End-of-Year Stress Relief: Top Activities to Boost Your Holiday Mood

The End-of-Year is a stressful and emotionally-charged period for every person for different reasons. As we approach the end, feelings of sadness and loneliness can start creeping in during the early weeks of December. Don't let these negative emotions dominate your mind during the times of magic! How? Keep on reading. Drawing from my own roller-coaster journey and professional insights as a human rights lawyer, I've crafted a guide filled with simple, affordable activities to elevate your holiday mood. These steps are my tried-and-true methods for appreciating life’s beauty and cherishing every moment during this festive season.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...I love it! You? The arrival of the first snow - or 1 December for some - signifies the onset of winter. Hello Winter and welcome to my life! Realizing that the end-of-year festivities are just around the corner brings me joy... Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way... In my universe, this celebratory season starts with the first snowfall. And so begins my countdown to the festive season! It’s a delightful experience, especially with kids, planning the next cheer-up activity... Every year, this ritual lifts up my spirits with every joyful step-activity and provides me with a gentle transition to the next year. Goodbye and thank you to the year that we'll be leaving behind... Hello and welcome to the year that's coming in...

Yes, it starts today. With the season's first snow, I wake up in the morning and rush to the window, reliving a childhood tradition (giggling). That feeling: "Ohhh wowww, look! Everything's so white!"

15 Step-by-Step Activities

My personal ritual to anticipate the end-of-year festivities is The Countdown that includes 15 activities. We begin our celebration with secular Christmas on December 24. Using an Advent calendar or your phone calendar can help plan your activities up till December 31. So, how many days left?

Activity 1: Embrace the Warmth of Seasonal Comfort

Let's start slow and simple. Getting your feet warm and comfy with themed socks or slippers sets the mood for the festive season ahead. This small change in your daily routine can be a gentle reminder that the magical season of celebration is underway. Plus, a bit of practicing the Danish concept of Hygge - feeeling warm and cosy, finding joy and comfort in the little things. So, why not?

Activity 2: Capture the Magic - Document and Count Decorated Trees

"A decorated tree!" I can’t avoid pausing for a minute like a kid in awe, mesmerized by a decorated tree. "Any gifts under it?" is my automatic reaction. Take time to notice and appreciate the festive ambiance around you. Breathe in and out. Inhale the positive, exhale the negative. Zen… Now, look around. Find what you like the most in that decorated tree or decorations. Be present now and here. Let your mind rest for a second looking at this beauty. Anticipate the upcoming celebrations by taking a photo of every decorated tree you see. By New Year’s Eve, count your joyful moments in December through these photos. There's something about a beautifully decorated tree that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. Each picture becomes a cherished memory, a snapshot of joy that you can look back on.

Activity 3: Personalize Your Holiday Vibe

Create a magical atmosphere around yourself and family with personal items that bring festive cheer. During this period, we are surrounded by festive seasonal decorations. The city becomes different, magical. Everyone needs a bit of magic from time to time, not only children. Extend this magic to personal items, continuously cheering up yourself, your family and friends. For example, our todller has a hand-made crocheted reindeer named "Jingle Bells". It's always with us, sharing our fun times. Our teenager puts a snow globe or some other seasonal decoration on his his desk. My husband wears a bright seasonal scarf, and for myself, I prefer jewelry in seasonal theme and colours. Choose something that reminds you of the magic of the season throughout your day. These personal touches can transform your space into a haven of holiday happiness and also teache our children to create magic with our hands.

Activity 4: Boost Your Mood with Festive Friend Catch-Ups

The end of December is usually very hectic time. It seems 24 hours a day isn't enough to finish everything. But don't let the end-of-year rush steal your joy. So, make plans in advance to catch up with friends in a relaxed, festive setting. On the countdown to the end of year holidays, exchange seasonal greetings, gifts, and share a laugh over a cup of coffee or a fancy dinner in a festive setting.

Activity 5: Savor Nourishing Winter Meals

Eat well, aka as la Foodie-moi. The argument for pragmatics: to prepare your stomach for larger amount of food consumption and actually to warm up in freezer air temperature. My favourite classics: soup or stew (especially hot&sour, chicken or lamb soup), a good old steak (chateaubriand, filet mignon or t-bone...?), bœuf bourguignon, fish and chips, noodles, Beijing duck, burgers, spaghetti bolognaise or in pesto sauce, lamb ribs, roast chicken, pilaf or kebabs. Make your pick! Food is not just sustenance; it's a source of comfort and joy, especially during the colder months. Indulge in your favorite winter meals, from hearty soups to succulent roasts. It's about warming up from the inside out and preparing for the festive feasting ahead. Read more about it in my article 5 Tips for Family: Winter Healthy Eating (modernparenting.online)

Activity 6: Brighten Your Home with Yellow Flowers

It's winter. Cold and often cloudy. A bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums, for example, placed in your living-room or bedroom can beautifully imitate having as many suns as you want. Imagine being in a different galaxy. Combat the winter gloom by bringing a bit of sunshine indoors with a vase of yellow flowers. These blooms can be a delightful reminder of the sun's warmth, brightening up your home and lifting your spirits. If doubtful about the mental health benefits of this activity, I would reccomend you to read my article of more than 20K reads Fresh Flowers at Home Make Your Family Healthier&Happier (modernparenting.online)

Activity 7: Cultural Enrichment with 'The Nutcracker'

Growing up, ballet was a love of mine, and "The Nutcracker" is a must for introducing the festive season. Whether attending a live ballet performance or enjoying a recorded version at home, 'The Nutcracker' is a timeless holiday classic that can transport you to a world of wonder and magic. A two-act ballet by Russian composer Tchaikovsky that adapted in 1892. It is the best first ballet for small spectators. Surely, the themed cultural family outing would set the tone of your upcoming celebration. However, the budget version to watch a video would be good enough to get inspired by the beauty of this magic fairytale.

Activity 8: Engage in Playful Winter Activities

From snowball fights,making a snowperson, sledding or skiing to cooking and enjoying a glass of glühwein, embrace the winter fun. These activities aren’t just for kids; they’re a fantastic way for adults to reconnect with their playful side and revel in the season's joy.

Activity 9: Sing Your Heart Out with Festive Karaoke

Organize a themed karaoke night with friends or family. Singing holiday classics in festive outfits can be a delightful way to let loose and experience the lighter side of life. Sing out your favorite songs for stress relief and fun. Top reccomended songs: «All I want for Christmas is you» by Mariah Carey and «Happy New Year» by Abba.

Activity 10: Stylishly Brave the Winter Chill

Tick a box of attending a glamorous celebration. Navigating winter events in style and comfort can be a challenge. Adopt the celebrity trick of switching from warm boots to elegant shoes just before making your grand entrance. This way, you stay warm without compromising on style. That's me on this photo getting off the car to a wedding venue. It was freezing cold and icy that day.

Activity 11: Immerse Yourself in Seasonal Markets

Seasonal markets are not just shopping destinations; they're an experience. Wander through stalls adorned with lights and decorations, and let yourself be swept away by the festive atmosphere. It's a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and savor seasonal delicacies. Gift shopping in this atmosphere is uplifting and helps avoid last-minute stress. It's one of my favorite activities in our cheer-up seasonal countdown. That special ambiance makes my head go round. Evening hours of a snowy day. The decorated tree is the Queen of the ball, graciously standing in the middle. Cheerful decorations. Colorful lights. Fresh cold. Snowflakes falling… It’s magical. Every gift shop is like a little enchanted house in a fairytale. Approach and get lost in the fantasy world of knits, handcrafts, chocolate, candles, wines… Cannabis. Not joking.

It was an interesting experience in a gift shop of the Geneva Christmas market. Switzerland legalized the use of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes but typically with strict rules. It's allowed to sell and consume CBD cannabis flowers that contain less than 1.0% of THC and medical marijuana. So, imagine: I’m standing there, shocked in the middle of this seasonal beauty… Suddenly, a brilliant idea came to my mind! To gift marijuana for a recreational purpose. I was choosing between chocolate with cannabis and a pot of cannabis flower (laughing). I've concluded that chocolate-coated pleasure to relax is the best gift ever! Pity that I didn't taste it myself…

It's a specially uplifting experience to choose gifts for your family and friends in that atmosphere. You’re relaxed, feeling joyful in the festive mood… You make the best purchase of gifts in this state of mind. Plus, you avoid the stressful mode of the last-minute gifts shopping. It's 2 in 1: pleasure and your shopping list done. After the gifts are bought, you feel satisfied. Now, it’s time to have a glass of glühwein or a cup of hot chocolate and a yummy warm meal. I like eating at open-air stands, but if you’re freezing, you'd better eat indoors. Watch your budget though. Last but not least, the visit to the Seasonal market with your family and friends creates one of those unforgettably happy moments. In addition, your kids learn to enjoy this season without getting overstressed. It's time to be jolly! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…

Activity 12: Deck Your Halls with Holiday Decor

Well, I am sure that you wouldn't want to miss out on original festive decorations available at the seasonal market. Similar to Activity 3 of getting a personal seasonal item, it's important to create a festive ambiance around you to boost your mood. You can do this with family, friends, or alone. What's most important is to enjoy both the process and the result of your creativity. Every thematic item in your surroundings should be eye-pleasing, give you joy, and make you look forward to the end-of-year celebration. It's like waiting for the gifts from Santa or birthday presents when we were kids, remember?

Let's begin with your home. It's better to choose a dweekend day for all the family members to be present and participate. Play a list of themed songs. Bake cookies for that incredible scent at home. Set up a tree and decorate all rooms, including your bathroom – I love thematic towels, for example. Create those unforgettable memories for your family. Start seasonal traditions that can be passed down from generation to generation. Lastly, your workspace should also be themed to keep up your excitement. When you take a pause and see a cheerful reindeer, for example, it would de-stress and energize you. This activity is about more than just aesthetics; it's about creating memories and traditions for generations to cherish.

Activity 13: Thoughtful Gift-Giving & Wraping in Advance to Reduce Stress

Avoid last-minute shopping stress by choosing and wrapping gifts a few weeks before the holidays. Express your love through thoughtful gifts, and don’t forget to treat yourself too. If you weren't in the mood for gift-shopping during your visit to the seasonal market, or if you couldn't find what you wanted, schedule some time a few weeks before the holidays to shop. To convince the pragmatics - this is to help you avoid the last-minute shopping madness. Spare yourself from yet another stress. Enjoying the process of choosing gifts for your loved ones is essential, as the main goal is to express your love and give them moments of joy and happiness. Isn't it?Make sure to wrap presents, preferably with your own hands, if possible.

Treat yourself to that special something you've wanted for a long time but haven't gotten or couldn't afford. And definitely ask to have your gift-to-self wrapped. Yes, you deserve it! Don't even doubt it. Feel free to explore and book a session with me, your humble Life Coach for Parents. It can be a gift to yourself or an important person in your life. Express your love in an original way. Make the most of this make-your-wish-come-true period. We have a gift-card option. Check it out!

Activity 14: Special Santa Moment

Xo-xo-xo! Well, this activity isn't what you think. It's not about your children. It's about you and your partner. I bet you have a photo of your younger self with Santa tucked away somewhere. How about updating that with a photo of adult-you with your Special Santa? If you missed the chance to sit on Santa's lap as a child and answer that quintessential question of whether you were naughty or nice, now's your opportunity – but this time, with your partner. Add a playful element of seasonal role-play to spice up your intimate life... and put a unique twist on the traditional Santa photo.

Activity 15: Reflect and Transition

The final activity of our countdown. On the last Monday of the year, you'll start transitioning from your 2023 daily planner to the 2024 edition. This time is for annual performance evaluation, setting goals, and planning. Take a moment to pause and embrace this opportunity. Reflect on your year in 2023. Recognize the challenges you faced and the growth you experienced. Express gratitude and bid farewell to the year that's ending, and welcome the upcoming year with enthusiasm and optimism. Savor and cherish this moment of change and anticipation.

You Are in Great Mood, Stress-Free and Ready for 2024!

It's time to start applying what you have learned. You have 15 End-of-Year stress relief and mood boost activities to plan out and implement before 31 December 2023. Begin by taking The Action with Activity 1. To maintain momentum, revisit this article for inspiration and guidance. Feel free to comment and ask questions. Explore more resources on my Blog, including a range of articles on women empowerment, equal parenting, respectful childcare, selfcare foodie family and lifestyle.

Book Me

Dive deeper into personal growth. Book your session of online coaching for parents. What’s in it for you? A SWAT analysis of your life, identification of gaps, and the creation of an action plan tailored to your needs. You deserve this step towards a more fulfilling life. Make your move towards to more life-satisfied you! Let's make this end-of-year one to remember – full of joy, cheer, and magical moments. Let the countdown begin! Season to be jolly! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…

Wishing you a delightful holiday season,

Gulnoz You Life Coach for Parents