The holiday season is magical, but let’s face it — it can also be overwhelming.
Between the endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and last-minute shopping, it’s easy to feel frazzled.
But what if we could reclaim a little peace and balance during this busy time?
This year, I’m inviting you to join me in the 12 Days of Yoga — a festive sequence designed to bring calm, joy, and mindfulness into your holidays.
Starting December 18th, my aim is to focus on one pose each day, adding a little more strength, flexibility, and gratitude to our lives.
Let’s challenge ourselves to make this a tradition. Ready? Let’s begin!
Day 1: Child’s Pose (Balasana) – Rest before the rush
Let’s start where we rarely allow ourselves to: rest.
It might feel counterintuitive to begin with a pose that’s all about slowing down. After all, shouldn’t we be diving headfirst into something energizing?
But here’s the truth: true productivity begins with rest.
I have to admit that I never used to appreciate resting asanas, like Child’s Pose.
When I first started practicing yoga, it felt too simple — like I wasn’t doing enough. But over time, I realized just how powerful this pose can be.
In the chaos of the holiday season, when everything feels like it’s moving at a hundred miles an hour, Child’s Pose offers a much-needed pause.
Child’s Pose is like hitting the pause button, a chance to breathe and center yourself before the busyness begins.
Kneeling on the mat, with your forehead resting down, you’ll feel the tension melt away.
This is your moment to set an intention for the 12 days ahead.
Day 2: Mountain Pose (Tadasana) – Stand tall
Have you ever felt like the holidays pull you in a hundred directions at once?
That’s exactly why we need Mountain Pose.
Standing in Tadasana might look simple, but don’t be fooled — it’s a practice of strength and focus.
As you root your feet firmly into the ground and lengthen through your spine, you can feel the chaos of the day melt away. It’s a reminder that no matter how much is going on around you, you can stay grounded and strong.
How to practice:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms relaxed by your sides.
- Engage your thighs, lift your chest, and lengthen through the crown of your head.
- Close your eyes if you’re comfortable, and take 5 deep breaths.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed during the holidays, I come back to this pose. In simple words, it’s my way of saying, “I’ve got this.”
Day 3: Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) – Shake off the tension
Who doesn’t feel a little holiday tension building up?
Maybe it’s from carrying shopping bags, wrapping gifts, or just sitting too long at a family dinner.
Downward Dog is my favorite way to stretch it all out.
As you press your hands into the mat and lift your hips high, you create space in your spine and release tightness in your legs. It’s a full-body reset that leaves you feeling lighter and more energized.
Pro tip: Bend your knees slightly if your hamstrings feel tight. Just aim to find what feels good for your body.
For me, Downward Dog is like hitting refresh.
It’s where I let go of all the little stressors that build up during the day.
Day 4: Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) – Channel your inner strength
The holidays can feel like a marathon — there’s so much to do, and you need the stamina to keep going.
That’s why I adore Warrior II so much.
This pose is all about finding your strength and focus. With one leg bent in a deep lunge and your arms stretched wide, you can feel your power radiating outward.
To me, it’s a physical reminder that I’m capable of handling whatever comes my way.
How to p ractice:
- Step one foot back, bending your front knee into a lunge.
- Stretch your arms wide, parallel to the ground.
- Keep your gaze steady over your front hand and breathe deeply.
Whenever I practice Warrior II, I like to imagine myself as a strong, grounded tree. No matter what storms come my way, I stay rooted and steady.
Day 5: Tree Pose (Vrksasana) – Balance in the chaos
Have you ever watched a tree sway in the wind?
It bends but doesn’t break. Tree Pose invites us to embody that same resilience during the holidays.
Balancing on one leg with your hands together at your heart (or stretched like branches), this pose is all about staying grounded while reaching for the sky.
And here’s the thing: it’s okay if you wobble.
For me, those little moments of imbalance are a reminder that life isn’t about perfection — it’s about finding your center, again and again.
Why it matters: Practicing balance in Tree Pose translates to balance in life. Specifically, it helps you stay calm and collected even during the holiday chaos.
Day 6: Camel Pose (Ustrasana) – Open your heart
What would the holidays be without love, generosity, and connection?
Camel Pose is a heart-opening backbend that invites us to embrace these qualities fully.
As you lean back into the pose, stretching your chest toward the sky, you may feel a sense of vulnerability. That’s okay—it’s a reminder to let down our walls and let love flow in.
For me, this pose is a challenge, but it’s also deeply rewarding.
Together, we can use this day to practice opening our hearts — to ourselves, to our loved ones, and to the beauty of the season.
Day 7: Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) – Flow with ease
Let me ask you: When was the last time you allowed yourself to just flow?
No rushing, no forcing, just moving with ease?
Well, Cat-Cow Pose is all about finding that natural rhythm.
As you move between rounding and arching your back, syncing each movement with your breath, you’re reminded to embrace life’s ebbs and flows.
For me, this pose is a gentle wake-up call for my body and mind. It’s especially helpful when I feel stiff or stuck in my thoughts.
With each movement, I let go of resistance and welcome ease.
How to practice:
- Start on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
- Inhale as you arch your back (Cow Pose), lifting your chest and tailbone.
- Exhale as you round your spine (Cat Pose), tucking your chin to your chest.
Let’s use this pose to remind ourselves that life—and the holidays—are best experienced with a little flexibility and flow.
Day 8: Plank Pose – Build your foundation
Can a yoga pose teach resilience?
Absolutely.
Plank Pose might seem simple, but holding it challenges both your body and mind.
This pose strengthens your core — physically and mentally. It’s a reminder that even when things feel tough, you have the strength within you to persevere.
Here’s a tip: Break it into manageable chunks. Hold the pose for 10 seconds, rest, and repeat. By the end, you’ll feel stronger and more grounded.
Day 9: Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) – Release emotional baggage
The holidays bring a lot of emotions — some joyful, some heavy.
For me, Pigeon Pose is the ultimate tool for letting go of the emotional baggage that weighs us down.
This deep hip opener targets a part of the body where we store a lot of tension and unprocessed feelings. Sitting in this pose might feel intense, but it’s also incredibly freeing.
Here’s how to practice this pose:
- Bring one leg forward, bending it at the knee while extending the other leg straight behind you.
- Fold forward over your front leg, resting your forehead on the mat or your hands.
- Stay here for 1–2 minutes on each side, breathing into the stretch.
Let’s use this pose to release anything we no longer need — stress, frustration, or even a little holiday guilt. That’s how we can create space for joy and gratitude.
Day 10: Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) – Reflect and recharge
The holidays are often about looking outward — giving to others, planning events, ticking off to-do lists.
But Seated Forward Fold is a chance to turn inward and recharge.
Sitting on the mat with your legs extended, you fold over yourself, creating a moment of stillness and self-reflection.
What are you grateful for? What intentions do you want to set for the coming days?
Fun fact: Forward folds activate the parasympathetic nervous system. As a result, it helps us relax and reset after a hectic day.
Day 11: Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana) – Find your joy
When was the last time you truly let yourself feel joy?
Happy Baby Pose, with its playful stretch, invites you to reconnect with your inner child.
Lie on your back, grab the soles of your feet, and gently rock side to side.
It’s impossible not to smile in this pose. Let’s use it as a reminder to find joy in the little things, like laughter, connection, and the warmth of the season.
Day 12: Savasana – Celebrate stillness
After 11 days of movement, we end with stillness.
Savasana, or Corpse Pose, is the perfect way to integrate everything we’ve practiced and celebrate the journey we’ve taken.
Lie back, close your eyes, and simply breathe. This is your time to rest, reflect, and honor the balance you’ve created in your life.
As we close out this 12-day yoga journey, I want to thank you for sharing this practice with me.
Together, we’ve embraced rest, strength, balance, and joy — everything we need to carry us through the holiday season with grace.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make It a Tradition
The 12 Days of Yoga isn’t just about the poses — it’s about creating a meaningful, mindful holiday tradition.
Together, we’ve explored rest, resilience, and gratitude, and found ways to bring balance into a season that’s often anything but.
What’s next?
- Reflect on your favorite pose and practice it whenever you need a little holiday calm.
- Share this sequence with a friend or family member and invite them to join you.
- Take a moment to celebrate the progress you’ve made, both on and off the mat.
This journey isn’t just for the holidays — it’s a foundation for a more mindful, joyful life. Let’s carry the peace we’ve found here into the new year, one breath at a time.
