It’s everywhere. It’s every time I log into Instagram or Facebook.  People are exhausted. They’re struggling to keep up wth December. Wondering if it’s going fast for you or you! And that’s not the way it’s suppose to be. December is suppose to be awesome and fun. Not a race to the finish line and certainly not the most stressful month of the year.

Just three weeks ago, I was so proud of myself. I’d started decorating. I’d started shopping. I was planning to get my Christmas cards written. I was planning to have blog content written well in advance of the holidays.

And then I’m not quite sure what happened but suddenly, POOF, it’s December 14th and I’m left wondering where the first 13 days of December went. And yet, I refuse to let the stress get to me. Everything will get done. It always does.

Back in November, I was invited by my friend and lady boss extraordinaire Angela to attend the SOLD OUT viewing of Heal and I’m still thinking about it today.

What is Heal?

HEAL not only taps into the brilliant minds of leading scientists and spiritual teachers, but follows three people on actual high stakes healing journeys. Healing can be extremely complex and deeply personal, but it can also happen spontaneously in a moment. Through these inspiring and emotional stories we find out what works, what doesn’t, and why. – Heal Documentary

I could go on and on about the lessons and insight gained from viewing this movie, but the resounding message was clear: stress is killing us and positive energy is saving us.

So this Christmas, instead of trying to be a perfect combination of Martha Stewart, Jillian Harris and Kevin McAllister – I’m planning a self-care Christmas.

Here’s how I’m doing it.

I’M TAKING VACATION

I’m taking Christmas vacation. My out-of-office is in place on the afternoon of Friday, December 22nd and it’s on until midnight on January 1st. I haven’t had a week off at Christmas since I was in university and I am so looking forward to spending time with family and friends and so thankful for clients who not only understand, but who are doing the same. Wellness is the new hustle, you guys.

I’M BOOKING A MASSAGE

I’m booking a massage for next week to relieve some pre-holiday knots and then I’m booking myself a day at the spa during my week off. Again, I don’t remember the last time I treated myself to either of these and that’s just not cool.

I’M HAVING A COFFEE DATE WITH MYSELF

When was the last time you grabbed a coffee with yourself? I’m talking went to a cafe or your favorite Starbucks, ordered a coffee, and sat down with yourself. And here’s the caveat. You’re not allowed to work. You can journal, you can read, you can set goals for 2018. Just don’t get out your phone or laptop to work.

I’M CRYING OVER SAPPY CHRISTMAS MOVIES

If you can watch a sappy Christmas movie on W Network or the Hallmark channel without crying, I salute you, but here’s the thing. I honestly think it’s GOOD for you to watch a sappy movie and let out some tears. A good cry is good for the soul. A happy cry is ever better. I happy cry ALL THE TIME. Let those tears fall into your egg nog as they will.

I’M SETTING INTENTIONS

This is one of my FAVORITE parts of December. Setting intentions and goals for myself in 2018. I can’t WAIT to do this over the holidays and I’m hoping to bring a journal along to the spa to really get super zen and dream big.

I’M PLANNING VACATIONS + EXPERIENCES

I talk about traveling a lot, but this December, I’m setting some plans in place. Starting with planning my trip to California in February for Social Media Marketing World. I’m also planning experiences, like overnight creative soul sister sleepovers and Work of Heart 2018.

I’M HAVING A HOLIDAY DATE NIGHT

Lastly, I’m making sure that D and I have a holiday date night. December is always a blur, I think we can all agree on that. From potlucks to family gatherings to Christmas shopping to finding the perfect tree. It’s the most wonderful, beautiful and romantic time of the year. I want to enjoy it together.

This Christmas, I’m not just dreaming of a self-care Christmas.

I’m having one. 

Are you? 

===

Want to catch a viewing of HEAL for yourself? There are two viewings in January, one of which is SOLD OUT (again!) BUT the 4:00pm showing on January 11th has tickets remaining. Learn more here.

Setting your own self-care and wellness intentions for 2018? Work of Heart is a MUST. You can read all about my experience at Work of Heart 2017 here or just take my word for it and grab your ticket for the February event here.

Want to gift either of these amazing experiences to someone you love this Christmas? Email Angela and she would be happy to play Santa!

Disclaimer: I was invited to the screening of HEAL and was a Work of Heart 2017 ambassador, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.