The holiday season gets busy quickly, and it can be difficult to fit in moments of self-care between gatherings and work commitments. And New York Times bestselling author and food and entertaining expert Ayesha Curry knows a thing or two about busy schedules. For Curry, finding moments that offer wellness amid the season’s chaos is paramount. But she can’t help but feel excited for those moments when she can relax and unwind in the comfort of her family.
“We’re going to put all of our decorations up, but I plan to truly lean into not doing much,” says Curry. “Just putting on pajamas, watching all the family movies, cuddling on the couch, and eating in”.
Here, we reveal how Ayesha Curry ensures self-care and wellness during the holidays, from vitamin C serums to personalized decor (and a ton of cuddling).
Once the house is decked out with red and green, Curry plans to kick back and embrace her free time with family. “Being able to have that extended, one-on-one time with my kids is self-care for me,” says Curry. “When we don’t have to worry about the alarm clock and getting up for school because they’re on break—that I love. I know it’s funny because parents will say, ‘I can’t wait for these kids to go back to school’ but I can honestly say that I don’t ever feel that way.”
If time allows, consider picking up a hobby you’ve been thinking about starting but haven’t gotten around to. Curry plans to lean into the art of baking bread and other sweet treats. If you find yourself with a few days to spare over the holidays, consider a DIY craft or test out a new recipe you’ve saved. Much-needed R&R comes in many forms, however, and that includes doing absolutely nothing besides couch time with family or friends.
Embracing a mix of traditional recipes and her ethnic roots is key to Curry when deciding what to serve for the holidays. Preparing lasagna is ideal for her and her family in many ways—the dish is tried, tested, and true. When schedules keep days busier than ever, nothing is better than a lasagna made with rich tomato sauce, mounds of cheese, and a dash of love. But when Curry feels nostalgic and wants to lean into her Jamaican roots, oxtail, rice and peas, or plantains are served.
For many, cooking provides an escape from the whirlwind of everyday life. And when relatives are visiting, cheffing it up in the kitchen together may be as therapeutic as when older generations prepared it for you as a kid.
Mark Andrew for Command Brand
Last year, neutrals took center stage on Christmas trees. This year, make room for maximalist designs boasting over-the-top embellishments and bold colors. When asked how she plans to decorate for the holidays, Curry says monochromatic all the way. “I’m a monochromatic girl. Even if it is color, it’s one color,” she says.
This season, Curry partnered with Command Brand to provide holiday enthusiasts with festive inspiration for sprucing up their homes. Together, they created the Command Holiday House in New York City, displaying four decorating trends she predicts will flood the homes of every neighborhood.
Cotswold chic, Curry’s personal favorite, pulls inspiration from the Cotswold region in southwest England and boasts satins with deep jewel tones. The moody aesthetic is complete with tartan patterns, vintage velvet bells shimmering over the glow of a fireplace, and pinecone ornaments (all easily adorned with a simple Command tool).
The second trend, Hollywood glamour, brings all the drama with opulent bows and contrasting black and white decor. For fans of neutral colors, trending winter whites create a serene and sophisticated wonderland. Achieve this decorating aesthetic with flocked trees, white throws, and snow-inspired garlands. And finally, the holiday whimsy trend brings a touch of playfulness that still aligns with today’s popular maximalist designs.
Regardless of the style you opt for, decorating your home the way you like is a form of wellness that Curry looks forward to taking part in with the help of her family.
Sweet July Skin, Curry’s skin and beauty line, offers a certain product she can’t get enough of this season: the Soursop Vitamin C Serum.
“I’m postpartum still, and so my skin is trying to figure out who she is,” says Curry. “Toning is important to reduce the oil production on my face right now, which is ironic because my skin usually leans dry right now. I love our vitamin C. I can’t say enough about it”.
Just taking 3-5 minutes to wash your face is what self-care is all about, according to Curry—and your skin will thank you for it.
Everyone can benefit from a bit of mindfulness, even if it’s a quick meditation to start the day. Apps that provide meditations to follow as you relax or exercise are key for Curry during the holidays—and easily accessible. Yoga, vagus nerve stimulators, or red and blue light therapy are also rotated through her wellness regimen.
To elevate—or even begin—your road to health and wellness this season (and beyond), incorporating a five-minute meditation at the beginning and end of your day will jumpstart your journey.
The holiday season is fleeting, but paying attention to your well-being is year-round. Setting goals, planning moments to look forward to, and maintaining healthy habits are key. For Curry, she looks forward to expanding Sweet July to new cities, with new products expected to be released in early 2025.
Leave a comment