What Supported Me Most This Holiday Season (Inside and Out)
As we approach Christmas and the final days of the year, I always find myself slowing down a bit and taking inventory of the small things that helped me get through the season. December is beautiful and full, but it comes with its own emotional weight, busy schedules, and deeper layers of life. And every year, I am reminded that it is rarely the big routines or dramatic changes that help me feel my best. It is the tiny moments that support my energy, my confidence, and my peace of mind.
This year was especially meaningful as I stepped into more responsibility caring for my 82-year-old aunt. It brought a new level of tenderness and perspective into my days. It also made the simple, steady habits feel even more important.
So today, I’m sharing a softer, more personal reflection on what truly supported me this holiday season, inside and out.
1. Keeping My Beauty Routine Simple and Clean
This season reminded me that simple beauty is often the most beautiful. Hydrating skincare, soft makeup, and clean, flattering tones helped me feel polished without feeling overwhelmed. I didn’t chase trends or try to create dramatic holiday looks. I leaned into subtle glam that felt comfortable and age appropriate, and it made getting ready feel easy and enjoyable.
2. Choosing Soft Glam Instead of Holiday Pressure
I love a smoky eye now and then, but most days this season I reached for softer, blended shadows and neutral tones. Holiday beauty can sometimes feel like a performance, but soft glam has a quiet confidence to it. It felt refreshing to choose ease over pressure and let my natural features shine through.
3. Protecting My Energy With Small Moments of Quiet
With caregiving, holiday events, travel, and work all happening at once, energy protection became essential for me this December. The small pauses, sitting near the tree with the lights on, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, or giving myself five quiet minutes before bed made the biggest difference. These tiny resets kept me grounded in the middle of a full season.
4. Moving My Body When I Needed It (Not As a Rule)
Movement looked different for me this year, and I let that be okay. With everything happening in life and taking care of my aunt, I didn’t hold myself to strict workout schedules. Instead, I moved in ways that genuinely supported me. Long walks when I needed clarity. Stretching or gentle yoga when I needed grounding. A few minutes on my rebounder when my lymphatic system needed support or when I needed a quick burst of energy.
What helped most was giving myself permission to let movement be flexible instead of perfect.
5. Staying Connected to What Actually Matters
This season taught me, once again, that beauty is not just about our routines. It is about connection, presence, and showing up for the people we love. Caring for my aunt added a new depth to this for me. It reminded me that the most meaningful moments are the quiet ones, the conversations, the caregiving, the laughter, the small victories, and the simple time spent together.
Those are the moments that made me feel most grounded and most grateful. And honestly, they gave me a deeper sense of “glow” than any serum or makeup ever could.
As we wrap up the season, I am grateful for the simple things that supported me most. Gentle beauty, flexible movement, quiet moments, and the meaningful connections that shaped my days. If this month felt busy, heavy, joyful, or all of the above for you, I hope this reflection brings you a moment of calm and helps you connect back to what truly matters.
Wishing you peace, warmth, and the most beautiful holiday moments.
Love,
LA
