It’s beginning to look a lot like ….already! During the holiday season when things can feel loud, busy, and all over the place, the practice of mindfulness becomes a gentle anchor.
What is Mindfulness — and why it matters
Mindfulness is simply this: tuning in to the present moment — our body, our breath, our thoughts and feelings — without judgement. It’s not about clearing your mind, punishing yourself, or becoming a meditation monk (unless that’s your calling!). It’s about being aware. According to the experts, mindfulness is “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non‑judgmentally.” And it can be as simple as noticing a breath or the sound of a wave (Mindful,2017).
Why does this matter in the holiday season? Because when we slip into autopilot — checking boxes, rushing from one thing to the next, worrying about what’s next — we lose connection with ourselves. Mindfulness offers self‑regulation: the ability to pause, respond instead of react, and choose how we show up. It supports emotional balance, calms the nervous system, and invites us into a deeper awareness of our inner world (APA dictionary).
The value of self‑regulation
I know, for me, the energy and emotions of my loud family (love you all dearly!) can be overwhelming and leave me feeling drained. But when I take the time to pause in my body, I begin to notice the subtle cues: tension in the shoulders, the tightness in the jaw, the racing thoughts. That recognition is powerful. It allows me to step out of the reflexive “stress‑holiday‑rush” mode and into a more intentional “I’m here now” mode. That shift can change how you interact with others, how you rest, how you celebrate.
Mindfulness becomes a tool for emotional resilience: allowing you to meet disappointment, excitement, overwhelm or joy with more presence rather than being swept away. It’s the difference between reacting and choosing how to act. And during the holidays when there are so many expectations, activities, and emotional layers — self‑regulation through mindfulness is a gift to yourself.
Two simple ways to bring mindfulness into your holiday days
There’s no point adding to the already busy days during the holidays so I have two suggestions that you can (hopefully) incorporate in activities you already are doing:
1. Use a mantra when you go through a door.
Every time you pass through a doorway this season (indoor or outdoor or at work or whatever door frame definition you want to create for yourself), take it as a micro‑pause. Before you step in, softly say to yourself: “I arrive now.” Or “Here I am.” Or “I feel calm”. Create a short mantra that resonates within yourself. Feel your feet on the threshold, your breath, your posture. As you enter the space, release anything you carried with you and consciously choose to bring calm, to bring presence. This mantra anchors your body and mind in the moment. This will take only seconds.
2. Mindfulness in the shower.
Turn the shower into a mindful ritual. Feel the water on your skin, the temperature, the sound of the droplets. Notice the smell of the soap or shampoo, the texture, how it feels on your skin. Maybe this time of year you’re hurrying because there’s so much to do—but instead, pause. Notice your breath, notice how your feet connect with the floor, notice thoughts as they come and go without judgement. Let the shower become your “reset zone” of stillness, even for just 60 seconds.
For me, bringing mindfulness into my day in these easy, short activities allows me to opt into the holidays more fully. I used to think that ‘self-care’ was a luxury, but my own journey has taught me it’s essential to my survival and well-being. I hope you, too, find the time to pause and nurture yourself this month whether you are prepping for a big feast, rushing through the mall, sitting with a warm drink or chatting with friends.
Take a moment. Breathe. Be present.
Westcoast Duck Yoga 
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