As the bustling holiday season gets closer, that old feeling of “Too much to do, too little time to do it!” gets more intense. It's easy to feel the stress of endless to-do lists, social commitments, and all the holiday expectations coming on even a few months away. So before the chaos begins, now is a perfect opportunity to build a pre-holiday routine that will ground you, keep your energy balanced, and carry you through the next season with grace. Think of it as a little pre-holiday gift to yourself — a way to stay centered no matter what the holidays throw your way. Here’s how to build a self care routine that will sustain you through the busiest time of the year.
Finding time for yourself can feel like a luxury in everyday life, let alone the holiday season — but it’s essential. Whether it’s ten minutes a day or a full hour every morning, carving out "me time" every day helps keep you centered and connected to yourself. Finding small pockets of time that are just for you is an insurance policy against holiday burnout. Start by creating a space where you can unwind — a cozy nook where you can relax in your favorite green kimono robe and dial into your senses. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet cup of tea, reading a few pages of a book, or practicing deep breathing, this intentional time for yourself can help you reset and recharge. Make it a non-negotiable part of your day. When you take care of yourself first, you’ll find that you’re better equipped to take care of everything (and everyone) else.
One of the biggest challenges of the holiday season is managing all the demands on your time. Invitations to events, family gatherings, and even last-minute requests from friends or colleagues can easily overwhelm your schedule. That’s why setting boundaries ahead of time can go such a long way in preserving your well-being during this season. To do so, ask yourself what’s most important to you. Is it spending time with close family? Prioritizing your mental health? Having space for your creative projects? Once you’ve identified your core values, you can make choices about where to spend your energy. When something doesn’t align with those values, it’s easier to say no without guilt. If you often feel overwhelmed by other people’s values and opinions, take some time to tap into your own. Wrap up in a women’s kimono robe, quiet your mind, and take a moment to reflect on the boundaries you want to set. When you start from a place of clarity, you’ll feel more confident about guarding your time and energy.
At KIM+ONO, we love rituals in every season. Rituals have the power to bring a sense of stability and comfort during hectic times. By incorporating a grounding ritual into your pre-holiday routine, you create a failsafe to help you stay balanced no matter what’s happening around you. Your ritual can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Maybe it’s lighting a candle and journaling about your intentions for the day, or perhaps it’s a mindful movement practice like yoga or stretching. Whatever you choose, make it something that brings you joy and calms your mind. For example, slipping into a men’s kimono robe or long black kimono robe after your evening shower and doing a quick 5-minute meditation can be a soothing way to end the day without doing anything super elaborate. By adopting a ritual that feels luxurious yet simple, you’ll create a consistent source of grounding that you can return to throughout the season.
There’s something incredibly motivating about having an accountability buddy—someone who’s there to support you, check in, and keep you on track with your goals. When the holidays roll around, it’s easy to let your personal routines slip, but having someone to help you stay accountable can make all the difference. Find a friend, partner, or colleague who shares similar intentions for the season. Maybe you both want to commit to carving out daily self care time, or perhaps you want to check in with each other on your progress with setting boundaries. Checking in can be as simple as texting with your best friend each morning while you’re still wrapped in your green kimono robe, discussing your plans for the day on your way to work, or celebrating each other’s small victories as they arise. Having someone to share the journey with can add a little extra joy to your pre-holiday self care routine.
It’s easy to get caught up in holiday planning and forget how you actually want to feel. But by shifting your focus to the feelings you want to cultivate, you can create a routine that supports those emotions, rather than adds to your stress. Take a moment each morning to ask yourself: *How do I want to feel today?* Do you want to feel energized, calm, connected, or joyful? Once you’ve identified your desired feeling, make choices throughout the day to support that intention. For instance, if you want to feel calm, maybe that means saying no to an extra social engagement and instead spending a quiet evening at home in a women’s kimono robe, sipping herbal tea, and doing some gentle breathwork. If you want to feel energized, you might schedule time for a brisk walk or some stretching before starting your day. By focusing on how you want to feel, you empower yourself to create a routine that’s centered around your well-being rather than external demands.
As the holiday season approaches, building a pre-holiday routine that nourishes you from the inside out is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. And don’t forget the power of the little luxuries—whether it’s wearing a men’s kimono robe or wrapping yourself in a long black kimono robe, these small acts of self care can help you feel more centered and empowered. So, as you prepare for the holidays, take the time to establish a routine that supports your well-being, and you’ll be ready to face whatever the season brings.
