5 Ways to Reclaim Your Rest This Holiday Season

1. Do We Really Need Four Different Kinds of Cookies?

I know. Logan has a nut allergy. Ella is gluten-free. Your father-in-law only eats the peanut butter ones.

You want everyone to be happy. But what about you?

If baking means you’re cutting into sleep every night this week, can something change? Could you make one allergen-friendly option instead of four? Bake two kinds and buy another from the store? Or, yes, even skip cookies entirely this year in favor of a simpler dessert?

Cookies might not be your stressor. Maybe it’s cooking, decorating, or hosting. Whatever it is, ask yourself if there’s a way to pare it down this year without sacrificing what actually matters to you.

2. How Many Presents Do We Really Need?

Did you start buying gifts for everyone at work when there were three employees, and now there are twenty-five and it’s completely unmanageable?

Just because you’ve always done something doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it.

You’re allowed to say, “This year I’m focusing on slowing down, so I won’t be participating in the gift exchange.”

If going cold turkey makes your stomach flip, are there ways to simplify? One gift card for a shared experience instead of individual presents. A donation to a charity in someone’s name. A handwritten note.

Choose a level of gift-giving that feels aligned without costing you your peace of mind.

3. Set Aside Five Minutes a Day Just for You

No expectations. No productivity. Just five minutes to check in with your body.

Sit on the couch. Take a short walk. Sip a hot drink. Lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling.

Whatever feels right, do it with your full attention.

Five minutes won’t fix everything, but it creates a pause. And sometimes that pause is exactly what we need.

4. Set Aside Five Minutes a Day for Connection

This could be with your kids, your partner, a friend, or even a quick voice memo to someone you love.

No multitasking. No scrolling. Just five minutes of being fully present. Talking, playing, laughing, or sitting quietly together.

Connection doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful.

5. Say No to Something You Don’t Want to Go To

Does the idea of giving up a cozy night on the couch for a White Elephant exchange at the PTA Christmas party make you cringe? You’re allowed to say no. No explanation required.

If it helps to have a script, try this:“ I’m cutting back on time out of the house this season, so I won’t be attending. Hope you all have fun!”

Protecting your rest is a valid reason. Always.

If a full no feels like too much, try a half-no.

"We can't come for dinner, but should we stop by for dessert?"

"We can stay two days, but not three. Which days work best?"

Boundaries don’t have to be all or nothing. Small adjustments can protect your energy while still honoring relationships.

Final Thought

As BCBAs, we spend so much time helping others build routines that support regulation, connection, and well-being. The holidays are a chance to practice that for ourselves.

You don’t need to earn your rest. You don’t need to wait until January. And you don’t need to do everything for the holidays to be meaningful.

Sometimes the most impactful change is simply choosing less.

And letting that be enough.

P.S. Ready to prioritize your own sleep and wellbeing this December?

Join us for the Free BCBA Winter Sleep Reset. You will get:

• tiny daily challenges

• ACT-based thought reframes

• science-backed steps

• 12 days of reclaiming your rest

This holiday season give yourself the gift of rest and be ready to show up for your families, your clients, and yourselves in a way that feels sustainable come January.

We start December 19th. Sign up here➡️ restful-kids-wintersleepreset.mailerpage.io

Can't wait to see you there! ✨