With the holidays approaching, a season packed with traditions is about to enter full swing. Whether it's work parties, family gatherings, gift-giving, or another December ritual, one thing most holiday traditions have in common is stress.
Because of this, you're not alone if you find the status quo less appealing this year. A recent survey commissioned for DoorDash found that about two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z Canadians are open to adding new traditions, with attending holiday parties being among the least favourite holiday traditions on the chopping block for something new.
For inspiration on shaking things up, Narcity spoke with Toronto-based hosting expert and recipe developer Michelle Rabin, who is collaborating with DoorDash to celebrate HoliDifferently, an annual campaign encouraging Canadians to embrace new festive traditions this season with less worry.
"I love celebrating and hosting holiday parties; it’s an excuse to get wild and creative since everyone is in a festive and indulgent mood," said Rabin.
However, her most cherished ritual is slightly less obvious: "My favourite personal tradition is hermitting by myself, locking the doors, ordering in my meals and taking a moment for myself after a busy season."
If that resonates, Rabin has some indispensable insights to help you find new traditions, ditch what doesn't fit and embrace the season in your style.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Celebrate intentionally
One of the most stress-prone holiday archetypes is the Overeager Celebrator. If you think everyone else is slow to get into the holiday spirit, this is probably you.
"My recommendation is to take all that eager energy and put it into something meaningful and useful," said Rabin, who uses intentionality to curb holiday stress.
"I love taking the time to treat everything like a project. If I need to give someone a gift, I think of a handmade gift that they would enjoy. I think this makes the holiday season more meaningful versus stressful."
She also bought HoliDifferently greeting cards from DashMart on DoorDash for her family and friends, which are only available for a limited time. Each celebrates a different holiday archetype featured in DoorDash Canada’s HoliDifferently campaign: Overeager Celebrator Season, Holiday Hermit Season, New Year Resolution Amnesia and Holiday Baking Frenzy.
The cards are designed by Canadian artist Gabrielle Laïla Tittley (@ponymtl), and all proceeds from card sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
"Buying holiday cards in November (or earlier) is one tradition I’ll continue to do each year," Rabin said. For Overeager Celebrators, this is one holiday task that can be done in advance to avoid last-minute December stress.
Set yourself up for a success
Looking at you, Holiday Baking Frenzy types! If you know you're prone to churn out cookies and cakes this time of year, lean in and give yourself everything you need to have fun without freaking out.
"Baking is my forte and the one thing I’ve learned for successful baking is being super organized," Rabin told Narcity. "If things don’t turn out like the pictures, laugh it off! It’s probably delicious anyway."
"Baking is an easy tradition to get your friends or family involved in — you can use them to help pre-measure dry ingredients to save time."
Plus, from December 11 until December 19, DoorDash has your back with 30% off grocery essentials delivered on demand from DashMart and beyond. So, even if you still need to get all your ingredients, this new tradition can get off to a great start.
Factor in some festive downtime
She may love to host and cook, but Rabin's favourite holiday tradition is to kick her feet up and enjoy some sweet alone time. "If this tradition isn’t on your radar, I’d recommend adding a holiday hermit day (or two) to the top of your list."
Far from "doing nothing," being a holiday hermit is all about resting, replenishing and taking time out for self-care — how's that for a new tradition?
Whichever new traditions you experiment with this year — from crafternoons or baking frenzies to committing to hermit mode — DoorDash has a HoliDifferently occasion with a generous offer to help you celebrate the season your way.
"Holidays are meant for celebration," said Rabin. "We can get caught up in the pressure of hosting, buying gifts, outfits, and more. My best advice is to be easy on yourself. Celebrate in the ways that feel good for you, including creating new traditions if that’s what truly brings you joy."
To learn more about HoliDifferently, visit DoorDash's website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.