Unplug & Unwind: How I Rest During the Holidays

Theresa Wilson
Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

The holidays can easily turn into a whirlwind of plans, errands, and festive obligations. Over the years, I’ve realized that the key to truly enjoying this season isn’t about doing everything on the list—it’s about making space to rest, recharge, and savor the little moments. For me, that means weaving simple, intentional rituals into my days: cozy reading corners, mindful cooking, gentle walks, and small seasonal touches that bring comfort and calm.

In this post, I’m sharing the ways I unplug and unwind during the holidays—practical habits and personal rituals that help me slow down, breathe, and embrace the season fully. Whether you’re looking for quiet moments of reflection or ways to add cozy comfort to your daily routine, these tips are meant to inspire rest and joy in your own holidays.

Establishing a Cozy Routine

Cozy scene with a book, knitted socks, candle, notebook with pen, and steaming tea on a beige blanket, evoking warmth and relaxation.

One of the simplest ways I find calm during the holidays is by creating a cozy, repeatable routine. These aren’t rigid schedules—they’re small, intentional habits that signal my mind and body that it’s time to slow down.

For me, this looks like:

Morning warmth: Starting the day with a cup of spiced tea or coffee, sometimes paired with a cozy blanket and my favorite mug.
Seasonal ambiance: Soft lighting from candles or fairy lights, and scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla to make the space feel comforting.
Quiet or soft music: A gentle playlist in the background helps me move through my morning calmly, without the pressure of notifications.

Even small rituals like these can create a sense of comfort and stability during the busy holiday season. Try picking one cue—a drink, a candle, or a specific corner—to signal your body that it’s time to pause and relax.

Making Time for Mindful Reading

Books are one of my favorite ways to unwind during the holidays. Whether it’s a cozy romance, a lighthearted mystery, or an inspiring non-fiction read, carving out dedicated reading time gives me a mental break and helps me slow down.

Here’s how I make reading feel intentional:

Create a cozy corner: I set up a spot with a soft blanket, comfortable pillows, and warm lighting. It’s my little escape within my own home.
Set aside uninterrupted time: Even 30–60 minutes of quiet reading can feel like a mini-vacation from the holiday hustle.
Combine with journaling: Sometimes I jot down favorite quotes, reflections, or seasonal thoughts alongside my reading. It adds a mindful layer and helps me savor the moment.

Reading isn’t just about finishing books—it’s about giving yourself space to breathe, reflect, and recharge.

Tip: Treat one part of your day as a “reading ritual,” whether it’s before bed, during a morning cup of tea, or in a quiet afternoon stretch.

Seasonal Self-Care Rituals

Resting during the holidays isn’t just about slowing down—it’s also about intentionally caring for yourself in ways that feel meaningful. I’ve found that small seasonal rituals can make a big difference in creating calm and joy.

Cozy scene with open book, steaming mug on knit blanket, wooden house, pinecone. Lit candle and jar with pine branches in snowy window.

Some of my favorite practices include:

Mindful baking or cooking: Whether it’s a simple batch of cookies or a comforting holiday meal, focusing on the steps—the measuring, stirring, and smelling—turns ordinary tasks into meditative moments.
Decorating in small bursts: I don’t overhaul the whole house at once. Instead, I light a candle or arrange a few seasonal touches that bring warmth and cheer. These little gestures instantly make the space feel more inviting.
Nature breaks: Even a short walk outside, whether through fallen leaves or fresh snow, helps me reset and breathe in the season’s sights and smells.

These rituals are flexible—you don’t need to do them all, and even small gestures can make the holidays feel more intentional.

Try choosing one seasonal activity that brings you joy and slowing down to fully savor it.

Unplugging from Digital Noise

One of the most powerful ways I rest during the holidays is by intentionally stepping away from screens. Between social media, emails, and endless notifications, it’s easy to feel overstimulated. Creating digital boundaries helps me feel present, calm, and more connected to the season.

Here’s how I make it work:

Limit social media scrolling: I focus only on meaningful interactions or skip apps entirely for set periods, avoiding the stress of constant updates.
Phone-free pockets of time: During reading, journaling, or cooking, I leave my phone in another room. These small breaks allow me to fully immerse in the moment.
Digital detox days: Occasionally, I set aside a full day to step back from work-related tasks, notifications, and screens. It’s a refreshing mental reset that makes the holidays feel longer and slower.

Even small adjustments, like keeping your phone out of reach for an hour, can have a big impact.

Tip: Pick one daily period to unplug and treat it as a non-negotiable ritual—you’ll be surprised how restorative it can feel.

Mixing Practical Rest with Joyful Activities

Cozy scene with open book on beige blanket. Lit candle and pine cone on side, jar of pine branches near window with snowy view. Calm mood.

Rest doesn’t always mean sitting still. During the holidays, I like to balance quiet moments with activities that bring joy while still helping me unwind. These small, intentional practices refresh both my mind and body.

Some of my favorite ways to rest actively include:

Cozy hobbies: Building LEGO sets, journaling, or simple craft projects keep my hands busy while my mind relaxes.
Gentle movement: Short walks, stretching, or light yoga help me release tension and feel grounded.
Comfort rituals: Sipping a warm drink, wrapping myself in a soft blanket, or listening to a favorite playlist or movie adds layers of comfort to my day.

Even small gestures like these create a sense of calm and satisfaction, making the holidays feel slower, warmer, and more intentional.

Tip: Pick one activity that feels restorative and joyful, and give yourself permission to fully enjoy it without guilt.

Resting during the holidays is about more than naps or downtime—it’s about creating meaningful, intentional rituals that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Cozy routines, mindful reading, seasonal self-care, unplugging from digital noise, and joyful activities are all tools I use to slow down and truly savor the season.

This holiday season, I encourage you to experiment with your own rest rituals. Start small—perhaps a cup of tea by candlelight, a quiet reading session, or a mindful walk outside—and notice how it changes your days. Even a few intentional minutes of rest can transform the holidays from hectic to calm, helping you feel refreshed, present, and truly at ease.

I’d love to hear how you rest during the holidays! Share your favorite rituals in the comments or tag me on social media so we can inspire each other to slow down and enjoy the season fully.