Holiday Glow Rituals: How I Prepare My Body & Mind for the Season

Introduction

The holidays used to feel like a lot. A blur of travel, sugar, social commitments, and sensory overload. I’d enter January feeling depressed, puffy, exhausted, and disconnected from myself. Over the years, I’ve learned how to move through this season with intention—not perfection. And when I do, my skin glows more, my digestion stays calm, and I feel grounded rather than depleted.

This post is about how I prepare my body and mind for the holiday season. The tools I never travel without, the oils I use, and the routine I turn to when I want to feel lighter, nourished, and truly present. Because glow doesn't come from rushing—it's built from small, loving shifts.

Why I Don’t “Push Through” the Holidays Anymore

• My skin flared up when I was overwhelmed or inflamed
• I felt bloated and sluggish after back-to-back events or travel
• I lost touch with the daily rituals that help me feel anchored

Now, I treat the season as an invitation to root deeper—not spin faster. My body tells me when it needs more rest, more breath, more warmth. My routine help me listen.

How I Stay Grounded (and Glowing) During the Holidays

1. I Start the Day With Movement and Oil

Before my day begins, I take a few minutes to reconnect. I dry brush my body with intention—not urgency—then massage in Unapologetic Body Oil. This supports my lymphatic flow, wakes up my circulation, and protects my skin from cold or stress. I follow that with the DIAMANDIA Body Gua Sha. Using the smooth side 1-4 passes on my entire body and then the combed side.

If I’m traveling, I bring the Glow Up Trio—my non-negotiables: a dry brush,body  gua sha, and oil. Even five minutes helps me reset after flights or long car rides.

2. I Choose Anti-Inflammatory Meals That Love Me Back

The holidays don’t have to mean sugar crashes or food guilt. I stay grounded in my low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory pantry—think simple roasted vegetables, wild proteins, nourishing fats like avocado oil and olive oil. These foods stabilize my energy, support my skin, and keep inflammation low.

3. I Anchor My Evenings in Stillness

I put my phone and laptop down at 7:30. No more. I try to get into bed and start my wind down by 8:30pm.

If I’m feeling puffy or tense, I use the Bian Stone Gua Sha Tool—slow, downward strokes along the neck, shoulders, and chest. It’s not about sculpting. It’s about listening.

My Favorite Holiday Tools & Why I Use Them

How These Rituals Changed My Holidays

• My skin stays more clear and resilient
• I no longer feel drained or inflamed from back-to-back events
• My nervous system feels nourished—not overstimulated
• I give myself space to feel—not just perform

This doesn’t mean I do every ritual perfectly every day. It means I have a rhythm to come back to. Something that reminds me: I’m allowed to feel good in my body, even during busy seasons.

Gift Ideas Rooted in Ritual

Instead of gifting things that create clutter, I give what supports someone’s self-care, softness, and seasonal restoration. These are my favorite gifts (to give and receive):

• Glow Up Trio – An intentional set for those new to body gua sha or wanting to deepen their body ritual
  
  
• Revitalizing Body Oil (Travel Size) – For post-shower, post-flight, or end-of-day moisture and grounding
  
  
• Digital Clean Pantry Guide + 7-Day Reset – A gentle reset experience that can start the new year with clarity
  
  
• Calendula Lavender Mist – For those who need a little more calm in the middle of the holiday noise

Invitation Into Your Glow Ritual

The holidays don’t need to overwhelm your system. They can become a time of slowness, warmth, and intention. Whether you’re traveling, gathering, or staying close to home, I hope you give yourself what you need to stay connected to your skin, your breath, and your energy.

Try beginning with something simple: a few minutes of dry brushing, oil, or a quiet moment with a body gua sha. Glow isn’t something you chase—it’s something you return to.