How Do You Treat Yourself? 9 Team Members Share Their Holiday Season Rituals

December 21, 2018 | Filed in: Your Brain

We hear it’s the most wonderful time of year, but December also comes with its fair share of stress. We asked a few of our team members how they recharge during the holidays. Read on for inspiration—then go do something nice for yourself.

The Great Christmas Bake-Off

“My mom’s two best friends have daughters who happen to be my two best friends, and we all grew up together. For as long as I can remember, we’ve hosted an annual cookie bake for the holidays (my specialty: chocolate-covered peanut butter balls). As we’ve gotten older, we’ve brought boyfriends and other friends into the mix, and it’s become such a fun tradition. We start with breakfast and mimosas, and listen to Christmas music while we bake. Then we prepare tins of cookies for friends and neighbors and deliver them together. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with everyone while I’m home for the holiday break.”

—Makenna, Experience Operations Associate

A Decadent Drink

“I treat myself by buying a decadent drink (like fancy hot chocolate or spiced apple cider) and listening to holiday music. If I’m home I’ll put on pajamas and get under blankets on the couch. I don’t do it too often because I want it to feel special, so it’s usually just once or twice per holiday season. I’ve only done it once so far this year, so I think it’s about time for another one this week…”

—Sara, Sales Strategy Associate

Candles, Face Masks, and Meditation

“I like to call myself the self-care queen. During the holidays, I set aside one day each week to have a relaxing night in with myself. I light a few candles, change into something comfortable, put on a face mask, and meditate. It’s a sacred moment for reflection during an extremely hectic time.”

—Ismelka, Soho Showroom Stylist

Tour of Lights

“The weekend before Christmas, my family and I take a late-night drive to look at all the lights in our neighborhood, blasting holiday music and pointing out our favorite houses. Afterward, we sit around the fireplace in the living room and drink a homemade cocktail with Bailey’s that my Mom only makes at Christmastime. Spending this time together is so special—it’s an opportunity to decompress and reflect on everything (good or bad) that has happened over the past year.”

—Chris, Bryant Park Showroom Stylist

Puppy Love

“I try to show myself some kindness during the holidays by taking my dog, Milo, for long walks along the Hudson riverfront. Sometimes it’s a little chilly, but I always return with a fresh sense of perspective. Milo is a 10-month-old corgi puppy who loves everything and everyone—it’s so fun to see how much he enjoys even little things. He reminds me to appreciate the small joys in life, slow down, and take everything in.”

—Carolyn, Merchandising Manager

Baking Confidential

“My roommate and I try to bake together every Sunday, especially during the holiday season—it’s always nice to have your apartment smell liked a bakery this time of year! My go-to recipe is a hybrid of three of my favorite desserts: chocolate chip cookies as the base layer, Oreos in the middle, and brownies on top. My roommate’s signature dish is banana bread. We rarely share our baking with other people—they just become our personal desserts for the week.”

—Eleanor, Experience Operations Manager, Sales & Styling

Jingle Bells

“I started going to Christmas concerts as a holiday tradition when I moved to New York a few years ago. I usually buy tickets to a performance at Lincoln Center with a group of friends. Afterward, we congregate at one of our apartments and have a potluck with plenty of mulled wine.”

—Lu, Associate Director of Acquisition Marketing

Sensory Deprivation

“Stay with me here: My favorite way to recharge during the holidays is by floating in a sensory deprivation tank. It’s a dark, soundproof tank filled with about a foot of water and Epsom salt (which makes it buoyant enough to float effortlessly). For me, it’s really about losing myself in the water. My mind goes blank, I feel weightless, and my body totally relaxes. There’s no better cure for holiday season stress!”

—Rachael, Philadelphia Showroom Manager

Deep Breaths and Downward Dog

“When I’m feeling overwhelmed during the holidays, I book a hot yoga class. I try my best to go once a week in the morning, so that I start the day with my mind in the right place. I like to go by myself so I can listen to music on the way to class and focus on stretching and meditating before we begin. It helps me feel like I can take on the rest of the day and week.”

—Anna, Experience Operations Coordinator

If you’re now in the mood to treat yourself, might we suggest an MM gift card?