The Last Week Before the Holidays: A Gentle Reminder to Care for Myself, Too
It’s Sunday, the last week before the holidays, and my mind is already swirling with the mental checklists: gifts to wrap, plans to finalize, people to call, and moments to make special. I feel that familiar pull—the one that says, “Make sure everyone is taken care of.” It’s a mantra that echoes loudly this time of year, and while it comes from a place of love, it can also leave me feeling stretched thin.
Even though I don’t have kids, I often find myself stepping into that caretaker role—ensuring everything runs smoothly, that everyone around me feels supported, and that I’m showing up for the people I care about. And while that’s important, there’s a lesson I’ve had to learn (and relearn) over the years: I can’t pour from an empty cup.
The truth is, the holidays are as much about being present for ourselves as they are for others. If I’m constantly rushing around, trying to check every box and make everything perfect, I’m not giving myself the gift of stillness, of reflection, of the peace this season is meant to hold. And if I don’t slow down, I’m not truly able to be present for the moments that matter most.
So, this Sunday, I’m pausing. I’m taking a deep breath and reminding myself that it’s okay to let some things go. The world won’t fall apart if I don’t finish every single thing on my list. What matters more is how I feel—how I show up for myself and those I love with a full heart, not an exhausted one.
For me, this looks like:
Setting aside time to rest, even if it’s just an hour to read a book, take a walk, or sip my coffee without distractions.
Letting go of the pressure to make everything “perfect” and focusing on what feels meaningful instead.
Checking in with myself each day to ask, “What do I need right now?” before diving into the needs of others.
Remembering that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how I recharge so I can keep giving.
This season is about joy, but it’s also about balance. I don’t want to enter the holidays feeling burnt out and frazzled because I forgot to take care of myself along the way. I want to be able to fully embrace the laughter, the connection, and even the quiet moments that make this time of year so special.
To anyone reading this who feels the same pull I do—the one that says you need to make everything magical for everyone else—this is your permission to pause. You’re allowed to take care of yourself, too. In fact, you must. Because when you do, you show up as your best self, and that’s the greatest gift you can give to the people you love.
So here’s to slowing down this last week before the holidays. Here’s to trading perfection for presence, busyness for balance, and stress for self-care. Here’s to showing up for yourself with as much love and attention as you give to others.
This Sunday, let’s set the tone for the week ahead: one of peace, intention, and remembering that we’re worth the care we so freely offer to others.
