Christmas Reflection: How Do You Really Want to Spend Your Time?

This Christmas has been a mix of emotions—a time of connection and gratitude, but also one of frustration and unmet needs. It’s brought up some powerful reflections about how I’ve spent my time, how I want to live, and what truly makes me feel alive.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ve loved the special time I’ve had with my family. Christmas Day, when my whole family came together, was magical. Watching the children light up with excitement, sharing laughter, dancing and stories, and soaking up those rare, unstructured moments of togetherness has been a joy. I’ve also cherished the slower pace—more time to simply be with the children without the structure and demands of everyday life.

However, as the days have gone on, I’ve felt the weight of not being able to do the things I had planned. I’d hoped for wild swims, hikes, and adventures away. I’d looked forward to seeing friends, creating memories, and stepping into the kind of experiences that fuel me. But being unwell meant canceling plans and watching those opportunities slip away. And as the days stretched on, it became harder and harder to find the right balance between rest and fulfillment.

The Need for Space

This Christmas has also reminded me of another crucial need—my need for space. Space to be alone, to reflect, and to simply be with myself. Living in a very small hoouse with six of us means it’s something I always prioritise in the busyness of everyday life, because it’s essential for me to feel connected to who I am.

When there’s constant noise, demands, and other people’s energy swirling around, it becomes much harder to hear my own thoughts or to tap into what I truly need. Reflection and solitude allow me to reset, to feel grounded, and to reconnect with myself. Without that space, it’s easy to feel untethered, overwhelmed, and disconnected.

This season has been a stark reminder of how much I need those quiet moments—whether it’s a solo walk in nature, time spent journaling, or simply sitting with my thoughts. It’s not about escaping from others; it’s about creating the conditions to feel whole and balanced.

Reframing Rest

Reflecting on this experience, I’ve realised how complex rest can be. For many of us, rest is synonymous with stopping: stopping work, stopping movement, stopping activity. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. But rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. For me, true rest doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing—it means doing what nourishes my body, mind, and spirit.

Sometimes, rest for me is a long hike in the woods, the cold shock of a wild swim, or the sense of exhilaration that comes from exploring somewhere new. It’s active, vibrant, and purposeful. And that’s okay. Rest looks different for everyone, and it’s important to honor what rest means to you in each moment.

This Christmas, I’ve had to embrace a different kind of rest—the kind where you stop because you have no choice. And while it hasn’t been easy, it’s given me a deeper understanding of what I need to feel truly replenished. Rest isn’t about conforming to what society says it should look like. It’s about tuning into yourself and finding what restores you—whether that’s a quiet day at home, an adventure in the great outdoors, or simply a little space to breathe.

A Lesson in Needs

Recently I have been writing my short story about ‘Becoming a Maverick Mum’ for a collaborative booking I’m workring on. This has made these reflections even more poignant. It’s reminded me of a time in my life when I gave up all the things that were important to me—the things that made me feel alive and purposeful. When I became a mum for the first time, I thought I had to give up everything I loved to be a “good” mum. But in doing so, I lost myself completely.

Back then, I didn’t understand why I felt so disconnected and hopeless. But now I see it clearly: my needs weren’t being met. And when our needs aren’t met—whether they’re physical, emotional, or spiritual—it’s hard to thrive.

This Christmas has been a reminder of that truth. While I’ve loved the moments of connection with my family, I’ve also struggled with the absence of adventure, creativity, and activity. For me, those things aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. They’re part of what makes me feel whole. And so is space. The quiet, reflective moments I carve out for myself are just as important as the action and adventure.

A Call to Reflect

For many of us, Christmas becomes a season of overindulgence—too much food, too much drink, too much television. And while there’s value in slowing down, I think it’s worth asking ourselves:

• How do you want to spend your time off?

• Have you found the right balance between rest and activity?

• Are you happy with how you’ve spent this Christmas and New Year?

These aren’t always easy questions, but they’re important. For me, they’ve highlighted just how essential it is to honour my needs, even during times when rest seems like the priority. True rest for me doesn’t just mean stopping—it means doing the things that light me up, that make me feel alive.

Looking Forward

Next year, I want to approach Christmas differently. Maybe it means going away for part of the holiday, planning an adventure that aligns with my deepest needs. Maybe it’s about blending tradition with something new, creating a season that feels vibrant and purposeful.

Through my journey with Maverick Mums, I’ve learned the power of intentional living. Life is about making choices that reflect what matters most to you. And while this Christmas hasn’t gone as planned, it’s given me clarity. It’s reminded me of how important it is to protect the things that bring me joy and fulfillment—not just for my own well-being, but for the example it sets for my children.

Because when we honor our needs, we show our children that it’s possible to live authentically, even in challenging seasons. We remind ourselves—and them—that happiness comes from aligning our lives with who we truly are.

So as I look forward, I feel inspired to keep asking these questions, to keep standing up for what matters, and to keep creating a life that feels bold, adventurous, and true. I hope yo see you on an adventure soon!