Finding Calm This Christmas: A Buddy's Guide to Mindful Cannabis Use

🎄 Press Pause: Why Christmas Feels So Overwhelming

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... but also the busiest. Between shopping, socialising, and trying to keep everyone happy, your nervous system might be doing backflips. Stress around the holidays is common. Studies have shown that 62% of people describe their stress levels as “very or somewhat elevated” during Christmas.

💡 Buddy tip:

Give yourself permission to slow down. You’re not a Christmas machine. You’re a human.

The Importance of Mindfulness During the Holidays

Mindfulness is all about being present. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but taking a moment to breathe can make a world of difference. When we’re mindful, we can appreciate the little joys of the season, like the smell of fresh pine or the sound of laughter.

🌿 Mindful Cannabis Use: Slowing Down with Intention

Think of cannabis not as a way to escape Christmas, but a way to engage with it more calmly. Whether it's a low-dose vape in the evening to unwind or a CBD capsule to take the edge off daytime tension, mindful cannabis use can create space to breathe.

💼 Try This:

• Choose a product you know well (this isn’t the time to experiment wildly)

• Create a cosy ritual: mug of tea, blanket, deep breath

• Focus on how you feel before and after

  
  

💬 Quote: "Mindfulness means being present with your experience, not checking out of it."

Understanding THC and CBD: Finding Your Festive Balance

Not all cannabinoids work the same. If you're feeling wired or anxious, CBD may support a sense of calm without any high. If you're looking for rest, a low dose of THC might help you unwind at the end of a long day.

Keep in mind:

• CBD won’t make you feel intoxicated

• THC affects everyone differently, so dose matters

• Microdosing is a great option if you're new to it

  
  

📝 Buddy tip: Track your use in a journal. Patterns often appear over time, especially around sleep, mood, and tension.

Stat: Research suggests CBD may reduce symptoms of anxiety, which often spikes during the holidays. (Shannon et al., 2019)

Cannabis Etiquette at Christmas

If you're visiting family or having guests over, it helps to be thoughtful about your cannabis use. Not everyone shares the same views, and that's okay.

💡 Buddy’s Etiquette Reminders:

• Don’t assume everyone is comfortable; ask first

• Be discreet with devices and scents

• Respect family routines and boundaries

  
  

A little kindness goes a long way, just like passing the stuffing.

Creating Cosy Rituals for the Holidays

Rituals help anchor us in busy times. Adding cannabis to a thoughtful evening routine might help you unwind without zoning out. Here are some ideas:

• CBD bath + playlist

• Low-dose edible + favourite film

• Vapouriser + guided meditation

  
  

The goal isn’t to do more; it’s to feel better doing less.

📸 Buddy tip: Pair your cannabis moment with a screen break and a soft blanket.

Embracing the Spirit of the Season

As we navigate the festive season, let’s remember to embrace the spirit of togetherness and joy. It’s a time for connection, laughter, and love. By incorporating mindful cannabis use into our routines, we can enhance our experiences and create lasting memories.

💖 Buddy’s Christmas Takeaway

Cannabis isn’t a cure-all, but when used with care and intention, it can help create space for more calm, more presence, and maybe even more joy this festive season. So light a candle, take a breath, and let yourself off the hook.

You’re doing just fine. Wishing you peace, comfort, and well-earned rest,

Buddy 🌿