It’s the happiest season, but sometimes all the hustle and bustle can be, well, a killjoy. Here’s how we reconnect with the spirit of the holidays when stress creeps in.
Mailing holiday cards may be a declining tradition, but I still enjoy sending a handwritten note to close friends every year. I write three to five cards an evening, and it’s a chance for me to really think about the people I’m connecting with, even if it is just once a year.
JAN MILLER, food editor
Making holiday magic can be exhausting and feel like holding down a second full-time job in November and December. So when I’m feeling overwhelmed (in any season, really), I throw long videos of the beach on my TV or second computer monitor and just let them play full-screen while I work away. (Search for relaxing waves on YouTube.) The beach has always been my happy place. Seeing and, more important, hearing the waves and taking in all those glorious shades of blue instantly calm me.
AMY PANOS, home editor
In December, I like to set aside one day that I devote fully to self-care. It’s nice to have the time to myself in the middle of such a busy and social season.
MAGGIE GOLDSMITH, associate art director
Growing up, my family always made a construction paper chain with a fun activity written on each loop, and every day leading up to Christmas, we would pick one of the prompts to do. Even though we’re in different states now, we try to follow the daily activities and share pictures of our accomplishments— making paper snowflakes, baking a new holiday cookie, or watching an old holiday movie. It’s a great way to celebrate together even from afar.
KATLYN MONCADA, food editor
To fight the stress (and cold temps) of the season, I curl up on the couch with a nice warm cup of tea or a hot toddy and put on a classic holiday movie. It’s a relaxing reset and a nice reminder that this time of year is about family, friends, and joy. Plus, it’s difficult not to smile when Will Ferrell is yelling, “Santa!” and making candy pasta.
ASHE PURSCELL, executive assistant