This holiday week passed by as quick as one would’ve imagined and I thought we should end it with a more general post. Of course it’s fun centering life around fashion and beauty on this site, but every now and then it can be a good idea to focus on life in general!

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Holiday Season 2018
Rest & Relax
First of all, a long year is coming to an end so the thing you definitely have to do is to rest and relax. Take time to unwind, sleep that extra hour or read that book. I know it’s easy to plan a lot when you have a few days off, but sometimes planning should be about not planning. Unplanned days are the ones you have time to take it slow, do whatever you feel like and get that energy gap filled. Perhaps catch up on some blogs, your favorite tv-show or try a simple DIY project! A pampering session is never wrong and so isn’t laying on the couch all day eating…candy!
Plan The New Year
Another thing to do this holiday season, which I sort of talked about last week, is to plan the new year. Nothing too seriously or stressful, but just take some time and reflect over what you want more of in life. Perhaps it’s more museum visits, going to the cinema or buying eco-friendly clothes. It can be about taking 5 minutes per day for positive thoughts, adding a serum to your skincare routine or read more non-fiction books. Just small things that you’d like to do more of in life. It will enrich it for sure and enrich you indeed. I wrote an article last year on things to try in 2018 from a fashion point of view. Perhaps you have yet to try something of that?
Practice Gratitude
Ending the year with a grateful heart is the best way to begin a new one! Simple as that. Practicing gratitude is the foundation to a more peaceful and joyous self. I like to do anything from writing a small list every day to say thank you whenever something good has happened or I’ve learned something valuable. It’s simply about shifting perspective and start celebrating the small things in life too. Perhaps you finally bought that jacket you’ve been craving and you got a discount? Or maybe you’re working a cheerful nail polish today? A family member perhaps received some good news or you had a delicious breakfast? Start saying thank you for everything that contributes to making your life a bit better. Write a list over things you’re grateful for in 2018 and bring that mood with you to 2019.

Photo by Jeremy Gallman on Unsplash
Quality Time
Another important thing to do this holiday season 2018 is to spend quality times with the ones you love. Family or friends, with your animals or yourself. But just take the time to sit down and hangout or talk properly. It might be just another conversation to you, but to the older generation in your family it’s invaluable. See them, ask them and hear them. I know that love is practiced and received in different ways and to some, spending quality time might not be prioritized as we’re all quite busy with hectic schedules, but it IS more important than you think. It is more appreciated than you can imagine. And if they live far away, friends or family, give them a proper call or reach out on Skype!
Learn More
Finally, one thing you can do this holiday season is to learn more. Day three of eating and sleeping is usually the day I’ve had enough of it. I want to get active and one way of doing it, and still remain in that relaxing mood, is to focus on learning something new. Perhaps read a non-fiction book, watch a documentary, try a new recipe or a DIY guide. Listen to a podcast or get lost in the world of Google. Just casually do things that will feed your brain with some insightful information whilst you’re still casually hanging on your couch.
Folks! What are you doing this holiday season 2018? Xx

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Ahh these are such great reminders. I’ve been planning on a move the entire month and am now sick with a cold. I really could use more down time to rest. I love to take lavender epson salt baths and highly recommend that! 🙂 Happy Holidays!
Xo,
Miki
http:/mikialamode.com
Oh I wish I loved to bath but I don’t hahah. But I do love a relaxing body gel, atm Eucalyptus! Xx
Such a lovely list and I would definitely say yes to all of these points!! 🙂 I’m so looking forward to spending time with my family and relax and watch good movies together ♥
xxx
Tina
https://styleappetite.com
Same here!! Hahah gonna watch so many movies! Xx
This year has been a looooooooong year for me. It’s been a very hard year, so I’m eager to say good-bye and start a new one on a clean slate. I couldn’t agree more with everything juice mentioned, especially the one on spending quality time with your loved ones. I’m very old fashioned when it comes to this. I love spending time and living in the moment, which is why I often forget to take videos, etc. I like to be present. Thanks for these reminders, my friend. I hope you truly relax and enjoy the final days of the new year. You put so much dedication into this site, it’s well deserved!
Xo,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
That’s really good though Jalisa! To just be so present in the moment that you forget about your surroundings! I wish you all the best and love in 2019 babe, thank you for your kind words <3
Oh I love all your ideas! And now I am even more in a holiday mood – such a great inspiration. 🙂 I will definitely remember the point of planning the new year. The perfect way to start 2019!
xx and have a wonderful Christmas time, Carmen – https://carmitive.com
That’s great Carmen, so happy to hear that! Merry Christmas love Xx
Such a lovely post! I’m hoping to switch off for at least a week in a few days and enjoy some time with my family.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Same here! Just gonna go for that digital detox <3
This is such a great read dear. Couldn’t agree more with this, especially about gratitude.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Glad you enjoy the post hun! Xx
gratitude is something I always forget around the holidays. I find myself being so caught up with gifts that I forget to be thankful for everything I already have! Thanks for the reminder <3
http://www.prettyinleather.net
No worries babe!! Xx
All of these are a must! It feels almost impossible to slow down and enjoy right now, but I need to do it or else I’ll go crazy. Learning is such a great way to feel productive, but also to get some quality me time in! Love love that, Mia xx
http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
Do it Quinn!! You’ll be so grateful later 😉 Love!! Xx
Great post!
Have a nice day!
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/
Thank you! Xx
Rest and relax is always a big one for me around the holidays, although I didn’t get much of that this year!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Hope you’ll get some time right after Christmas! Xx
I should really rest and relax some more these days, but everything seems hectic. Have a lovely Sunday. xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Hope you’ll find some time to do that though, so important! Xx
I LOVE these suggestions and they are so needed this time of year. It feels like life is going faster than ever before and these practices really help remind me to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season.
So true though! Being grateful helps me to slow down things too! Xx
Quality time is SO important! We all need to put down the phones and enjoy ourselves in the moment that we’re living. Especially during the holidays when we are surrounded by friends and family!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Indeed! So good to do a digital detox this weekend and just be present! Xx
I will sure take some time out with a little pampering and read a good book. There are so much to be grateful for and sometimes we just seem to forget!
xo Yvonne
https://www.aproposh.com
That’s great! I’ve already done it once this weekend, but excited to do it again hahah! Xx
I absolutely love this post! Spending quality time and practicing gratitude (or as we say, “count our blessings”) are so important!
Indeed!! Glad you liked the post hun! Xx
You’ve listed some really lovely and thought-provoking ideas in this post! Being thankful and practicing gratitude is a brilliant reminder, and this truly is the best time of year to spend quality time with loved ones!! 🙂
aglassofice.com x
It is indeed!! Just taking some time, unwind, be grateful and spend time with those you love! Xx
These are some great tips, thanks for the great read!
xx Jenifer
https://www.theevolista.com/
Thank you! Glad you liked the list, Xx
I always get so excited about planning for the new year when December rolles around!
http://www.petiteelliee.com
Ellie x
Same here, so exciting to think about all the opportunities that lies ahead! Xx
A THANKFUL HEART IS A ASSET
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2018/12/harasho-white-square.html
So true!! Xx
great ideas! love the practice gratitude!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Such an important one! Xx
Gratitude really helps me! Good ideas.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
So important to practice! Xx
Rest and relax isn’t on the cards for me this time! Ha ha, I love Christmas though!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Ohh, hope you’ll get some time after Christmas then! Xx