Simple December Luxuries

It’s hard to believe we’re already into December. Pretty Christmas decorations are popping up around neighbourhood homes, delicious baking is filling our bellies, and we’re searching for those special gifts for the ones we love. But sometimes, December can feel hectic or even overwhelming. So, when the idea of sharing some Simple December Luxuries came to mind, it felt like the perfect way to inspire small, soul-refueling pauses.

Do the weeks leading up to Christmas leave you feeling frazzled? Are you more stressed than usual—or do you stay calm? After speaking with a few friends (as well as my own struggles), there seems to be a growing desire—especially among women—for a quieter, calmer Christmas season.

So how do we make that happen?

I’ve noticed I can get caught in my own head this time of year. I don’t often see it in myself, but my family does. I start second-guessing gift choices—sometimes even returning presents I had already bought. I try to overcompensate by controlling the household: what we eat, when we eat, what movie to watch, or where we should go to have fun.

It’s exhausting—not just for me, but for the people I love. The belief that you need to manage everything quietly steals joy from the season. Christmas holds so much beauty that we can’t afford to miss the calm, serene moments only this time of year can offer.

So, with the help of my trusty sidekick editor, Mr. Chad ChatGPT, I’ve put together a heartwarming list of ways to simplify, slow down, and soak in the Christmas spirit.

8 Simple December Luxuries

1. Sip slowly.
   A warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold December evening—especially while decorating the tree, baking cookies, or watching a Christmas movie—is the perfect pause. As you wait for the cup to cool, you’re gently encouraged to stay present with your family.
2. Walk through the lights.
   Bundle up and take a stroll with your spouse or family to admire the neighbourhood displays. Pause at a home that brings you joy and reflect on past Christmas memories. Each Christmas Eve after church, my husband and son take a walk together and say a Christmas prayer—it’s a quiet tradition that brings them some inner peace.
3. Wrap with intention.
   Take your time wrapping those thoughtfully chosen gifts. Choosing the right paper and ribbons becomes part of the gift itself. Put on a Christmas movie while you wrap—my husband does this each year, and it fills his heart with spirit as he wraps with love.
4. Catch a snowflake.
   It may sound silly, but remember the excitement of catching snowflakes on your tongue as a child? Let yourself be that kid again, even if Lucy from A Charlie Brown Christmas says December snow is too early—some of us would argue Christmas snow is the best snow.
5. Light something peaceful.
   Each evening, light a candle with a holiday scent. The soft glow and gentle fragrance can create a warm, calming ambiance in your home.
6. Play your childhood Christmas music.
   Whether records, CDs, or your own Spotify or Apple Music playlist; listening to the songs from your childhood can awaken memories and stir that inner joy you may be quietly craving.
7. Send a handwritten Christmas card.
   It may feel old-fashioned, but receiving a handwritten note is truly special. Choose just a few loved ones and send them a message from the heart. It fills little cracks inside us while bringing joy to the receiving end.
8. Watch a Christmas movie.
   You’d be surprised how a simple film—classics like Christmas Vacation or Home Alone, or newer features like Love the Coopers or Christmas with the Kranks—can help you unwind. Take those couple of hours to laugh, relax, and pause.

These eight simple ideas become thought provoking and comforting ways to slow down this December. Small, personal simple luxuries that create calm, joy, connection, and peace.

As you step into this Christmas season—during this first full week of December—be aware of your moments. Do you need to create some simple December luxuries to invite calm? Try one, or try them all. You may just find this December feels lighter, more peaceful, and that the busyness inside your mind begins to fade.

A gift of peace—not just for yourself, but for the people you love most.