While we prepare for what will be a different holiday season this year, it’s important to take a moment to recognize where we’re at with our emotions and mental health.  Many of us are separated from our friends and family for the first time and will be spending this month solo while we wait to safely be reunited with our loved ones. Add to this a newly blurred line between work-life and personal-life at home, the usual pressures that accompany the holidays and “Covid fatigue”, and it’s not surprising to find many of us are feeling overwhelmed. 

 

One thing we know - now is the time to cozy ourselves up for the winter ahead. After all, how are we expected to feel warm and fuzzy on the inside if we don’t have the perfect outfit to match? We asked our team to share how they’re keeping cozy at home this season, tips for managing stress and where they’re finding holiday cheer this year. 

Tabitha - Customer Love Coordinator

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

I live in my Dressy Sweatshirt while I'm at home! I love pairing it with my Dressy Sweatpants or my Dressy Leggings for optimal comfort. It makes me feel dressy enough to head out the door if I need to, but also comfy enough for lounging on the couch.

 

Candles, incense or essential oil diffuser?

I always have a couple of candles burning, I find it so relaxing and a really nice way to bring warmth into my home. I definitely also do use my essential oil diffuser in the evening, I love to diffuse lavender in my bedroom before I go to sleep!

 

What are you doing to help keep yourself relaxed amidst a difficult year?

I try my best to stick to my morning and evening routines which I always pump full of self-care. I find having this time dedicated to just focusing on taking care of myself really helps relax me.

 

Any tips or tricks for managing holiday stress?

When things get a little overwhelming this time of year I find it really helpful to break it down into bite sized pieces, and take breaks when necessary. I also find when things get quite stressful I have trouble focusing, so I like to block out time for each task and set myself a timer to get that task done. I'm very goal oriented, so I find those little accomplishments really make me feel better about the larger task at hand.

 

How do you make time for yourself right now?

Living by myself during a pandemic has left me with ample time alone, but I find I really need to schedule in the things to ensure the time I'm spending with myself is intentional. I'll schedule in an hour of reading the same way I'd schedule in work tasks, to ensure that I'm prioritizing the things that matter to me!

 

Courtney - Marketing Assistant

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

The Fair Jogger is my go-to for a cozy outfit. They're genuinely the softest sweatpants I own, and I'm obsessed with the Truffle colour (along with most of the Encircled team). I typically wear them with a basic t-shirt and if it gets a little chilly, I'll throw on the matching Fair Hoodie.

 

Favourite December ritual?

All the Christmas movies! I like to do a good mix of the classics and cheesy Hallmark movies. Add in a holiday candle, fireplace, and some fun snacks for an ideal December movie night.

 

What's your comfort meal to enjoy at home during the winter months?

I'm a big breakfast person, so I love weekend mornings where I can spend extra time making a full brunch with either pancakes or waffles!

 

Candles, incense or essential oil diffuser?

Candles! I have a gingerbread candle that I've burned every December for a few years now that always makes it feel like the holidays.

 

How do you make time for yourself right now?

My night routine is definitely the time of day where I de-stress and take time for myself. I find my skincare routine really relaxing, then I like to listen to an audiobook before going to bed. Minimizing my screen time before I go to bed has really helped with getting a good night’s rest, which is so important!

 

Who in your life do you turn to when you need a little extra cheer?

My two brothers. I can always count on them for a good laugh when I need it most.

  

Sherri-Lyn - Customer Love Specialist 

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

My golden yellow Comfy Blouse. I love to pair this with my black Dressy Sweatpants or a pair of leggings - I feel comfy and cozy, but yet a little dressed up!

 

Favourite December ritual?

Decorating the house for Christmas, baking holiday cookies and Hallmark Christmas Movies.

 

Any tips or tricks for managing holiday stress?

I recently joined a Virtual HIIT workout group! It has helped me sleep and feel a little less stressed. I feel amazing and refreshed after a good workout!

 

How do you make time for yourself right now?

My husband is often away for work, and once the kiddies are in bed, it's me-time and I shut down with a warm tea and let myself wander in a good book.

 

Who in your life do you turn to when you need a little extra cheer?

I have two toddlers who love to make me laugh when I start to feel a little low, with all the uncertainties their innocent smiles and laughter just help me push through!

 

 

Kristi - Founder + CEO

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

Definitely The Dressy Legging. They're so easy to dress up or down, and the fabric is unbelievably soft. I often walk around my condo with my phone in the side pockets, and airpods in, so I can avoid sitting and talking on my phone for long periods of time. Functional and comfy. Win!

 

Favourite December ritual?

Wrapping gifts for others, and decorating my space for holidays.

 

What's your comfort meal to enjoy at home during the winter months?

French Onion Soup. My mom makes an amazing one!

 

Candles, incense or essential oil diffuser?

Candles. My fav scent right now is NOMAD by 100 Years of Love, it smells like Palo Santo mixed with Citrus.

 

Who in your life do you turn to when you need a little extra cheer?

My dog, Harlow and her Instagram account gives me all the feels.

 

 

Jess - Operations Manager

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

I'm obsessed with my Comfy Jumpsuit. It's versatile enough that I can work from home, or pop on shoes and a jacket and run errands or walk my pup. It's my ultimate comfort outfit for the busy holiday season.

 

Favourite December ritual?

I love watching holiday movies and doing some holiday baking! I live far away from my family so my mom and I bake cookies together virtually over FaceTime.

 

What's your comfort meal to enjoy at home during the winter months?

Any type of homemade soups or stews!

 

What are you doing to help keep yourself relaxed amidst a difficult year?

I write in my Gratitude Journal every day! It's the first thing I do when I wake up (along with my morning coffee). I find writing out what I'm grateful for really helps me set a positive mindset for the busy day ahead

 

Any tips or tricks for managing holiday stress?

Breathing exercises! I swear by them and whenever I feel like I'm getting stressed I'll take a few moments to take some deep breaths and I can feel my whole body relax while doing it. Highly recommended!

 

How do you make time for yourself right now?

My morning walks with my dog are my non-negotiable, I listen to podcasts and enjoy the fresh air before I sit down at my desk for the day. I also am an avid reader and make sure I go to bed early each night so I can read a few pages before I fall asleep!

 

Who in your life do you turn to when you need a little extra cheer?

My sister-in-law! She's someone I can talk to on the phone for hours on end, and we always have the best laughs.

 

 

Tristan - Content Creator

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

The Dressy Sweatpant all the way. I love that I can throw on a knit sweater or turtleneck with my Dressy Sweatpants and look totally put together, while feeling like I'm in PJ's.

 

What's your comfort meal to enjoy at home during the winter months?

Oatmeal! There are so many fun recipes out there on how to jazz it up. Depending on how I feel I can make it savoury or sweet. It's my go-to breakfast during winter.

 

What are you doing to help keep yourself relaxed amidst a difficult year?

Embroidery!! I got an embroidery kit on Etsy and I'm obsessed. It also helps me stay off my phone which is a big bonus.

 

How do you make time for yourself right now?

Going on walks. I'll throw on a podcast or music and walk around my neighbourhood. I find it very therapeutic.

 

Who in your life do you turn to when you need a little extra cheer?

My older sister. She's my go-to person for everything.

 

 

Hilary - Customer Love + Shipping Assistant 

Go-to outfit for peak comfort at home this holiday?

I’ve been wearing my Fair Hoodie in Nutmeg almost daily. It is so soft and cozy, and I love the warm colour (particularly during the dreary days). It's perfect with sweatpants or leggings, which I'm pretty much living in these days. I also like to put up the big hood when I want to hide from the rest of the world just a little bit!

 

Favourite December ritual?

I love visiting different neighbourhoods around the city for an evening stroll to check out all the lights and decorations. It's a good way to get out of the house for some fresh air.

 

What are you doing to help keep yourself relaxed amidst a difficult year?

Playing outside with my dog, Porter. I also promise myself at least one day a week to sleep in without an alarm; it's easy to get caught up in the go-go-go of the season, and I notice a direct relationship with my stress levels and how well rested I am. Our bodies need time to reset!

 

Any tips or tricks for managing holiday stress?

I love putting Christmas lights up inside my apartment, it really helps cozy things up in the colder weather. Since it gets dark out so early, having that extra bit of warm lighting inside really helps fight any seasonal stress or sadness that's common this time of year.

 

How do you make time for yourself right now?

Leaving my phone at home while we walk the dog every morning and evening has really helped me this year. No matter how long or short it is, having that bit of time every day that I allow myself to not be immediately available to the rest of the world has helped keep me sane.

 

Who in your life do you turn to when you need a little extra cheer?

My closest girlfriends always know how to make me laugh when I'm feeling low.

 

 

How are you supporting your wellbeing this season?
Share your tips in the comments!

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