Holiday Self-Care

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, December 19, 2025)

As we gather with friends and family during this holiday season there are so many things to remember and consider. This time of year can be full of joy and happiness for many but also full of sadness and hurt for others. If we are honest, for many of us, it is all of these and more.

Some things I am practicing personally this season is to manage my expectations. Over the years I have learned that I don’t have to celebrate specific days on specific days. This is a huge area of growth for a Type A and former teacher. The whole point is to be showing up as my best self when I gather with my loved ones so we can enjoy each other and make memories.

In order to show up as my best self, I have to communicate my needs to the event host. This includes discussions about transit and parking with my van, if the restroom is Jenna-friendly, checking on the menu and bringing any of my own food and beverage if necessary and bringing a card or board game for the occasion. Also snow and ice removal adds a lot more planning and communication.

Recently, a disability advocate made me think about the placement of holiday decorations and to make sure the festivities don’t inhibit accessibility and safety. One thing that stood out to me was the wrapping of railings with draped garland or other festive decor. As a non-stair user my ableism was showing, because I had never thought of how this added “pretty” made the stairs now inaccessible for many who need a full contact railing. I learn something new everyday about myself, the spaces around me and the needs of others.

Some other practices I am continuing so I can show up as my best self is to keep my dwelling at twenty to thirty percent humidity. A consistent humidity in the winter is so important for my skin, sinuses and overall function. The weather changes can be brutal on bodies that have chronic pain such as arthritis and other medical conditions so getting good rest, doing needed at-home treatments of massage, ice or heat, and staying hydrated are key practices for me.

This year my goal is to also be more mindful of all things going in my mouth. During the last two years of working on my gut health and anti-inflammatory diet, I have learned that we truly “are what we eat.” Don’t get me wrong, I will be choosing to have my mom’s annual cherry and pistachio desserts but I will be saying no to other sugary and unhealthy options for me so I can truly enjoy those holiday desserts once. 

I will also be doing more stretching and movement so I can make sure my body is able to do all of its processing and functioning. In all honesty I have recently been beating up my body with very long seated days, unhealthy eating habits and lack of sleep. So before the holidays hit, I needed to make time to be self reflective and set my intentions. I also need to share my intentions so I have accountability, otherwise, let’s be honest, they won’t happen.

As an introvert, I also know I need to plan my times of solitude to recharge. I love people and in order to best love people I also need quiet. I am looking forward to enjoying my festive lights, building my festive LEGO sets and hunkering down with a new book. A friend recommended, “How to Winter” by Kari Leibowitz, PhD. The book not only deals with handling the season of winter- the cold, dark, snowy and isolating times but also the winter of difficult and barren seasons. I am hoping to find new ways of embracing this long season of more isolation and extra work to get around the world. I am looking forward to curling up in my recliner with a warm coffee, this book and my new journal to learn more about myself and the world around me.

What are your access needs to communicate in this season? What are you looking forward to? What intentions for your health and well being do you need to share with others for accountability and success? Be well, friends.