Your ultimate (realistic) last-minute guide to making the most of the days before Christmas

The final two days before Christmas can be a whirlwind of last-minute shopping, meal prepping, and wrapping gifts.

Amid all the hustle, staying organised and finding small ways to recharge can help you navigate this busy time with less stress and more joy.

While it might not be realistic to aim for complete calm, with a bit of strategy, you can make the most of these final festive days.

Your Story of My Life team is here to provide practical tips to help you manage the chaos, sneak in moments of mindfulness, and enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s dive into realistic ways to tackle the last two days before Christmas.

1. Create a Sense of Calm Amid the Chaos

Last-Minute Mindfulness: Staying Present While Busy

When people hear “mindfulness”, it’s not uncommon that the first assumption is “meditation”, but mindfulness simply means being present.

Why can “being present” be powerful? We like this saying that sums it up concisely: “Depression lives in the past; anxiety lives in the future; calm lives in the present”.

Even in the midst of holiday errands, you can practice mindfulness. Try this: while waiting in line or wrapping gifts, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, hold, and exhale slowly. Repeat this a few times to release tension.

Another simple practice is immersing yourself in the task at hand. For example, while arranging table settings, notice the textures, scents, and sounds. These micro-moments of presence can make your day feel less hectic.

For more mindfulness tips, check out our friends at Mindfulness.org.

Declutter Strategically

Focus on tidying one key area that will make the biggest impact, like clearing the kitchen counter or tidying up your gift-wrapping station. Spend 10-15 minutes removing items you don’t need right now. A bit of organisation can help create a sense of order in the middle of the holiday buzz.

Humans love ‘order’ amidst ‘chaos’. It’s in our DNA.

If you’re keen on more minimalism tips, you can visit the Becoming Minimalist blog.

2. Foster Meaningful Connections

Prioritise Quality Time

While it’s tempting to power through your to-do list, carving out even 30 minutes for a shared activity with loved ones can create lasting memories. Whether it’s baking, watching a movie, or playing a quick board game, these moments matter more than perfectly wrapped gifts.

Engage in Connection-Focused Conversations

If you’re catching up with friends or family, steer the conversation toward meaningful topics. Ask questions like:

• “What’s a memory from this year that made you smile?”
• “What’s your favorite holiday tradition?”

These thoughtful exchanges can deepen bonds and make gatherings more memorable.

3. Make Time for Intentional Self-Care

Small Acts of Self-Care That Fit Your Day

The days before Christmas are busy, but self-care doesn’t have to take hours. Take a brisk 10-minute walk, stretch while waiting for the coffee to boil, or spend five minutes journaling. These small actions can recharge your energy and help you stay grounded.

Create a Meaningful Christmas Eve Tradition

End the day with a simple ritual to center yourself. This could include:

• Reflecting on your favorite moments of the year.
• Writing down what you’re looking forward to on Christmas Day.
• Reading a favorite book or poem under the glow of holiday lights.

What we’re focusing on here is SIMPLE.

Don’t create extra stress by trying something big.

These intentional moments can help you shift into a peaceful mindset for the celebrations ahead.

4. Manage Practical Holiday Prep Without Overwhelm

Streamline Last-Minute Gift Giving

If you still need gifts, focus on thoughtful yet simple ideas. Consider:

• Writing a heartfelt card or note expressing gratitude.
• Creating a quick self-care kit with items like tea, candles, or snacks.
• Framing a meaningful photo to give as a keepsake.

These gifts show care and creativity without requiring a stressful shopping panic (and having to brave the crowds of others doing just that).

Plan the Essentials – Quickly

Make a short, prioritised to-do list for the next two days. Focus on high-impact tasks like meal prep, stocking stuffers, or confirming schedules with guests. Tackling the list systematically can help you feel more in control.

And don’t forget: on of the best cures for anxiety is a sense of control.

5. Find Moments to Reflect and Celebrate

Use Quick Journaling Prompts to Reflect

Even amidst the busyness, take 10 minutes to jot down your thoughts. Try these prompts:

• What’s one thing you’re grateful for this season?
• What’s something that’s gone well this year?
• What are you looking forward to in the coming days?

Writing these reflections can help you appreciate the present and set a positive tone for Christmas.

And good news (shameless self-plug): there’s a journal for that.

Celebrate Imperfection

The holidays rarely go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the quirks – the lopsided tree, the rushed wrapping, the slightly overcooked food. These imperfections are part of what makes your celebrations uniquely yours. Focus on enjoying the moments rather than chasing perfection.

Try to forget the “should have/of” and embrace the “what is”.

Remember, whether we’re talking about self-comparison (comparison against our own expectations) or comparison against others, “comparison is the thief of joy”.

The final days before Christmas don’t have to be all chaos and stress.

By combining practical strategies with small moments of mindfulness and connection, you can navigate this busy time with more ease and joy.

Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about making the season meaningful in your own way.

Try this … how good would it feel that, no matter how things turned out, you simply enjoyed it?

The good news? You can. It starts and ends in one place – your mind.

How you choose to perceive this time and everything it brings will determine how you feel about it.

For more tips and tools to stay organised and reflective, explore the Story of My Life Journal. It’s a perfect companion for finding balance and clarity, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Here’s to a joyful – realistic – and fulfilling Christmas.

Love from your Story of My Life team.