lot lol 😂). The wrapping might be rushed and not quite perfect. if you ever get to know me on a personal level, you will learned that I wrap Christmas gift in all kind of crazy ways. However, laughter, warmth, and love don’t need flawless presentation.

So I’m letting go of the pressure. I’m choosing joy over perfection, peace over frenzy, and authenticity over aesthetics.

The Cold Days Bring Their Own Emotions And I’m Meeting Them With Care

 

As much as I love the winter season, I can’t ignore the shift it brings to my mood. The darker mornings, the early sunsets, the cold air. They all affect my energy.

Some days, I feel slower. Some days, I feel quiet. Some days, I feel a heaviness I can’t quite name. I’ve learned that this is normal. Seasonal changes impact everyone differently.

So to support my mind during winter, I try to:

• Open the blinds early and let as much sunlight in as I can

• Take short walks outside, even if it’s cold

• Use warm lighting and cozy textures at home

• Stay hydrated and nourished

• Reach out to others when I feel isolated

• Journal to process my thoughts

• And most importantly, I remind myself that needing rest in winter doesn’t mean I’m weak. It means I’m responding to the rhythm of the season.

A Gentle Pause In The Holiday Rush: Letting Myself Rest

 

There was a time when I thought I had to be “on” nonstop during Christmas. Visiting family, cooking, talking, and entertaining. However, I’ve learned there is beauty in stepping away for a moment.

A quiet morning alone before the day begins. A few minutes wrapped in a blanket with calming music. Music has been my go-to lately. It gives me so much mental peace. A short walk outside to breathe in the cool air.. A nice walk can do your mind great wonders. It can help you think and put things into perspective when you do it mindfully. A warm drink in silence while Christmas lights twinkle nearby is another way to relax and rest.

These tiny pauses refill my energy and help me show up for the people I love.

Quiet time isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.

Choosing Calm Instead Of Chaos: My Christmas And Winter Promise To Let Go

This holiday season, I want to be more present than perfect. I want to feel grounded instead of rushed and intentional instead of overwhelmed. Yes, INTENTIOAL!! I've been practicing being intentional all year and I am seeing the benefits from it. It is something I will continue to practice into the new year.

I want to walk into winter with a soft heart and steady mind. Knowing it’s okay to slow down, okay to rest, okay to take care of myself, and okay to find joy in the smallest moments. Because the truth is the Christmas holiday and winter season doesn’t need a flawless plan. It needs a peaceful heart.

And that’s exactly what I’m preparing.

I hope this blog has found you in good spirits and that you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on how to practice mindfullness for the upcoming winter and Christmas holiday seasons. I truly appreciate everyone's support and really enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences with everyone. Please leave a comment and share any of your experience and knowledge about holiday mindfulness. You never know who you may be inspiring. Wishing everyone peace, happiness and abundance during this hoiday season. Just a reminder, there is a slight change in my future blogs. Instead of posting once a week, I will be posting twice a month on the 1st and 15th of each month. Although I truly enjoy writing and sharing my blogs, my plate seem to be overflowing lately and I had to make some adjustments and set some boundaries for my own mental wellness. I appreciate your understanding. There will still be blogs. Just not every week. Please check back weekly for my latest blogs and any that you may have missed. Some will be personal, others will be about spreading awareness and some will be a combination of both. Until next time...

 -Daphne Oh

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