the calm before (and during) the storm

It’s the day before Thanksgiving. I took this photograph earlier this morning, when Marcus and Alex (and our dog, Soca) were still in bed. The twinkle lights in the background are there year-round — we haven’t decorated for Christmas yet. I grabbed a sheet of paper and made the shopping list for the items that I’m responsible for cooking tomorrow (Trinidadian macaroni pie — I use this recipe — cranberry sauce, and of course, rum punch). Marcus is leaving soon to do the shopping. Soon enough, we’ll be bustling around, getting everything ready for our guests tomorrow.

But for now, I’m enjoying the quiet.

I’m thinking of today as the first real day of the holiday season -- one which won’t end until January 2nd or so. It’s my favourite time of year, but I know that for many, people can get overwhelmed by the stress. My friend Maile, who has traveled with me a few times, often says that I’m a ninja when it comes to creating calm spaces, and I have to admit: it’s one of my favourite things to do, and something I think about constantly, even when I’m not stressed. So in the event that life is about to get intense for you, here are a few tips to help make your holidays feel calmer:

Turn off the overhead lights. Marcus will tell you that I shriek like a vampire seeing sunlight if he turns on an overhead light — I’m really sensitive to it (think of the overhead fluorescents that you experience in department store dressing rooms, and you’ll understand what I mean). Other than my bathroom, I never have overhead lights on, and this is especially true during the holidays. Opt for lamplight instead — it’s far more calming. If you have under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen, use those instead of the ceiling lights — or, do what a friend of mine did, which I thought was amazing — bring a table lamp into your kitchen to cook. Think “pools of light.” (And I’m serious about this all year long —ibid., the twinkle lights mentioned above.)
Play calming music. I am all about the calming power of music (I even have a playlist that I listen to at the dentist!), and holiday time is no exception. Turn off the TV (and dear God, the 24-hour-news station), and play music softly in the background while you work. (If you need help choosing some calming, seasonal music, here’s a Spotify playlist to get you started.) And remember this isn’t just for when company is over — this is for you to listen to as you go about your day.
Speaking of when company’s over, light candles. For a couple of years, my parents lived in Norway, and my mother once told me that it’s traditional to light a candle every time someone stops by. I love this little practice (it reminds me of that saying, “the light in me honours the light in you”). It’s something I try to remember to do, especially during the holidays. Candles just help calm, you know?
Get 8 hours sleep. Or at least try to. The fact is that if you don’t get enough rest, you’re going to feel more stressed. Set an alarm for yourself at night to remind yourself to start winding down, and get to bed early enough to get 6-8 hours. I promise it makes a difference.
Plan something you can do every day just for you. Steal away and listen to a favourite podcast episode. Begin reading a book you’ve been wanting to read. Schedule 30 minutes just for calming time.