Holiday Changes: A Guide to Staying Grounded and Cozy
- gingerstherapynotebook
- Dec 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Holidays naturally shift routines, and for some of us that may look like being in a different location, not having access to the people, pets, places, or things that help you feel grounded, and/or having more things out of your control. Routines provide stability, so acknowledging the lack of steadiness you may feel during the holidays can be an important first step in cultivating smoother transitions.
Instead of seeing these changes as inconveniences or setbacks, try reframing them as temporary shifts you can prepare for and grow through, despite the discomfort. During disruptions to your routine, two things can be true at the same time: you may feel uncomfortable and anxious, AND you can make room for flexibility, self-care, and personal growth.
Even though planning can give us an illusion of control, it can still feel dysregulating when structure falls away. For many people, this can trigger anxiety, irritability, or the sense that something just feels “off.” Our nervous systems often need time to adjust to changes in pace and routine, so if you’re struggling to adapt during the holidays, you’re definitely not alone.
I wanted to share some practices that help me stay grounded and more at ease when my days look different from what I’m used to. I hope these ideas help you cultivate presence, self-compassion, and moments of joy throughout the holiday season.
Keep Core Routines When Possible ✨
If you thrive in structure, choose a few grounding habits you can realistically do each day. Instead of an all-or-nothing view of your routine, make room for flexibility while still holding onto the pieces that help you feel steady.
Examples:
going to bed and waking up at consistent times
a short morning or evening ritual
practice gratitude (write down three things that went well during your day and three things you are looking forward to)
schedule quiet time to rest
a short walk or gym routine
Maintaining small anchors for your day can go a long way in creating more comfort during big shifts in your schedule.
Communicate Your Needs Clearly and Kindly 🧸
Even during a season of giving, your emotional needs matter. Caring for and advocating for yourself allows you to show up more fully, with presence and ease, so you can genuinely enjoy the holiday season.
You might let supportive people know:
“I want to go to the event, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and need to stay in tonight.”
“Loud environments can be challenging for me. I might take breaks to reset.”
“I need a few minutes alone to recharge, then I’ll be ready to hang out again.”
“Sleep is important for my emotional regulation, so I’m going to head out. I loved spending time with you and look forward to tomorrow.”
You deserve support for how you’re feeling and the way that you operate, not judgement.
Create Predictability Where You Can 🕯️
Holiday chaos is real, and leaning on predictable rituals or familiar comfort items can help you feel more settled and grounded.
Examples:
light a candle at the same time each day
bring your favorite snack
bring a comfort object (blanket, stuffed animal, even your pet if possible)
journaling a few lines each night
listen to the same calming playlist before bed
wear comfortable clothes (cozy holiday pajamas are a must for me!)
bring a sensory tool or aromatherapy (can be helpful to bring with you if you anticipate feeling overwhelmed at an event)
These small rituals can anchor you in familiarity, even when everything around you feels different.
Focus on What You Can Control 🫶
Holiday schedules, family dynamics, travel changes, and expectations often fall outside your control. Shifting your focus on what is within your control can help ease anxiety.
Choose How You Respond:
You can’t control other people's reactions or behaviors, but you can control your responses. When feeling triggered or reactive, recognize the need to pause and acknowledge your emotions, take a step back to breathe for a moment, notice what is happening around you and within you without judgement, then when you feel ready proceed, make mindful choices about how to respond to the situation.
Choose How You Spend Your Time:
Prioritize activities that bring you joy, comfort, or peace, like watching a holiday movie, baking, trying a new craft, or connecting with loved ones who brighten your mood.
Let Go of External Pressures:
Pressure around the holidays can be overwhelming. Remember that you are in control of how you spend your time and energy, if you choose to participate in celebrating or not. Scheduling in break times to regulate, or opting out of certain events can help when things get overwhelming. Think of knowing your limits as helpful, not disruptive.
Gently Re-Establish Routines After the Holidays 🏠
After the holidays many people feel pressure to jump straight into new-years goals, sometimes leading to overwhelm or quickly burning out. Easing back into structure is often more realistic, effective, and compassionate.
Try:
splitting up big goals into easy manageable steps you can slowly work towards
write a list of things you plan to incorporate into your routine and slowly add them in
add back in one aspect of your routine each day
use grounding skills to settle your system
check in with your goals, adjust them to what feels right for you
Transitions can be jarring to the nervous system, and giving yourself time and gentleness can make the return to routine feel less overwhelming.
Final Thoughts ⛄
Any kind of change, even positive change, can challenge your sense of stability. Sometimes you can see it coming, and other times the discomfort sneaks up on you or feels hard to explain. Wherever you find yourself this season, know that you’re not alone in these experiences. I hope that by holding onto core pieces of your routines, communicating your needs with care, and giving yourself permission to slow down, you can move through this season with more steadiness and joy. You’re allowed to honor your needs and create a holiday experience that supports your needs and wellbeing!
Wishing you a safe and comfortable holiday season,
Ginger 🎁
References
Grill, E. A. (2024, December 1). A guide to manage the holidays with self-care and balance. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-the-womb/202412/a-guide-to-manage-the-holidays-with-self-care-and-balance Psychology Today+1
New Beginnings. (2025, November 25). Preparing for holiday routines and schedule changes: Helping individuals thrive during Thanksgiving. New Beginnings Behavior Intervention Services. https://www.newbeginningsbis.com/blog/preparing-for-holiday-routines newbeginningsbis.com
