Winter holidays and why it is important to slow down

Winter holidays, a period we are waiting for with great love all year. But in an attempt to create perfect holidays - with elaborate meals, impeccable gifts and dream decorations - we risk losing the essence: the joy of small moments.

Here comes the Slow Living philosophy, which invites us to slow down, breathe deeper and reconnect with the things that really matter.

What does Slow Living mean and how does it help us to live a more fulfilled life?

Slow Living is a life philosophy that encourages us to live more consciously, simpler and more balanced. The term has appeared as a reaction to the hectic and consumerist lifestyle of the last decades and has roots in the "Slow Food" movement in Italy, which promotes slowly cooked food, enjoyed in peace.

Essentially, Slow Living means:

To be present, to turn your attention to the moment you live now, without the mind rushing to what follows or to the endless list of tasks you have to complete. It is about breathing deeply, stopping for a moment and observing the little things that bring you joy: how to light the fir tree in the corner of the room, how it smells cinnamon from the tea just made or how the heat of a fluffy bed is felt.

To disconnect from the outer agitation, to give you a refuge from the daily chaos, from the noise of the city and from the social media. It is about closing the TV, putting the phone aside and free you from the pressure of others. In that quiet, you can reconnect with yourself and really enjoy the winter holidays.

To appreciate simplicity, to find the beauty in the things that cost nothing, but that offers you the dearest memories. Joy does not always come from expensive things, but from small gestures, which reach the soul. In this state of appreciation, the small moments become true treasures, and the holidays gain a special glow, that of gratitude and authentic love.

For the holidays, this philosophy becomes even more relevant. Instead of physically and emotionally exhausted in the chase after gifts or preparations, Slow Living urges us to be better with ourselves, to give us the break to live every moment.

Why do we become so hasty during the holidays?

We all want a Christmas as in stories. But behind this desire are often the pressure of the society and our own expectations. Here are some reasons why the rhythm becomes so alert in December, the more we get closer to the winter holidays:

Perfectionism Turn the holidays from a moment of joy into a race against the stopwatch, in which we want everything to be "like a book".

Comparison with others It becomes an even stronger trap during the holidays, when social media bombard us with perfect images.

Concern to lose something It pushes us to run in a marathon of festive activities, for fear that we could miss something important. We participate in all the events, we go to fairs, tick concerts, parties and seasonal activities, believing that we "take advantage" to the maximum of holidays.

Rooted habits They make us believe that this must be the holidays: agitated, full of effort and sprinkled with an endless list of "must".

But are all this really necessary? Or does it actually remove us from the essence of Christmas?

The benefits of a (more) slow pace for winter holidays

The rediscovery of simple moments is the true essence of the holidays. In a world that urges us to always run to "more" and "better", the small joys are those that offer peace and warmth of the soul. A family society game recreates the atmosphere of childhood and brings us closer. A carol sung together, even if the voices are not perfect, has the gift of creating an authentic connection between people.

Stress reduction comes naturally when you give up the pressure to make "everything perfect". When you accept that imperfection is part of life, you free yourself and you feel a wave of relaxation. Sincere joy replaces frustration, and holidays become what it should be: an opportunity for peace and reconnection.

Spending quality time with loved ones becomes possible Only if you give up the endless hours spent in the kitchen or in the crowds. When you prioritize people to the detriment of obligations, discover how precious the time spent together.

Energy regaining It is another gift that you give you when you choose to slow down the rhythm. Instead of feeling exhausted, dried by resources and tired after the specific running of this period, you will wake up in the new year with a new vitality and more clarity.

Reconnecting to authentic values It represents, in fact, the return to what really matters. In the agitation of shopping and gifts, we often forget that the magic of the holidays does not stand in the material things, but in the emotions we live. Love, generosity and gratitude are the ones that bring light during this period.

The holidays become truly special when you manage to stop and remember that the most beautiful gifts are the ones that cannot be bought: the time offered to someone, a warm word or a sincere smile.

How can you slow down? Practical tips for a Christmas story.

Give up endless lists of tasks and make conscious choices:

Choosing a simple and tasty menu can transform the holidays into a more pleasant and relaxing experience. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, trying to cook dozens of elaborate preparations, opt for recipes that are easy to make, but just as delicious.

A restricted, but well thought out menu will save you from the stress of endless preparations and will give you more time to enjoy your loved ones.

Prioritizing gifts with meaning

It is an important step in living the holidays in an authentic and balanced way. Instead of running after expensive and impersonal gifts, focus on gifts that convey emotion And who tell a story.

A well -chosen book can bring inspiration and joy to the one who receives it. A handmade object, created with care, offers a personal and unique note, becoming a symbol of the attention you dedicated to that gift.

Experiences, whether it's a theater ticket, a creative workshop or a nature trip, bring memories that lasts much more than any material object.

Say "no" without guilt

You do not have to participate in all events and meetings. Choose what matters to you and give yourself time for rest.

Creates small daily rituals

Enjoying a cup of tea in the morning is one of those rituals that can completely transform the beginning of the day. Instead of hurrying immediately to the daily agitation, give yourself a few minutes to sit comfortably, hold a steaming cup and breathe deep.

The ignition of scented candles instantly creates a warm and intimate atmosphere, perfect for winter evenings.

Writing in a journal of things for which you are grateful is an exercise that nourishes your soul and changes your perspective on life.

Spend time in nature

A walk through the snow or an outdoor break helps you disconnect from the agitation and reconnect to the present.

Be present (a)

Leave the phone aside, stop notifications and give yourself moments to be truly present in your activities.

The most beautiful memories do not come from expensive gifts or elaborate decorations, but from:

• Grandma's smile when it gives you your favorite cake.
• The soothing voice of an old carol.
• The peace of a winter morning, with flakes that dance in the air.
• A story told at the mouth of the stove or a glass of red wine.

The holidays are about the presence, not about perfection. When you choose to slow down the rhythm, you will discover that the beauty of this period does not stay in how much you do, but how you choose to live every moment.

Try to get rid of pressure To do everything perfect and give yourself the priceless gift: time for yourself, time for your loved ones and time to truly feel the spirit of the holidays.

At the end of the day, the small moments are the ones that really matter. And Christmas-in all its simplicity and peace-can become exactly as you want it: a moment of peace, gratitude and authentic joy.

How do you spend your winter holidays?

Article written by,

Andreea Corneanu - Content Marketing