The Holiday Reset You Need

Unapologetic tips to destress, decompress, and delight in the season

Let’s face it: the holidays can feel like a high-stakes sprint. Everyone juggles gift lists, back-to-back parties, and a social calendar requiring multiple outfit changes. It’s exhausting.

But here’s a radical idea: skip the chaos.

The most stylish move you can make this holiday season is hitting pause and focusing on your own reset. Think of it as a vibe overhaul—less hustle, more chill. Here’s how to pull it off.

Rituals That Actually Work

Make Mornings Yours: Skip the doomscrolling and grab a notebook or planner like this poppy-printed number from Papier and a cup of something warm. Jot down one thing you’re hyped about for the day. It doesn’t need to be deep—"I’m making pancakes" counts: think low effort, high return.

Move for the Mood: Forget the "perfect workout" pressure. Whether you’re taking a lap in your favorite leopard coat or dancing to your favorite playlist, the goal is to feel good—not break records. Bonus points for pairing a podcast like NPR’s Life Kit to keep it chill but inspiring.

A 10-Minute Reset Window: When the day feels like too much, light a candle (Diptyque’s Feu de Bois hits the right winter notes) and sit with a glass of something fabulous like a Manhattan or Phony Negroni. Stare at nothing, scroll cool Pinterest boards, or just breathe. No big epiphanies required.

Get Festively Flaneur-icious: I live in a city where we walk and walk some more, and nothing is better for the spirit (and the anxiety) than a good stroll. Having a dog helps this cause, but go solo or phone a friend and keep moving.

The Power of the “No-Plan Day”
Clear your schedule for one whole day. Stay in your robe and do whatever feels right. Read, binge an old favorite (Gossip Girl does the trick), or lounge like it’s a professional sport. Hold those calls.

Buy Yourself Something Ridiculously Luxe
No one needs to know. A bold cocktail ring from Nest in the best green, a velvet holiday blazer from Veronica Beard, or a spa day at The Well in NYC—it’s your world.

Festive Touches, Minimal Effort
Add bold earrings like these to your knitwear or a red lip like Gucci’s Goldie Red to your Zoom call, and you’ve entered ring a ding ding territory.

The Coolest House Shoes
Treat yourself to luxe, shearling-lined slides from Birkenstock or sleek Maison Margiela Tabi Socks. Because even if no one sees them, you’ll know.

Set the Holiday Mood: A Reset Playlist
I don’t create many playlists, but mine would include Dionne Warwick and some chilled-out tracks from Spiritualized or Nightmares on Wax. Pop on your favorites and play with your dog, cat, or turtle in a sunny spot at home. No pet? No problem. Play something fun, check some chores off your list, or do a crossword or read.

Your Unapologetic Reset Mantra
This holiday season, let everyone else stress about perfection. You? You’re too busy reclaiming your vibe. Skip the noise, wear the cashmere, and be unapologetically you.

Because sometimes, the coolest thing you can do is absolutely nothing. XO