There’s something special about preparing a guest room at Christmas. Not in an overly styled or formal way, but in a way that feels thoughtful and welcoming. As the house fills with the scent of the tree and evenings grow darker so much earlier, I like our guest bedroom to feel calm, comfortable and ready to be lived in.
For me, Christmas hosting isn’t about perfection. It’s about making people feel at ease, that they can put their bag down, relax and feel genuinely welcome in our home.
The Essentials: Comfort First in a Christmas Guest Room
Before adding any festive detail, I always start with comfort. Freshly laundered, well-pressed bed linen, supportive pillows and soft towels folded neatly at the end of the bed immediately set the tone. These are the practical foundations that matter most.
A jug of water with glasses on the bedside table is a small but thoughtful addition. In the colder months, I’ll also leave a hot water bottle ready in a basket, so our guests can use it if they wish. With a kettle in the room, it’s there for comfort without intruding on anyone’s sense of privacy. It’s these simple considerations that help our guests settle quickly and sleep well.
The Festive Touches For A Calm Christmas Guest Room
Once the essentials are in place, it’s time to weave in the Christmas spirit. On Christmas Eve, I’ll add a small stocking at the end of the bed filled with little treats that always brings a smile. I love curating a basket of thoughtful goodies; festive snacks, a few chocolates, a magazine or two and a handwritten note to welcome them. A kettle with a selection of teas, hot chocolate sachets and a couple of festive mugs makes it easy for our guests to enjoy a quiet moment to themselves.
To bring in a natural, elegant feel, I’ll often add a sprig of eucalyptus or a mini wreath on the bedside table and a softly scented candle to warm the room in the evening. These small details create a sense of understated luxury that feels both special without being overstated.
The Finishing Touches That Make A Guest Room Feel Like Home At Christmas.
For me, it’s all about how the space feels. I want the room to feel comfortable, not overly styled. Soft towels, gentle lighting and space cleared in drawers and the wardrobe all help the room feel settled rather than temporary. The White Company towels are a staple here, practical, comforting and timeless.
In the bathroom, I’ll leave a small basket with spare toiletries, a few essentials, a face cloth and a little something indulgent like a spacemask or hand cream. It’s a simple gesture but one that helps guests feel cared for and at ease.
This is about blending the thoughtful touches of a boutique hotel with the ease and comfort of home, creating a space where guests can truly unwind and switch off.
Little Mission Checklist: The Guest Room at Christmas
A simple checklist to help create a calm, welcoming guest bedroom without overthinking it.
Fresh, comfortable bed linen
Supportive pillows and an extra blanket or throw
Soft towels folded and ready
Water and glasses by the bed
A simple Christmas stocking with a few small treats
A handwritten welcome note, with wifi code.
Kettle with tea, hot chocolate and mugs
A softly scented candle for evenings
Posy of festive flowers or greenery
Phone charger
Little basket of toiletries, spacemask, hot water bottle and magazines.
Gentle lighting
Space cleared in drawers and wardrobe
A guest room doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to feel comfortable, considered and ready to welcome the people you care about. If you enjoy creating calm, organised spaces, you may also like my free planners, designed to help bring a little more clarity and ease to everyday life, from seasonal resets to simple home routines.
A Reflection on Hosting
Preparing a guest room at Christmas is a quiet part of hosting, but an important one. It’s a way of showing care without fuss, through details that make life easier and more comfortable for the people staying with you.
At this time of year, homes are filled with shared moments: conversations late into the evening, slow mornings and the simple rhythm of being together. A welcoming guest room supports all of that.
That’s what this little mission is about; considered spaces, thoughtful choices and homes that feel warm, lived-in and inviting, especially at Christmas.
Wishing you a season of calm, cosy corners and the simple joy of making your guests feel at home. With love,
As part of the continued relaunch of Woman on a Mission, I’m refreshing some of my most-loved wellbeing posts; updated, re-edited and more relevant than ever. With the festive season now in full swing, it’s easy for your stress bucket to fill faster than you realise. So this feels like the perfect moment to pause, check in with yourself and gently reset. How full is your self-love bucket today?
Over on Instagram recently, I’ve been talking about the power of removing things from your plate before adding new commitments, whether that’s a festive to-do, a work project or the emotional load that comes with this time of year. Before we rush towards the magical Christmas Day and New Year, let’s pause. Let’s gently rebalance, reset and make space for ourselves.
Why Stress Buckets Overflow
Right now, many of us are navigating work, home life, caring responsibilities and the uncertainty that real life so often brings. This constant juggling slowly fills our stress buckets. Not just for us, but for our children and families too.
One analogy I love (and always come back to) is this:
“Being in front of screens all day is like attending back-to-back meetings with 30 people each. You’re expected to absorb everything, act on it, remember it, and then head straight to the next meeting.”
No wonder we feel overwhelmed.
The good news? We can empty the stress bucket and refill our self-love bucket through tiny, consistent lifestyle choices and intentional pauses throughout the day.
Nutrition & Lifestyle: The Foundations of a Calmer Mind
What you eat, drink, and do daily has a huge impact on your mood, focus and resilience. Comfort foods, sugar and wine may feel like a quick fix (especially in December! but they often leave you feeling foggy, sluggish and more stressed.
Here are my simple, friendly wellbeing tools:
Think Before You Sip Caffeine feels like energy… until the crash. Coffee, teas, and energy drinks can spike stress levels and disrupt sleep.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Your brain loves water. Herbal teas count too. Staying hydrated boots concentration, supports digestion and help your mind stay clear.
Eat Like Your Brain Depends on It Because it does. Quick snacks and takeaways are tempting during busy weeks, but nourishing meals give you sustained energy, balanced blood sugar and clearer focus. (You’ll find lots of easy, delicious recipes here on the blog.)
Treat Sleep as Non-Negotiable Yes, “just one more episode” is tempting, especially with festive films on overnight but your brain and body need 7–8 hours of true rest. Better sleep means better mood, focus and resilience.
Move Your Body Daily A brisk walk, a stretch, 20 minutes of fresh air; all of it counts. Movement reduces tension, lifts your mood, and helps you think more clearly.
Track Your Habits I’ve created a Consistency Tracker to help you spot the tiny lifestyle shifts that make a big difference. Sleep, hydration, movement, mental load. Track them for four weeks and notice the ripple effect.
And above all: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing better than you think.
“I’m presently experiencing life at a rate of several WTF’s per hour!”
Unknown
I saw this quote and it made me laugh out loud.. Don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh, even in stressful times.
Tracking Your Stress
Small lifestyle changes often go unnoticed until you track them. Maybe you’re going to bed a little later, drinking more coffee instead of water or waking up in the middle of the night thinking about your to-do list.
These tiny shifts accumulate, quietly filling your stress bucket.
Here are some tiny, doable actions that instantly lighten the load:
Declutter one drawer, shelf or corner.
Clear digital clutter: delete old emails, organise your desktop, unfollow accounts that drain you.
Pause for 5–10 minutes midday. Breathe. Stretch. Reset.
Each small action empties your stress bucket and refills your self-love bucket.
Breathe, Reset and Reconnect
Sometimes the simplest way to reset is to pause and breathe. Even five minutes each day to check in with yourself : a short walk, a few deep breaths or a quiet cup of tea, can help you reset before diving back into the festive chaos.
Lately, I’ve been loving the Winter Reset breathwork series with Stuart Sandeman. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I first discovered Stuart’s work during the pandemic and have been a fan ever since.
Stuart is a globally recognised breathing expert and performance coach, Sunday Times best-selling author of Breathe In Breathe Out, host of BBC Radio 1’s Decompression Session and founder of Breathpod, where he helps people reach their full potential through the power of breathwork and music.
The Winter Reset sessions are free, live at 6:30am GMT every weekday and open to everyone. They’re a wonderful way to slow the pace, clear out mental clutter, and avoid getting swept up in the end-of-year madness. Don’t worry if 6:30am isn’t possible, you’ll receive the download to listen anytime.
If you’d like more tips on reducing stress, simplifying your home and creating space to breathe, you can subscribe to Woman on a Missionor join me on Instagram for weekly inspiration and encouragement.
Feeling inspired to take charge of your stress levels and refill that self-love bucket?
Try the tips in this blog, download the Consistency Tracker, and let me know in the comments how you’re getting on.
Here’s to calmer days, clearer minds, and a beautifully balanced December.
Updated for winter wellness in 2025: refreshed tips on boosting your immune system, sleep, nutrition and festive self-care.
Boost your immune system this winter with simple habits that help you stay healthy, energised and resilient during the festive season. Between family gatherings, festive plans and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to let healthy routines slip away and energy to dip. Think of this as your gentle reminder to slow down, nourish your body, protect your energy and find calm in the little moments. Here’s your guide to staying strong, balanced and glowing with vitality all winter long.
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”
Irish proverb
1. Boost Your Immune System This Winter With Nourishing Foods.
Your diet is the foundation of your wellbeing. It’s all about simple, seasonal and nourishing choices.
Protein: fresh fish, lean meats, eggs or plant-based sources
Nuts & seeds: walnuts, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
Fermented foods: kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha to support gut health
Pro tip: Add omega-3 rich foods like salmon, sardines or chia seeds to reduce inflammation and support vitality.
✨ Mission moment: Nourish your body with intention. Every meal is a chance to care for yourself and create calm from the inside out.
You knew I was going to say that right?! It goes without saying that a healthy diet is by far the most effective way to boost your immune system?
2. Boost Your Immune System This Winter With Spices & Supplements.
Nature offers simple ways to strengthen your immune system. Think of your kitchen as your wellness toolkit.
Echinacea: limits the duration and severity of infections by stimulating the immune system cells that are key weapons against infection. Available in capsules, tincture and extracts. Take a soon as that “cold feeling” starts as a short term remedy until any infection clears.
Gingerand Turmeric : add to cooking or sip as a tea to improve circulation, digestion, and fight inflammation.
Garlic: Natures’ miracle cure! Boosts immunity and protects against colds and flu — add it to recipes, but make sure you share, or you might end up sleeping solo!
Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc and probiotics are your winter essentials for extra immune support.
Pro tip: Add a slice of fresh ginger and lemon to hot water for a simple immune-boosting drink.
✨ Mission moment: Let daily rituals become acts of self-care. A warm cup of tea or mindful supplement routine can help you feel grounded and energised.
3. Boost Your Immune System Winter By Staying Hydrated
Hydration is one of the simplest ways to support your immune system and maintain energy.
Although the body naturally detoxifies through the lymphatic system, keeping hydrated helps it along. Low water intake can contribute to fatigue, poor digestion, headaches, allergies, weight gain and skin issues. Ugh!
Daily hydration: 1.5–2 litres of water plus herbal teas
Limit caffeine & alcohol: these can dehydrate and affect sleep
Functional drinks: adaptogen teas or sparkling mineral waters with electrolytes
Pro tip: Start your morning with warm water and lemon to awaken your system and support detoxification.
✨ Mission moment: Hydration is a ritual of renewal. Every sip reminds you to slow down and care for yourself from the inside out.
4. Prioritise Sleep & Rest
Quality sleep is one of the most powerful ways to support immunity and wellbeing. I know that I’ve been guilty of staying up late in order to get ahead of the Christmas wrapping or work, it really doesn’t help!
Please make sure you get plenty of good rest and if you need extra focus to stay on top of things – try a #powerofanhour or two!
Bedtime routine: consistent sleep and wake times
Wind down:Spacemasks self-heating eye masks are a dreamy way to relax. Pair with deep breaths or short meditation.
Support from within:Kollo Collagen nourishes skin, hair and joints. Kollo supplements are a simple daily ritual I have loved for over 5 years
Bedroom environment: Keep it dark, cool, and clutter-free for deep restorative sleep
Power naps: Even 20 minutes can restore energy and lift your mood
Pro tip: Try a digital sunset: switch off screens an hour before bed and enjoy a warm herbal tea and read a book instead.
✨ Mission moment: Rest is not a luxury; it’s essential. Slow down, breathe deeply and let your body restore itself.
5. Boost Your Immune System This Winter By Staying Active.
‘Tis the festive season, and it’s tempting to relax, binge films and indulge in chocolates or mince pies! Our social lives get busier and it’s so tempting to hit snooze on our alarm clocks and cancel our dates with the gym and yoga mat in order to make time for it all. But movement is essential, it boosts mood, energy and immunity.
Keep up the exercise when you can. Wrap up warm and go for a brisk walk with the family, tempting as it is to stay inside, when the sluggish feeling starts creeping in, head for the big outdoors!
Find what feels good: brisk walks, yoga flows or dancing around the kitchen. Make it fun!
Stay consistent: even 20 minutes a day makes a difference.
Stretch & strengthen: Pilates or gentle stretching eases tension and keep you supple.
Get outdoors: fresh air and natural light support immunity and mental wellbeing
Pro tip: Pair movement with a playlist or podcast to make it something you look forward to.
✨ Mission moment: Movement is a celebration of what your body can do. Every step or stretch reminds you that you’re strong and capable.
“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”
William Londen
6. Boost Your Immune System This Winter With Self Care Habits.
Your mindset shapes how you experience the season:
Morning intention: set a positive tone with journaling or affirmations.
Find joy in little things: tea, twinkling lights, winter walks.
Let go of perfection: embrace moments as they are.
Stay connected: reach out to loved ones — connection is powerful.
Pro tip: Keep a gratitude list through December to stay grounded and mindful.
✨ Mission moment: Joy is a daily choice. Nurture your mindset to create space for calm, confidence, and a little sparkle of magic.
It’s the small, intentional choices that make the biggest difference. Nourish your body, rest deeply, move joyfully and embrace moments of joy.
Let me know your thoughts below and share your wellness rituals or cosy moments on Instagram and tag me, I’d love to cheer you on!
Sending love, warmth, and a little sparkle of calm this winter.
Hi, I’m Claire, a wellbeing and lifestyle creator passionate about helping you find calm, balance and joy in everyday life. Through simple rituals, mindful living and a touch of home style, I share inspiration to help you feel your best, inside and out.
If you enjoyed this post, join my newsletter for seasonal wellbeing tips, home inspiration and exclusive offers, like a cosy catch-up in your inbox each week.
This blog has been refreshed for Christmas 2025 with updated tips and
preparation advice to make your festive cooking even easier.
With Christmas approaching and guests arriving to celebrate, my go-to Christmas Eve recipe is this Mary Berry Christmas Game Casserole. It’s delicious, impressive and perfect for preparing ahead, saving you time in the kitchen and allowing you to fully enjoy the festivities with family and friends. I recently shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram story of me making it and the response was incredible, so I knew I had to share the recipe with you. guests arriving to celebrate Christmas with you, this is my go to Christmas Eve recipe which will delight your guests and save you time.
Why Prepare Ahead For Christmas Eve
Christmas should be about relaxing and enjoying time with your loved ones, not stressing over the kitchen. Preparing this casserole ahead of time means:
You can freeze it and reheat on the day.
Flavours have time to develop, making it even tastier.
You can spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Stunning Christmas calmness with Country Abodes
Mary Berry Christmas Game Casserole (serves 8)
Ingredients
Vary the proportion of meats as you like, and, if you have difficulty getting the exact amounts of mixed game, you can make up the difference with braising beef or Boneless chicken. In season, some supermarkets sell packs of mixed game – often including venison, pheasant, rabbit, wild duck and pigeon.
1.4kg (3lb) mixed game meats (see above)
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
75g (3oz) butter
200g (7oz) smoked bacon lardons
450g (1lb) whole frozen chestnuts, thawed
4 leeks, thickly sliced on the diagonal
50g (2oz) plain flour
300ml (½ pint) red wine
600ml (1 pint) chicken stock
4 tablespoons redcurrant jelly
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large orange
To Serve
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 orange, sliced
Method
Trim the meats and cut into 5cm (2in) pieces.
Heat the oil and half of the butter in a large non-stick frying pan or casserole. Brown the game and bacon over high heat in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add remaining butter and brown the chestnuts. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add leeks and fry briefly over a hot heat.
Sprinkle in the flour, gradually blend in red wine, stock and redcurrant jelly. Bring to the boil, season with salt and pepper then add the whole orange and meats.
Cover and cook over low heat for 1½–2¼ hours (or in a 160°C / 140°C fan / Gas 3 oven for similar time) until meats are tender. Check halfway and add stock if needed. (You could also cook the casserole in the oven preheated to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3 for about the same time.)
About 15 minutes before finishing, add chestnuts.
Once the game is tender, lift the softened orange into a sieve, cut in half, stand over a bowl and push the orange through the sieve, collecting the juice. Gradually stir the juice into the casserole until the taste is perfect. Check the seasoning and add a little more stock if the casserole is still a little thick.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and orange slices. Serve with your choice of sides.
Top Tips
Serve as Individual Pies
Cook the casserole as directed.
Roll out a 375g packet of ready-rolled puff pastry slightly larger than needed.
Cut 8 circles (10cm / 4in), crimp edges, lightly mark diagonal pattern, glaze with beaten egg.
Bake at 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas 6 for ~15 mins until golden.
Serve a spoonful of casserole topped and a puff pastry circle on top to make individual “pies”.
Preparing Ahead
Casseroles taste even better after a day or two as the flavours have chance to mellow, and this one is no exception
Cook the casserole as directed. Cool quickly, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently, adding extra stock if needed.
Freezing
Cool casserole to the end of stage 4, then freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw thoroughly, reheat gently, adding liquid if needed, garnish with parsley and orange slices.
Aga Cooking
Simmering Plate: Cook to end of stage 4.
Boiling Plate: Bring to boil, cover, transfer to Simmering Oven for 2½ hours until tender. Continue as above.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect with:
Buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted carrots, parsnips, or a fresh green salad
Crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce
What’s better than a Christmas Walk on the beach before coming home to a delicious meal with the family.
Why This Recipe Works
Make-ahead friendly
Freezer safe
Flavours improve over time
Simple to serve for large groups.
It’s a real lifesaver for a stress-free Christmas Eve — and your guests will be impressed!
Enjoy Stress-Free Festive Prep
Preparing this casserole ahead of time means you can relax, laugh and fully enjoy your Christmas celebrations. It’s a perfect example of how planning can make Christmas calm, joyful and memorable.
Is it possible to be too kind? Kindness is something I’ve been chatting about with friends over the past few months and our conversations have been fascinating. How we show kindness, how it’s received and how it fits into our lives, all of it is shaped by our experiences and upbringing.
Kindness can be simple acts like remembering important dates, sending a thoughtful message or offering support when someone is struggling.
A good place to start might be to define the word kindness.
Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistant or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.
WIKIPEDIA
The Oxford English Dictionary, Kindness is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”
For me, kindness all about how act towards others authentically, without expectation or agenda.
One of the lessons my Granny Ruby always taught me was “treat others how we wish to be treated”
To me this means being true to myself while showing care and thoughtfulness.
When Kindness Is Misunderstood
Sometimes, when we act from a genuine place, no matter how genuine your intentions, people may feel that we are too kind which can be misperceived. It can make people feel uncomfortable, obligated, or even suspicious of your motives.
A good example comes from my friend Catherine, who took a bouquet of flowers to a friend remembering the loss of a loved one. Her gesture was misunderstood as it made her friend, the recipient, feel in debt and unsure how to respond, even though the flowers came came from a heartfelt place,
Another friend, Anna, experienced rejection during the pandemic. She checked in on someone struggling with grief, only to be told she was “too kind” and questioned about her motives: “Why are you being so nice?”
These experiences can be hurtful, but they also remind us that how kindness is received often reflects the recipient’s state, not the giver’s intent. Vulnerability, anxiety or past experiences can shape how someone perceives your thoughtfulness.
Why Self Awareness And Boundaries Matter
It’s important to be aware of your own boundaries and to act from a place of authenticity..
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
AUDREY HEBURN
Your acts of kindness are valid if they come from your true authentic self, without agenda or expectation. It’s not selfish to be kind, it’s simply human.
Reflection: Am I Being Too Kind?
Ask yourself:
Why are we kind to others?
Is our kindness for genuine care, or for the feeling of gratitude it gives us?
How do we feel when our kindness is misunderstood?
Exploring these questions helps us understand our motivations and ensures our kindness is intentional, thoughtful and sustainable.
“How do we change the world? One random act of Kindness at a time”
MORGAN FREEMAN
As we celebrate World Kindness Day, I’m reminded of Morgan Freeman’s words: “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” Kindness doesn’t need to be grand—it can be a simple smile, a thoughtful message, or checking in on someone who might need it.
Today, I invite you to perform one small act of kindness and notice how it ripples outwards. I’d love to hear your stories, share your moments of kindness with me in the comments or on Instagram and let’s inspire each other to make the world a little brighter, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
I’d love to see you there. Let’s keep this conversation going!
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
