Unwrapping Time: The Gift of Slower Living

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but often, they feel like a chaotic blur. In today’s episode of The Free Advantage, I share how slowing down doesn’t mean doing less—it means experiencing more.

We explored what it looks like to step away from the busyness, reclaim time, and truly savor the season. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin by holiday obligations or like there’s never enough time, this episode will help you find presence and intention amid the chaos.

The Catalyst of Slower Time

 In 2020, the world paused, and so did our routines. That Christmas, I experienced the holidays in a way I never had before. Without endless shopping trips or packed schedules, I found time to truly savor simple, meaningful moments—sitting by the fire with my husband, baking cookies with my family, and letting go of unnecessary obligations.

That year, I discovered something profound: slower didn’t mean less—it meant more—more presence, more connection, and more time for what truly matters.

Personal Story:

2020 was a year of profound change for all of us. When December came, after months of quarantine, Christmas felt unlike anything I had ever experienced. The usual whirlwind of holiday parties, shopping sprees, and endless to-do lists came to a halt.

For the first time, I slowed down. I spent quiet evenings by the fire with my husband, Sean, watching Christmas lights twinkle in the dark. Instead of baking countless cookies on my own, I turned it into a family activity, complete with a contest.

For the first time, I didn’t feel cheated by the season. Instead, I felt connected, joyful, and aligned with what truly mattered.

A World of Possibility

What if the magic of the holidays didn’t come from all we accomplish but from the moments we savor? This isn’t just a dream—it’s a choice we can make. Slowing down time is about prioritizing what matters and stepping off the treadmill of busyness.

Let’s imagine what this holiday season could look like if we slowed down. Picture yourself bundled up by the fire, the aroma of hot cocoa filling the air, and the twinkling lights on the tree casting a gentle glow.

How wonderful would it feel to enjoy and be a part of it all versus working through it all?

Practical Ways to Slow Down This Season

 Here are a few simple ways to slow time and create a slower, more meaningful holiday season:

1. Set Intentions, Not Perfections: Let go of the idea of the “perfect holiday” and focus on meaningful moments.

2. Say No to Overcommitment: Protect your time by saying yes only to what truly brings you joy.

3. Create Space for Stillness: Schedule moments to rest, reflect, and recharge—even if it’s just five minutes.

4. Simplify Your Traditions: Keep what feels right and let go of what feels like an obligation.

5. Be Present in the Moment: Slow down enough to savor every task, from decorating to wrapping gifts.

Try one today and notice the difference it makes.

A New Way to Be

We tell ourselves we have to do it all, but do we really? What if we paused instead? This season, challenge yourself to focus on what aligns with who you are and what the holidays mean to you.

Reflection: Reclaiming Time for You

 Here’s my challenge to you: What if you gave yourself permission to slow down? What small moment can you reclaim today to just be you?

Reflect on these questions:

1. What truly matters to me right now?
2. Where am I spending time on things that don’t align with my values?
3. How can I carve out moments just for myself?

Key Takeaways:

• Slowing down doesn’t mean less—it means more presence, joy, and connection.

• The holidays don’t have to feel overwhelming when we prioritize what matters.
• You have the power to slow down time and reclaim it for yourself and your loved ones.

Final Thoughts

 When we choose to slow down, we reclaim the holidays—not as a blur of busyness but as a season filled with meaningful moments. You don’t have to do it all to create a magical holiday. Sometimes, the most magical moments come when we slow down and pay attention. 

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!