The 12 Days of Self-Care: Because You Deserve More Than a Partridge in a Pear Tree

The 12 Days of Self-Care: Because You Deserve More Than a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Let’s be honest. December feels like a marathon in a glittery sweater. We’re juggling work, shopping, sugar, and stress while trying to appear “festive” instead of slightly feral.
So this year, forget the birds, drummers, and random livestock from the original song.
Here’s a version that actually makes sense for real life.

On the first day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Take a nap and stop apologizing for it.”

Because exhaustion is not a personality trait. You’re not lazy; you’re just out of battery. Recharge before you short-circuit and yell at the toaster.

On the second day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Drink some water, you dehydrated raisin.”

Coffee is not hydration. Neither is wine. Or cocoa. Or that peppermint latte you swear counts as milk. Grab some water before your organs start filing HR complaints.

On the third day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Move your body like nobody’s watching… because nobody is.”

This isn’t about “earning” food. It’s about getting the kinks out so your knees don’t sound like bubble wrap every time you stand up.

On the fourth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Say no to something you don’t want to do.”

You are not obligated to attend every cookie swap, potluck, or “quick Zoom thing.” “No” is a complete sentence, and it’s cheaper than therapy.

On the fifth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Eat the cookie. Seriously.”

One cookie never ruined anyone’s life. The guilt afterward might. Eat it. Enjoy it. Move on with your day like the balanced adult you are (or are trying to be).

On the sixth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Put your phone down before you start hate-scrolling.”

You don’t need to compare your real life to someone’s curated highlight reel of twinkle lights and matching pajamas. You’re doing fine.

On the seventh day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Stretch before you turn into a pretzel.”

You’ve been hunched over wrapping paper and Amazon carts for two weeks. Stand up. Reach for the ceiling. Breathe. Feel human again.

On the eighth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Declutter something small.”

Not your whole house, just that one chair that’s currently a coat mountain. (In my house it is the dang 1990 built in desk in the kitchen) Instant peace. Also, you might finally find that missing gift card.

On the ninth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Ask for help.”

You are not the only competent person in your household. Let someone else handle dinner, dishes, or gift tags. If it’s not perfect, guess what? The world keeps spinning.

On the tenth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Turn off the news for one night.”

If something truly important happens, someone’s uncle on Facebook will tell you. Give your brain a break.

On the eleventh day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Wear something comfortable.”

Sequins are cute, but sweatpants are freedom. The dress code this holiday season is “elastic waistband chic.”

On the twelfth day of self-care, my true self said to me: “Be proud of surviving another year.”

You did hard things. You grew, adapted, and probably cried in your car once or twice. That’s still growth. Celebrate it.

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths and essential oils (though if that’s your thing, go for it). It’s the tiny, practical things that help you stay sane when life looks like a Hallmark movie directed by caffeine.

So, this December, skip the guilt, laugh at the chaos, and give yourself the gift of grace. You deserve more than a partridge in a pear tree. You deserve peace, comfort, and maybe just one more cookie.