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The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a mix of excitement and stress, especially in regional Australia where community gatherings and family traditions take centre stage. While it’s a time for celebration and connection, it can also become overwhelming if we’re not careful. This year, let’s focus on embracing joy while nurturing our wellbeing. Here are some ways to maintain balance and cultivate genuine joy as the festivities unfold.

 

Make your celebrations your own

The holidays often come with expectations to do it all – attend every event, host the perfect gathering, and uphold every tradition. Instead, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Is it a quiet dinner, meaningful conversations, or simply being together? Shape your celebrations around what brings you and yours the most joy and connection.

Practice mindful gift-giving

Gift-giving doesn’t have to mean endless shopping lists or extravagant spending. Consider thoughtful, heartfelt gifts that reflect your values, such as a handwritten note, a homemade treat, or supporting local businesses with unique finds. For neighbours, friends, or colleagues, you could even pool resources to create something special together – bringing joy to others while deepening your sense of community.

Prioritise time for yourself

In the middle of the holiday hustle, make space for moments that ground and nourish you. Now is not the time to let go of the good habits that help you to feel your best. While it’s easy to get swept up in the busyness, staying consistent with simple practices – like eating well, staying hydrated, and moving your body – will help you feel steady and vibrant through the season. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cuppa, going for a walk, or sitting down to your fave Netflix series, these small moments can make all the difference.

As the holidays reach their peak, let’s embrace the beauty of this time without losing sight of our wellbeing. By focusing on what truly matters, we can create a season filled with warmth, connection, and lasting memories. And that’s me, Jo Kendall, signing off for the year. Wishing you and yours the most beautiful holiday season. I am off to devour far too much gingerbread and fully embrace those magical days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve where the world slows down, the days blur together and time seems to stand still. I’ll see you in the new year, ready to dive into all things wellbeing and the endless possibilities 2025 has in store.

Jo Kendall

A holistic counsellor and therapist, speaker, author, wellbeing expert and trusted guide for creative humans and leaders.