A Holiday Ritual for When the Season Feels Overwhelming

The holiday season carries a strange mix of joy, pressure, expectation, and sometimes even exhaustion. There is so much beauty in this time of the year, of course, but there is also a weight that many of us do not name or claim. We give, we plan, we hold everything together, and sometimes we forget to breathe.

With just days left until Christmas, I wanted to offer a simple ritual designed to help you return to yourself whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed. Its called The Five Minute Return, and it is rooted in both tea culture and calming practices that support the nervous system.

Steeping tea is one of the oldest forms of intentional pause. Watching water heat signals the brain to slow down. Noticing steam reduces stress response. Warmth communicates safety to the body. It is also an age old way to welcome guests and rest around the world. A tiny tea moment can easily become a reset.

If you’re looking for moment…even the tiniest pocket of peace, find the ritual below and remember, you deserve moments for yourself.

Here is the ritual:

Put the kettle on and reach for a tea that matches what you need right now. Need a suggestion? Renew for grounding. Manipura Mint for comfort. Sweet Epiphany for uplift. Renaissance for a bit of luxe.

Bring your water to the proper temperature and watch the water as it simmers or comes to a boil. Pour the water over your tea slowly and watch the steam rise. Take ten slow belly breaths while your tea steeps. Name one thing you are releasing and one thing you are keeping. Now, take your first sip with intention.

In five minutes you can return to yourself.
In five minutes your body remembers that peace is possible.
In five minutes the day softens.

During a season when it feels like everything is in motion, I hope this ritual gives you one quiet place to land.

Find the blend that supports your moment at here.

With love always,

Trista