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As we approach the Winter Solstice, Yule and Christmas, I thought I’d share some easy celebration ideas for introverts. Because even though I love this time of year, as I get older I am also kind of over it. It’s no secret that the holidays can feel really lonely for many people, while others (like me) just feel general overwhelm by everything we are supposed to be doing. So here are six ways I celebrate the season that bring me joy, without the added helping of stress and burnout.

Refresh My Space

I feel like this is my go-to advice for any time of the year. But I stand by it. Cleaning your space and giving it a mini-makeover can help signal positive changes and a shift in energy. If you are like me and the thought of doing a deep clean right now is totally overwhelming, focus on tidying up the space you will be in the most during the holiday season. For me this is my kitchen and my living room. I gave each room a decent clean i.e: I vacuumed, did a quick declutter and cleaned out the refrigerator. That’s it. No baseboards were cleaned, no floors were mopped, no windows were washed. Then I set out some holiday decorations on a few shelves, strung some lights and put up our Christmas tree. I didn’t worry about any other parts of the house. Some years I do go all out and decorate the whole house, but if I am not feeling it, I don’t force myself. Keeping it super simple allows me to enjoy the process without it feeling like a chore.

2. Journal on Reflections and Hopes

Journaling is another go-to advice that works any time of the year. Yule and the Winter Solstice signal the turn of the Wheel of the Year toward springtime and is a good time to both reflect and look forward. I like to make myself a cup of hot black tea and get cozy in my favorite chair and just write whatever comes to mind. Sometimes I will start with a theme, like what I want to do or be in the coming year. But I always keep it loose. To make this feel extra special, I use these pretty journals all year long.

3. Create Gifts for Loved Ones

I am not really an arts and crafts kind of person, but I do enjoy making small batches of gifts during the holidays. I always try to keep my gift ideas simple to make. In the past I’ve made homemade soaps, candles, candies, air-dry clay ornaments and jarred baking mixes. I will set aside an afternoon and work on gifts while re-watching a favorite holiday movie (this year it is The Family Stone). If making gifts feels like too much, consider mailing out a handwritten letter in a holiday card to your closest friends and family. I love getting notes from my friends and family and enjoy displaying the cards during the holiday season.

4. Get Outside

Another simple way I celebrate Yule is to take a walk in nature. The winter woods next to my house are quiet and beautiful this time of year. If you don’t have access to groomed winter trails, just walking through a downtown area or city park decorated for the holiday season can be a nice break in the day. Cold fresh air always makes me feel better.

5. Enjoy Some Seasonal Treats

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the food, especially the treats you really only have during this time of year. I keep a small container of eggnog and chocolate candies on hand, for a festive treat after dinner during the work week. I also keep a stash of ribbon candy in my kitchen. Literally no one else eats this but me. It reminds of my grandparents house, which is one of my favorite memories.

6. Give Yourself Something You Would Have Loved as a Child

This is something I’ve only recently started doing, in part because I finally have the budget to treat myself. As someone who grew up with a lot of trauma, I tend to ignore my own needs and put others first. So this year I am going to give myself specific gifts that are just for fun and enjoyment and allow me to explore a new side to my creativity. What would your inner child enjoy this year?

The holiday season can be a bit of mixed bag for many people. The pressure to do.all.the.things can really dampen the holiday spirit. So, whether you are celebrating solo or with others, I hope that you have a wonderful Yule and are able to take some time for yourself.