Coloring Through the Holidays: A Simple Reset for a Busy Season

December can get overwhelming fast. We’re trying to finish work for the year, show up for gatherings, buy gifts, plan trips, clean the house, and make sure we’re keeping up with family traditions. Even the fun parts like decorating or wrapping presents can feel like extra work when everything happens at the same time.

Most of us don’t need a long break to recover. What we really need are quick resets throughout the day. Just small moments where we can slow down and breathe before moving to the next task. That’s why coloring helps so many of us. It’s easy, low-effort, and gives our minds a break from thinking about a hundred things at once. You don’t need to be an artist.

You don’t need instructions. You don’t need a full hour. You just sit down, choose a color, and start.

And for those few minutes, your mind focuses on something simple instead of everything else happening around you.

Why Coloring Works When We’re Overwhelmed

When we’re busy, our minds tend to jump from one thing to another. Coloring gives us a small task that’s structured but not demanding. That balance is what makes it relaxing. Here’s what usually happens when you color:

1️⃣ Your thoughts slow down because you’re focused on the shapes and lines.

2️⃣ You stop thinking about your to-do list for a moment.

3️⃣ Your brain gets a simple, calming task instead of a stressful one.

4️⃣ The repetitive motion makes you feel more present and grounded.

Even 5 to 10 minutes is enough to feel a shift. It doesn’t fix everything, but it helps you reset so the rest of the day feels more manageable.

How Culture to Color® Makes These Moments More Meaningful

This year, we created something special for the season - our Christmas Traditions Around the World coloring book. And it fits perfectly into these small reset moments because every page is rooted in a real story.

Instead of generic patterns, the book features traditions, scenes, and symbols from different countries - foods people prepare, celebrations they look forward to, and little rituals that make the holidays meaningful. Coloring these pages adds another layer to the experience because you’re not just filling shapes; you’re connecting with stories from around the world.

A lot of us end up saying things like:

✅ “This is exactly what we do at home.”

✅ “I didn’t know this tradition existed.”

✅ “This reminds me of something my family used to do.”

That’s why the Christmas Traditions book works so well during the holidays - it gives you a calm moment and a small cultural discovery at the same time.

Easy Ways to Add Coloring Into Your December Routine

Coloring works because it’s flexible. You don’t have to commit to anything big. You can fit it into your day whenever you need a short break.

Here are simple ways to use it as a reset:

✅ Color for 10 minutes before bed instead of scrolling.

✅ Do a few sections between meetings to clear your head.

✅ Make it part of your wind-down routine with a warm drink.

✅ Use it during family time as a quiet activity everyone can join.

✅ Keep a page in your bag or on your desk for quick breaks.

You don’t have to finish the page. The benefit is in the moment, not the final result.

A Small Habit That Helps You Stay Present

By the middle of the month, December can feel like a checklist we’re rushing through.

Coloring gives us a way to slow down just enough to enjoy the season instead of pushing through it.

If a single coloring page helps you reset, breathe easier, or feel more present even for a short time, then it’s a small ritual worth keeping.

If you’re looking for a gentle way to bring more meaning into December, our Advent Calendar Coloring Book was created with exactly that in mind. Featuring 24 Christmas traditions from around the world, each page offers a small daily pause and a chance to explore how different cultures celebrate the season.

It’s designed for adults, families, teams, and brands who want to slow the pace and create a moment people genuinely look forward to each day. You can explore the book, see how it works, or reach out about custom options and holiday giveaways by visiting https://culturetocolor.com/advent-calendar.